By BRIAN TORTELLA

Correspondent

On X @tortreports

SEWELL — The Minutemen didn’t get the start they wanted against their conference rival Monday evening, but they sure got the finish they wanted.

After a scoreless tie heading into the final 40 minutes, Washington Township rallied for three second-half goals to defeat Tri-County Conference Royal divisional rival Gloucester County Institute of Technology, 3-0.

Senior Nick Guzak said he knew his squad needed to flip the switch. With that in the back of his mind, he didn’t waste any time notching a goal just five minutes into the half. 

“The second half, we really needed to flip the switch,” he explained. “It was the team, we all turned it on. After that goal, we started going at them. It just comes from the first goal, the goal really got us going.”

It sure did.

Shortly after, junior midfielder Sean Tarsatana scored back-to-back goals to put the game away for the Minutemen.

“It was a good build-up from the team,” Tarsatana said of his goals. “We’re playing good together, with loads of confidence, feeling great.”

Said Washington Township coach Ed McCusker: “Sean has been playing well. His work rate this year has been phenomenal. Defensively, he’s made a step from last year. The fact that he’s finding the net in different ways is good for his confidence.”

NEW COACH, NEW MOMENTUM? 

Loads of confidence is something you’d always like to have when you have a first-year head coach on the sidelines.

The Minutemen have themselves a new leader in Ed McCusker. The 2015 WTHS graduate has big shoes to fill after taking over for highly respected coach Shane Snyder, who stepped away last year after 14 outstanding seasons at the helm that featured seven sectional and three state titles. McCusker was a standout player for Snyder, and served as an assistant on his staff prior to getting the head job this season.

“It’s definitely a big challenge for me,” he said. “A challenge I’ve obviously accepted. I’m surrounded by great staff members who are supporting me, and the boys are doing their job and playing hard. It really comes down to being ready for each and every game and making sure the boys are playing positive. It’s been a blessing. I’m very grateful for this opportunity.”

Through five outings this season under McCusker, the Minutemen have yet to lose a game, going 3-0-2 in that frame.

“We always know a conference game is going to be a tough game,” he said. “Especially against GCIT, we know they’re always a good challenge and have a good team. Our first half was just a little slow, but the big thing for us is the response. I’m definitely looking forward to the rest of the season. One game at a time.”