Knights' Dominance: Gill St. Bernard’s Boys’ Soccer Claims Ninth State Title in Stellar Season 

The Gill St. Bernard’s Varsity Boys’ Soccer team wrapped up an extraordinary season with a 16-6-1 record, cementing their place as one of New Jersey’s top teams. Ranked 16th in the state (with final rankings pending), the Knights demonstrated their resilience and excellence by achieving remarkable milestones. 

One of the season’s defining moments came in the NJSIAA Sectional Final against Montclair Kimberley Academy (MKA). After a tough loss to MKA in the NJISAA Prep B Final, the Knights bounced back with a decisive win on MKA’s home field to advance to the state final. They carried that momentum to a commanding 8-0 victory over Moorestown Friends in the NJSIAA Non-Public B State Final, securing their sixth state title.  

At the conclusion of the season, the team had captured their 12th Sectional Championship and ninth Non-Public B State Title, a testament to their dominance in high-stakes matches. The Knights advanced to the Somerset County Final for the first time in six years, and they finished third in the highly competitive Delaware Division. Overtime road wins against top-ranked Clifton and Pingry were additional highlights, showcasing the team’s preparation for the postseason. 

“Our seniors were special,” said Head Coach Tony Bednarsky P ’08, ’10, ’14, ’17 and Associate Head Varsity Coach Tim DiBisceglie ’13. “They showed grit, determination, and an unwavering commitment to representing our school. For a small school, we pack a big punch, and these players epitomized what it means to thrive under pressure.” 

The team was led by an outstanding group of seniors who set the standard for excellence on and off the field: 

• Daniel Scali: The senior captain returned from a broken collarbone just in time for the state tournament, scoring in every game and finishing the season with 12 goals and 6 assists. Scali, who has committed to Hobart College, concluded his illustrious high school career with four state titles, 31 goals, and 28 assists. 

• Dylan Palmieri: Another senior captain, Palmieri anchored the defense and chipped in with 3 goals and 3 assists. A consistent leader on the backline, he also heads to Hobart with four state titles under his belt. 

• Daniel Vasquez: With 6 goals and 10 assists, Vasquez led the team in assists and contributed to the Knights’ success throughout his career, finishing with 9 goals and 13 assists. 

• Alex Chyzowych and Max Voigt: Both seniors netted 8 goals this season. Chyzowych ended his career with 17 goals and 5 assists, while Voigt tallied 20 goals and 3 assists. 

• Nathaniel Shen and Michael Taliano: These senior captains solidified the backline and were instrumental in securing the team’s fourth consecutive state title. 

As the Knights gear up for the future, their 2024 season serves as a reminder of the program’s enduring success and determination to remain one of the top teams in the state. 

Fall Sports Post-Season Awards  

Congratulations to the following student-athletes who were recognized by the Skyland Conference! 

Michael Marino, 1st Team Delaware Division 

Dylan Palmieri,1st Team Delaware Division 

Dan Scali, 1st Team Delaware Division 

Nathaniel Shen, 2nd Team Delaware Division 

Michael Taliano, 2nd Team Delaware Division 

Alex Chyzowych, Honorable Mention Delaware Division 

Congratulations to the following student-athletes who were recognized by Preps and County in the post season!

Michael Marino, 1st Team Somerset County

Dylan Palmieri Boys' Soccer, 1st Team All-Prep B, 1st Team Somerset County

Dan Scali, 1st Team Somerset County

Nathaniel Shen, 1st Team Somerset County

Michael Taliano, 1st team All-Prep B, 2nd Team Somerset County

Alex Chyzowych, Honorable Mention All-State Prep B, Honorable Mention Somerset County

Daniel Vasquez, 1st Team All-Prep B, Honorable Mention Somerset County

Jean Carlo Sanchez, 2nd Team Somerset County

Felipe Zumbado, 2nd Team Somerset County