New Jersey United AC Extends Winning Streak in 4-1 victory against the WC Predators

By Miguel Freire/ New Jersey United Athletic Club

Right from the first whistle, New Jersey United AC were quick to set the tone for the game. 

Inside the first five minutes, the Garden State side managed to find the back of the net not once, but twice, as goals by Jamie Madrid and Diego Navas established the momentum and hinted at what was to come.  An own goal by the WC Predators capped off a 3-0 first half to give the visitors full dominance over the course of the first set of 45 minutes. 

The second half started in nearly a mirror image as United kept up their possession-based play and dominated the midfield.  They were rewarded with a fourth goal in the 63rd minute, through Navas once more, who made his way past the WC Predators goalkeeper and headed the ball into an empty net. 

The WC Predators were able to nab one back in the 78th minute, but the goal proved to be nothing more than a consolation.

United were well and truly the better team on the night and earned another three points in the Keystone East Conference, as they remain in first place, winning all four of their games.

Head Coach Fernando Barboto said the team came out flying from the start and emphasized the importance of commanding a game on the road.

“We controlled the game the whole time and we never let the other team dictate anything,” Barboto said. “That was really important because it’s hard to control a game on the road.”

After getting the scoring started in the fourth minute, Madrid credited his teammates for setting up his goal.  He was happy with his contribution in the win.

“We faced a good, very physical team, but we had a mission to get three points, and we used our momentum to keep working,” Madrid said.

Team captain Sean Cadigan praised Navas’ performance. 

“He was our top scorer last year, and he’s just proving why he should be leading our front line every game,” Cadigan said. “He had two goals, and his overall performance was really solid.”

New Jersey United AC currently sits at 12 points in the Keystone East Conference, firmly holding on to the top spot.  While playing in the middle of a four-game road trip, United will set their sights on their upcoming conference opponent, Jackson Lions FC, on June 11th. 

Photo Credit: Connor Bowen/New Jersey United Athletic Club