New Jersey United Athletic Club defeat Players Development Academy 1-0 in Season Opener

By Miguel Freire/New Jersey United Athletic Club 

New Jersey United Athletic Club defeated Players Development Academy on the road in a thrilling 1-0 victory. 

In what was the season opener for both sides, it was the visitors that were able to quickly get on the scoresheet as Luke Kirilenko found the back of the net.  Kirilenko slotted his shot into the bottom left corner of the goal, as the hosts were slow to react to a loose ball inside the 18-yard box. 

The goal marks the first goal of the 2025 NPSL season for New Jersey United AC, and the first goal for Kirilenko at the club.  While Kirilenko was on the roster last year, his season was quickly cut short due to injury, just minutes into the 2024 season.  One year later, it was only fitting that he came back and immediately made an instant impact.

“It was good to get back, get healthy, and I was just blessed being able to score in my first game back,” Kirilenko said. “It was a great feeling.” 

The visitors were able to take their lead into the halftime break, as they kept PDA scoreless and allowed limited chances. 

At the start of the second half, United continued to apply pressure to the PDA backline with multiple scoring opportunities but were unable to convert.  However, the story quickly changed as just 19 minutes into the second half, Petar Petreski of New Jersey United AC, picked up his second yellow card and was sent off, forcing his side to finish the game with 10-men. 

Still, New Jersey United were able to hold on to the victory, putting a halt to a plethora of PDA opportunities.  Since the red card, it was PDA on the front foot for the rest of the game but were unable to find the back of the net.  United was able to stand their ground and keep their hard-earned clean sheet. 

Head Coach Fernando Barboto was satisfied with the three points, and thought his side could have scored more, even while playing down a man. 

“I thought we attacked the whole game, even when we had the red card, we still tried to press and get that second goal and we were unfortunate not to get it,” Barboto said. “It was a good win, on the road, three points, gutted it out at the end.  At the end of the day, three points on the road, that’s what you want.”

Assistant Coach Samuel Roca said this game was a big test to the team’s mental strength and was proud of the squad being able to seal the win.

“A tremendous testament to our team’s mental strength, going down a man the guys really pulled together, showed their true strength as a team,” Roca said. “To go down a man like they did in the second half, gut it out, and get the victory away from home, it was a big test for us and I’m happy we passed it.”

Up next, New Jersey United Athletic Club will host the Philadelphia Union DS in their home opener on Friday.  Kickoff is set for 8:00 pm at Memorial Stadium in New Brunswick, New Jersey. 

Photo Credit: Connor Bowen/New Jersey United Athletic Club