5 Reasons Why The Morris Knolls Girls Soccer Team’s 2025 Season Was The Best In Recent History
The Morris Knolls Girls Soccer team in Rockaway, New Jersey, capped off an absolutely electrifying 2025-2026 season, solidifying their place as one of the premier high school programs in the state. As of December 22, 2025, the Golden Eagles are still buzzing from a campaign that saw them achieve a phenomenal 17-5 record and make a deep run into the prestigious NJSIAA State Tournament.
This article dives into the key factors, standout players, and monumental victories that made the 2025 season a historic benchmark for the Morris Knolls girls’ program, setting a high standard for future seasons in the competitive NJAC conference and the North Jersey region.
The Golden Eagles' 2025-2026 Season: A Profile of Excellence
The 2025-2026 season will be remembered as a masterclass in resilience, teamwork, and high-stakes performance for the Morris Knolls Girls Soccer squad. The team, representing Morris Knolls High School in Rockaway, NJ, faced a challenging schedule but consistently rose to the occasion, culminating in an impressive 17-5 overall record.
Their success was rooted in a cohesive unit that blended experienced seniors with talented underclassmen. The depth of the Golden Eagles roster allowed them to navigate the rigors of the NJAC schedule and prepare for the intensity of the NJSIAA State Tournament. The high win total earned the team recognition, even being mentioned in regional rankings by organizations like the United Soccer Coaches.
Key Entities & Biographical Profile:
- High School: Morris Knolls High School
- Location: Rockaway, New Jersey
- Team Nickname: Golden Eagles
- 2025-2026 Season Record: 17-5
- Key Achievement: NJSIAA North Jersey, Section 1, Group 3 Sectional Champions
- NJSIAA Tournament Finish: State Semi-Finalists
- Conference: NJAC (Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference)
- Key 2025 Players: Tariyana Sango, Megan Forand, Alexa Grazioli, Michaela Anderson, Lucia Nash, Tessa Simone (Jr.), Nora Shemon (Jr.)
- Notable Opponents: Ramapo High School, Chatham High School, Wayne Hills High School [cite: 2, 3, 4 (from previous search)]
1. Dominance in the NJSIAA Sectional Tournament
The true measure of a great season in New Jersey high school soccer is the performance in the NJSIAA Tournament. For Morris Knolls, the 2025 run was nothing short of historic. Competing in the highly competitive North Jersey, Section 1, Group 3 bracket, the Golden Eagles demonstrated their championship pedigree.
A pivotal moment came in the Sectional Final. On Saturday, November 15, 2025, Morris Knolls faced a formidable Ramapo High School team. The tension was palpable, but the Golden Eagles secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory, clinching the Sectional Championship title.
This victory was a testament to the team's ability to perform under pressure and execute their game plan in the biggest moments. Earlier in the tournament, they had already showcased their offensive power with a convincing 3-0 win against Wayne Hills High School, demonstrating their readiness for a deep postseason run. [cite: 4 (from previous search)]
2. The Unstoppable Momentum: Reaching the State Semi-Finals
Winning the sectional title propelled Morris Knolls into the State Semi-Finals, marking one of the deepest playoff runs in recent program history. This stage of the tournament is reserved for the absolute best teams in the state, and the Golden Eagles proved they belonged.
Their journey, however, came to an end on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, against a strong Chatham High School side. While the 2025-2026 season concluded with a loss, the achievement of reaching the State Semi-Finals cannot be overstated. It was a run built on grit, tactical discipline, and a collective refusal to quit, traits that the coaching staff continually instilled in the players.
The team’s success in the NJSIAA playoffs has significantly boosted the profile of Morris Knolls High School athletics, inspiring younger players in the Rockaway area and setting a new benchmark for the girls soccer program.
3. The Core of Talent: Key Players on the 2025 Roster
A team's success is always a reflection of its players, and the 2025-2026 roster was stacked with talent that delivered consistent results. Several players emerged as leaders and crucial contributors throughout the campaign.
The roster featured standout names who carried the team through the demanding NJAC schedule and the intense NJSIAA bracket. Players like Tariyana Sango, Megan Forand, Alexa Grazioli, Michaela Anderson, and Lucia Nash were instrumental in the team's high-scoring victories and defensive shutouts.
Future prospects for the Golden Eagles look bright, with key juniors like Tessa Simone and Nora Shemon gaining invaluable experience during this deep tournament run. The development of these athletes is a testament to the strong foundation and player development within the Morris Knolls girls soccer program.
4. A Culture of Excellence and College-Bound Athletes
The success of the program extends beyond the current season, with a history of developing athletes who move on to compete at the collegiate level. This pipeline of talent adds to the program’s prestige and provides further motivation for the current squad.
Alumni of the Morris Knolls program continue to make an impact in college soccer. For instance, Scarlett Brookes, who played for the Golden Eagles, is now a sophomore forward at Saint Michael's College, demonstrating the high level of play that graduates achieve. Another former player, Celine Brady, earned All-Conference recognition in the highly competitive NJAC Women's Soccer division, further highlighting the quality of training and competition at Morris Knolls High School. [cite: 8 (from previous search), 11 (from previous search), 14 (from previous search)]
This legacy of college-bound athletes, including those who go on to coach, like "Coach Erica" who is an alum, reinforces the culture of excellence and high standards that define the Rockaway, NJ soccer program.
5. Setting the Bar for Future Morris Knolls Girls Soccer Teams
The 17-5 record and the journey to the State Semi-Finals in the NJSIAA Group 3 bracket have permanently raised the expectations for the Morris Knolls Girls Soccer program. The 2025-2026 season serves as a powerful blueprint for success, emphasizing the importance of a strong non-conference schedule, peak performance in the NJSIAA Tournament, and the cultivation of a deep, talented roster.
The entire team, from the seniors who provided leadership to the underclassmen who will carry the torch, demonstrated what is possible when a group of athletes commits to a shared goal. The victories over sectional powerhouses like Ramapo will be cherished for years to come, and the final run to the State Semi-Finals is a source of immense pride for the Morris Knolls High School community.
As the team looks ahead to the next season, the challenge will be to build upon this incredible foundation. With players like Tessa Simone and Nora Shemon returning, the Golden Eagles are well-positioned to remain a dominant force in North Jersey girls soccer and continue their pursuit of a State Championship title.
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