Leonia earns its spot with gritty results
Last fall, the Lions qualified for the Bergen County tournament and earned 12 wins – both for the first time since 2014. That momentum seems to be carrying over.
They jump from unranked to No. 15 this week after holding their own against three NJIC powers: tying Bergen County finalist Garfield, shutting out Rutherford, and falling just 2-1 to No. 9 Dwight-Englewood. Starting this weekend, the Lions have a run of three straight games against ranked teams.
Elmwood Park stuns Waldwick, flips the script
The Crusaders pulled off one of the biggest upsets of opening week, beating defending state champion Waldwick, 1-0, on the road in the season opener. It’s a dramatic turnaround for a program that ended last fall on a five-game skid and a first-round playoff exit. After a narrow loss to a surging Emerson squad, Elmwood Park bounced back with a win over Wood-Ridge to start 2-1 and earn a place in the Top 25.