The Emerson Boro Boys Soccer Team (9–8) continues to fight through a challenging 2025–2026 season. After a roller coaster stretch of wins and losses, the Cavaliers now find themselves in the Bergen Invitational Tournament (BIT) semifinals, set to face Ramsey on October 25th with hopes of reaching the finals on November 1st.
Emerson’s season has been a story of resilience. With strong victories over Waldwick (2–1), Dwight-Englewood (3–0), and Wallington (2–0), the team has shown flashes of dominance. Tough losses to Pompton Lakes, Garfield, and Glen Rock tested their resolve, but a commanding 5–0 comeback win against Park Ridge put them back on track. Led by captains Angel Ponce-Montes, Ethan Amaral, and goalkeeper Brayden Blanken and guided by Head Coach Mr. Rich Compagnone (Mr. C.), Emerson looks to finish their season with a statement.
When asked how he would describe the team’s performance this season, Mr. C. said, “It has been a battle-tested performance for sure. We had a lot of holes to fill from last year and I believe we carried a confidence into the start of this year that fueled us early and that turned into a learning experience during a tough stretch of the schedule. This team has shown it is never out of any game against any opponent and is learning to close out the tight games in our favor.”
When questioned what he’s most proud of in this year’s group, Mr. C. highlighted their determination to bounce back.
“I would say that I am most proud of how this team has battled back from the adversity that hit us in the middle of the season,” Mr. C. said. “We were on a rough stretch of play, lost several close games, lost several players to injury and faced the toughest schedule we have had in years. But even after a few wake-up calls, the team really kept battling and has found their way back to some good form lately.”
Offensively, Emerson has been led by senior standouts Angel Ponce-Montes and Ryan Leone, who have combined for 24 of the team’s 29 goals. Their chemistry up front has made Emerson one of the more unpredictable attacking sides in the league, with midfielders Ryan Dauble (3 assists), Kevin Rubio (3 assists), and Danilo Radulovic (4 assists) helping to generate consistent scoring chances.
Mr. C. explained that the balance between his two leading scorers is what makes them so effective.
“Their styles complement one another,” Mr. C. said. “Leone is a player who does well in space and on the run. Angel is a player who plays well on the ball and in tighter areas creating on his own as well. It is a good balance because the goals can come from different areas of the field.”
In goal, senior captain Brayden Blanken has been a steadying force, recording 97 saves this season and keeping the Cavos competitive in every match. His leadership from the backline has been crucial during close games and high-pressure moments.
As the Cavos prepare for their semifinal match up against Ramsey, confidence and focus remain high.
“The mindset is that we belong here,” Mr. C. said. “Two years ago we won this whole tournament, last year we were in the county quarterfinals, and this year we find ourselves in a familiar spot. This team knows what lies ahead of them if they win this game and what it can do for the rest of the season.”
As the Cavos chased a spot in the BIT finals, Coach Mr. C. emphasized what this program represents for the Emerson community.
“This team, for the last several years, has played for this school and this town to give them something to be proud of,” he said. “I believe this team is truly reflective of its school and its town because it is a team that will battle you every minute of every game, and will never be outworked in the process.”
With that relentless spirit and hard-earned belief, Emerson heads into the semifinals ready to prove they belong among Bergen County’s best.
