📰Star Ledger names Defensive /Offensive MVPs, Players of the Week (9-28)

by | Sep 28, 2023

  • Brandon Gould | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
  • Corey Annan | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

    North Jersey Interscholastic Conference

    Defender: Ella Perrapato, Hasbrouck Heights, Fr.

    Stepping into a starting role alongside three experienced seniors can be intimidating, but Perrapato has learned from those seniors and is now an impact player on a back line that has only allowed one goal in seven games. She’s a smart player who is calm and collected under pressure and can possess the ball well, making her dangerous when going forward. She’s not afraid to clear the ball with her head and can shut down opposing wingers and outside midfielders who try to get past her. Perrapato is in top form right now, and she’s been a big factor in wins over Dwight-Englewood and Becton in the past week.

    Goalkeeper: Ava Rizos, Woodridge/Wallington, Sr.

    A four-year starter in front of net, Rizos is one of the NJIC’s top goalkeepers and a player who can be counted on to make key stops in critical situations. She posted two clean sheets against Garfield and Lodi this week to help her team improve to 3-3-1. Against Lodi, Wood-Ridge/Wallington only fielded 10 players, which makes the shutout win even more impressive. Rizos also was stellar against a tough Seacucus squad on Monday, making 10 stops in a narrow 2-1 loss.

 

Forward: Natalia Lombardi, Saddle River Day, So.

Saddle River Day’s impressive start to the season is no surprise given how much talent they brought back this season. Lombardi has been stellar for this team, earning significant varsity minutes this season and making the most of it. She registered a hat trick in a dominant 6-0 victory over Emerson Boro. However, her most impressive performance came against an elite Park Ridge defense on Friday – scoring a goal and assisting on another in a 2-0 victory.

Midfielder: Poppie Bimson, Rutherford, Jr.

Bimson is an offensive juggernaut and a nightmare for opposing back lines to deal with. She’s a fast, nifty player who is difficult to mark on the field and always finds a way to make an impact, whether as a scorer or a playmaker. With her being the focal point for opposing defenses, she’s found more success this season as a passer while also being one of the team’s top goal-scorers. Last Thursday, she registered a hat trick and one assist against Harrison in a 6-0 shutout win. Facing off against a tough Lyndhurst defense who sent multiple defenders her way, Bimson made two critical assists to help her team earn a 3-1 win on Tuesday.