By Rich Fisher, Contributing Editor
Top photo: Praise Matthews exults with Holy Cross fans after scoring a goal earlier this season. Courtesy photo
The last winning season for Delran’s Holy Cross Preparatory Academy boys soccer team was 2019 when it went 15-6.
That was also the last time the Lancers played in the Burlington County Scholastic League’s Freedom Division prior to this season.
Now that Holy Cross is back in the Freedom after six years in the Patriot, the difference is showing. The Lancers – who also played teams from the highly competitive Liberty Division –battled during those years and had two .500 seasons, but they were swimming upstream.
“The top of the BCSL is powerhouse schools that are six times our size; you’re facing giants and you’re just a small school,” veteran coach Zach Jepson said. “For our school size we were really punching above our weight, and we always have. The records haven’t always been there, but the fact we were competing with these teams spoke for itself.”
Now that the playing field is level, a senior-heavy squad is enjoying success not seen this decade. Holy Cross entered its Oct. 18 game at Palmyra with a 7-3 record – its highest win total since finishing 7-10-2 in 2023.
“I’ve had the luxury of working with these boys for the past three or four years,” Jepson said. “After playing all those bigger powerhouses, they’ve gotten used to every game being a battle. What we lacked with people we had to make up for with effort.
“Our kids were small compared to those guys. You look on the field and say, ‘Hey man, that kid looks like he’s 14 years old.’ It’s because he was 14 years old, and he was the best kid I had.”
Symbolic of the Lancers’ rise is senior center-back Brett Zimmermann, the lone four-year starter on the team. When Zimmermann returned as a sophomore captain he was surrounded by 10 new starters.
“This team has really grown with him,” Jepson said. “This iteration we have now has been guys we’ve fit in around him. He’s a leader and a stalwart back there. I’m so happy to have the opportunity to coach him these past four years and see how he’s grown and matured. My vision can’t be executed without him out there.”
Also at center back is senior Cole Williams, a three-year starter who’s “just tenacious … an attitude that can be infectious. He’s a warrior.”
Senior outside back John D’Ambrosio is a first-year starter making the most of his opportunities. He is praised by Jepson for playing “really hard” and a strong season. Senior Eddie Curcie (2 goals, 3 assists) has moved from outside back to outside mid and his versatility and work ethic have been invaluable.
“He doesn’t talk very much but he makes up for it with his hard work,” Jepson said. “He’s like, ‘I’m gonna show you what I can do through my work, not what I say.’”
They play in front of senior goalkeeper Gabe Aydijian, who happens to be the Student Council President for all of New Jersey. Aydijian has four shutouts and has allowed just over one goal per game.
“He’s a leader back there,” Jepson said. “If you come to a game, you will hear him.”
The Lancers have a solid scoring duo up front with senior attacking midfielder Ryan McComb (8 goals, 1 assist) and senior striker Erick Lopes (12 goals, 3 assists). McComb is a three-year starter who was “very tiny as a sophomore but he’s grown into himself.”
“He’s having that confidence from finding success,” Jepson said. “Erick Lopes is having a great season for one-on-ones. He just wants the ball … They are both high-volume guys.
“Forwards thrive on success. When playing those bigger teams, [they] had four or five opportunities at best. If they don’t go in, they lose that belief. Now they’re scoring and they believe they can score. Scoring goals is contagious, and not scoring goals is contagious. Luckily it’s working out.”
Rounding out the midfield are sophomore Bobby McVicker (3 assists), junior Josh Crespo (1 goal, 3 assists) and senior Praise Matthews (4 goals, 2 assists).
“Josh is the smallest person on the field, but he plays like he’s 6-10,” Jepson said. “McVicker has a great touch, and Praise Matthews is like a gnat. All his goals are based on hard work.”
It is a veteran cast that checks all the boxes – talent, experience, hunger and balance.
“It’s a season that’s finally rewarding for the boys,” Jepson said. “The past couple years have been tough to get up for every game and make that the most important game. Sometimes games are just games.
“We’re having a good time but they’re hungry. They want trophies. … We’re working towards a division title (currently tied with Moorestown Friends for first) and maybe a very different performance in the state tournament.
“They have the experience and they can do whatever is necessary. … If we can stay focused, I think we can accomplish anything this season.”