West Essex High Girls Soccer Upsets Gov. Livingston In NJSIAA Semifinals

On Monday, the No. 8 seed West Essex girls soccer team shocked No. 4 Gov. Livingston in the NJSIAA North Jersey 2, Group 3 semifinals.

West Essex senior forward Erica Perrotta logged 3 incredible goals, including two in the final 40 minutes of action, leading the Knights 4-1 victory over Gov. Livingston — the team's second consecutive upset.

“Last Thursday we beat the No. 1 seed, so I think after beating the No. 1 seed, we feel like anything is possible,” West Essex High's first-year head coach Toni-Anne Cavallo said. 

“We play in a really tough conference, so the girls were prepared.”

West Essex put heavy pressure on the Gov. Livingston back line early, with a scoring opportunity in the first 5 minutes, but could not convert. 

Gov. Livingston also put together several scoring opportunities in vain before eventually breaking through in the 27th minute with their only goal of the game. 

Gov. Livingston's lead did not last long.

Less than 10 minutes later, Perrotta blazed in for her first goal of the game when she drove down the left sideline launching a kick past Gov. Livingston goal keeper Olivia Emanuel. 

As if on fire, Perrotta then broke the tie in the 47th minute with her second of the game.

West Essex goalie Amanda Masterson stunned Gov. Livingston with 13 incredible saves refusing to allow them to convert at all. Her efforts and skill kept Gov. Livingston scrambling for opportunities for most of the game to no avail.

The “dark horse” Knights controlled the final 40 minutes putting continuous pressure on Emanuel and the Gov. Livingston defense. Despite making seven saves in the game, West Essex’s offensive drive was too much for Emanuel and Gov. Livingston.

West Essex's Nina Sisco made it a 3-1 game on a penalty kick in the 67th minute, validating a fast and dynamic game for her. As if on cue, Perrotta scored the hat trick four minutes later.

West Essex plays at No. 3 seed West Morris on Thursday in the NJSIAA's section final. The winner of that will be state champions and move on to the Group 3 Tournament. 

This article comes courtesy of Stephanie DelliSanti. 

If you attend any high school sports games, then send updates, pictures and information to the editor at mike.donofrio@patch.com and they will be posted on The Caldwells Patch.