The U13G Wall Lizards NJ Youth Soccer State Cup run came to end in the Cup FINALS vs. a great PDA Slammers team defeating them 1-0. The trip to the NJ State Cup final has put the U13G Lizards in some great company in Wall girls soccer history.
In the past 25 years only 3 Wall teams have made it to the State Cup finals, those teams are the Wall Strikers, Wall Wombats, and now the Wall Lizards. Coach Dan Manson was extremely proud of his U13’s following the game he was heard telling them " This was the best display of team effort and heart of any team I’ve ever coached." he went on to say " As a group you did everything asked of you by the coaches, congratulations on being the NJ State Finalists."
The Lizards made it a very interesting match, for the first 57 minutes it was 0-0 and Wall kept pressure on the ball. Many times sending two and three defenders at the ball. All game the Lizards defense led by Alexa Alchesky and Jennifer Textor was up to the challenge. The defenders worked hard for the entire match Taylor Palmer, Nikki Russ and Olivia Marx all were on their collective game. The Lizard goalkeeper Lydnsey Mahken was stellar all game just like her defense she was ready for the big game. " Lyndsey and the defenders were amazing today, it was great to see." stated Coach Manson who has seen his share of great State Cup games coaching the U15 Wall Wombats and now coaching the U13G Lizards.
At the 57 minute mark a foul was called and a Direct kick was given to PDA from the 20 just to right side of the box. The PDA player played a perfect ball and another player came across the box for a great header goal. That would be the only goal of the day. The most amazing fact about this U13G Lizard team is that in 11 State Cup games they have only given up 2 goals. Both of which were too the PDA Slammers, last year the Lizards were eliminated by PDA in the Cup Semi-Finals 1-0 and this year they lost a tough 1-0 game in the finals. Certainly nothing to be ashamed of for this great group of players.
This was an exciting run for the group of U13’s from Wall. The road to the finals included many great moments including two overtime victories and a solid defeat of rival Parsippany 3-0 in the Semi-Finals. Coach Manson was quick to point out that this is just the beginning for this group, "Youth soccer is a long slow jog and this team is on a great path of development." " More importantly the girls like each other and enjoy the team training process."
The Lizards will finish up their season of playing up a year in MOSA U14 and then go indoor for a strong winter training program.
Lizards Roster includes : Coaches Patty Maldjian, John Portelli & Dan Manson Players: Alexa Alchesky, Tori Ahde, Shelly Carpino, Melanie Crisafulli, Meaghan Gallagher, Kelly Jamison, Chandler Lages, Meghan Maldjian, Hannah Manson, Olivia Marx, Taylor Palmer, Veronica Portelli, Culli Pringle, Nikki Russ, Jennifer Textor, Lyndsey Mahken, Paige Jacob
For information on the Wall Lizards email lizardscoach@aol.com
Rutgers will be making its fourth NCAA Tournament appearance and its second in the last three years. RU last competed in the tournament in 2006, reaching the second round before falling to Boston College. The game ended in a scoreless tie, but BC prevailed in penalty kicks, 4-2. 
