Delbarton earns fourth straight NJSIAA soccer title

UNION - Santiago Robertson-Lavelle knew what it felt like to be at the NJSIAA Non-Public A final. He even thought he understood the sensation of winning one, after being on the Delbarton soccer team's bench at Kean University's Alumni Stadium a year ago.

But after the Green Wave dispatched Christian Brothers, 2-0, on Sunday afternoon, the junior goalkeeper realized he'd had no idea. Robertson-Lavelle made seven saves, five in the second half, as Delbarton made NJSIAA and school history.

The Green Wave won its fourth straight Non-Public A title on Sunday, the first team to do so. They joined Hightstown (1961-4), Chatham Boro (1967-70) and Wall (1978-81) on the very short list of schools that have won four in a row overall.

Delbarton also captured what it dubbed the "quadruple crown," winning the NJAC-United, Morris County Tournament and NJSIAA titles plus their own invitational tournament.

"It felt amazing," said Robertson-Lavelle, a Mendham resident who earned his second postseason shutout and the Green Wave's 19th this fall.

"It's almost more nerve-racking sitting on the bench than actually playing. When you're in the actual zone, you kind of lose yourself in the game, in such a big moment, with the fans cheering on. I like this atmosphere way better."

After the final whistle, Delbarton players streamed off the field and leaped into the fence lining the stands in front of their fans. CBA head coach Dan Keane, who will retire after 38 years at the helm, congratulated his junior-laden team on overachieving.

"At the beginning of the year, we didn't know what we would do," Keane said. "I thought Delbarton was the best team, and they played their best game. We, early, had some shakes maybe, a little bit of nerves. ... To go out, after 38 years, this team was special."

Experienced Delbarton pressed the attack early, and sophomore midfielder John Gerard delivered on a high floater from the left side that just slipped inside the far post in the eighth minute. After a Green Wave goal was called offside midway through the first half, senior Bobby Fabricant sealed the match with a half-volley out of the air a minute later.

"It's the state final, always a little bit more special," Gerard said. "I understand the environment. I understand what it means. We talked about it a lot as a team leading up to this game. I'm a team player. I like to do what I can for the team, and to score, it's great."

Already down two goals, the Colts played very aggressively in the second half. CBA tried to take advantage of the sun, which was in Robertson-Lavelle's and the Delbarton defense's eyes. A shot by Colts striker Patrick Kollman bounced in front of the net but was cleared by the Green Wave backs. Junior Matthew Thorsheim had another chance 32 seconds later, and Robertson-Lavalle made the save.

As Christian Brothers lined up for a 38-yard free kick, Delbarton head coach David Donovan exhorted his players to refocus and "take this game." Jack Kielty, one of three seniors on the Green Wave back line with Brian Finn and Rory Madigan, also reminded his teammates there were just 20 minutes between them and more glory.

With 5:10 to play, Robertson-Lavelle blocked another long free kick by CBA defender Timothy Mikulski — who had a solid game going up and down the right wing — and the resulting corner by John Frycz was cleared by the defense.

Veteran Delbarton head coach David Donovan shook his head a bit reminiscing about the Green Wave's first NJSIAA title — once again defeating Keane's Colts back in 1984.

"We wanted to grab the early goal and be able to close the game out with a lead, which is hard to do. ... They played the game plan to the end," said Donovan, who took his players to Joe's Drive In Pizzeria in Vauxhall after the final, another Delbarton tradition and a throwback to his childhood in Maplewood. "When you look through the kids' eyes, that's where the excitement really comes out. This is their high school memories. They're going to remember this, as we will, forever."

Staff Writer Jane Havsy: 973-428-6682; jhavsy@gannettnj.com; www.dailyrecord.com/writerjane/