Boys’ Soccer Ends 2022 Season as Defending NJSIAA State Champions

Gill St. Bernard’s Boys’ Soccer program capped off its 2022 season with their 4th straight NJSIAA Non-Public B State Championship, their seventh title since 2010.

The Knights, who finished the year 16-6-1, used poise and confidence to defeat Prep B South Sectional Champions St. Rose in an epic championship match thriller. With the game knotted 0-0 after 100 minutes of play, three-year starter varsity goalkeeper Mike Dumiec ’24 made two clutch saves in the penalty kick shootout, vaulting the team to a 3-2 victory at Franklin High School. Senior captain Nick Collins and sophomores Max Voigt and Dan Scali all converted their penalty kicks for the win.

“This wasn't the first time Mike made huge saves in a decisive penalty shootout in the state tournament,” said Associate Head Coach Tim DiBisceglie. "He's such a humble guy, and he deserves the spotlight because he always comes up huge on the biggest stages when the team needs him the most. He's the first guy to show up to the field, and the last guy to leave, which just shows his leadership for his teammates.”

The championship victory stretched the team’s win streak to seven games, all of them shutouts, en route to the Knights also capturing the Skyland-Raritan Division Title and Prep B Championship. Head Coach Tony Bednarsky and Associate Head Coach Tim Bisceglie believes the way the team overcame a hard stretch in their season served as a catalyst for their championship run.

“We went through a stretch of games where we lost 4 out of 5 games, but our team did a great job of not letting those losses define our season,” said Coach DiBisceglie.

“Four of our losses were against teams ranked in the Top 10 in the state. They came back after losing 1-0 to Bridgewater in the semifinals of the Somerset County tournament, and from that point on, they finished the season winning the final seven games. In that stretch, they outscored their opponents 30-0, without conceding another goal.”

The Knights were led by strong overall seasons from Collins (11 goals, 3 assists) and sophomore standout Dan Scali (8 goals, 9 assists) who tied for the team lead in points. Other crucial playmakers included junior Dan Spataro (4 goals, 5 assists), and sophomores Johnathan Ferriera (7 goals, 7 assists) and Max Voigt (5 goals, 1 assist) to give the team a balanced offensive identity.

The defensive side of the ball was highlighted by seniors Joe Howard (Vassar College) and Charles Taliano, and junior goalkeepers Michael Dumiec and George Taylor. Howard and Taliano’s leadership helped the Knights continuously win 50-50 balls throughout the year to control match play. Dumiec and Taylor’s composure between the posts led to 14 shutouts on the season, a new program record.

Collins, Howard, Spataro, and Howard each earned 1st Team All Prep B recognition while Junior Midfielder Chayse Stolarski ‘24 also earned All Prep B Honorable Mention. While a defender by trade, Collins’ contributions on both side of the ball earned him Somerset County Player of the Year honors, providing pivotal moments throughout the season anchoring the Knights defense and converting scoring opportunities.

The senior class of Collins, Howard, Taliano, Jack Ference, and Ryan Smith leave the program as one of the most winningest classes in program history while providing a strong foundation for underclassmen.

“Without the impact of our seniors, our years of success wouldn't have been possible,” said Coach DiBisceglie. “They dedicated so much of their time over the past four years to better our program, and their hard work will leave an everlasting impact on the program for the future years to come.”

Boys' Soccer 2022 Season Photos