Soccer for a Cause Festival

On Saturday, September 30th, 22 girls soccer teams from the Greater Middlesex Conference came together to raise money and awareness for two pediatric cancer foundations: the Marisa Tufaro Foundation and Go4theGoal.

The Marisa Tufaro Foundation aims to assist children with cancer in Middlesex County and surrounding areas. Go4theGoal provides financial support for those with pediatric cancer with financial support that goes towards research and granting wishes to the children. John F Kennedy High School raised the most money for Go4theGoal and Edison High School raised the most for the Marisa Tufaro Foundation. Money was raised by selling t-shirts and accepting donations. Throughout the past two years, upwards of $30,000 has been raised for these two non-profit organizations through the festival.

In addition to the foundations, REPLENISH, a food bank that accepts food donations for people in Middlesex County was in attendance. It distributes to over 160 food pantries and soup kitchens. Players, coaches, and spectators were encouraged to bring in canned goods and other non-perishables for the organization. Over 1.5 tons of food has been collected throughout the history of the festival.

The festival was originally planned to be held at Metuchen High School with games being held throughout the day and on the front grass, turf, and both back grass fields. However, due to heavy rain the prior day and the day of, most games were held on the turf fields of North Brunswick High School including the ceremony.

There were several notable outcomes from the games. Edison High School beat Wardlaw Hartridge High School (WHHS) after WHHS scored with two minutes left and Edison responded in the final minute. Edison then scored in the eighth minute of overtime to secure the 2-1 victory.

J.P. Stevens High School won in a similar fashion over Middlesex High School in double overtime putting them up 1-0.

Old Bridge High School (OBHS) beat Metuchen High School 3-1. After an almost scoreless first half, OBHS put the first one away. Sarah Hyman responded for MHS with a goal which was followed by another OBHS goal and a penalty kick which they converted on.