Here’s a recap of the Maroons’ historic 2024 season.
By Ryan Shintani
Pictured: Ridgewood athlete Dylan Solano Quesada, junior. (Photo by Spencer Pisnanont)
The Ridgewood High School boys soccer team experienced a thrilling and historic 2024 season, full of impressive victories and challenges that tested their resilience. Starting off with an 8-0 run, they tied the school’s record for the longest active winning streak. The Maroons had hopes of making history, and they succeeded by clinching their first sectional title since 1993. Despite some setbacks late in the season and a tough loss in the state semifinals, Ridgewood’s achievements left an indelible mark on the program.
Ridgewood began the season with a dramatic overtime victory against Chatham on September 6, where senior Bassim Masri’s extra-time goal sealed a 1-0 win. This exhilarating opener was just the beginning of Ridgewood’s hot streak, as they defeated a tough Ramapo team 3-1 soon after, with goals by Niko Martirossian, Kosuke Yoshikawa, and Daniel Kim, assisted by Connor Holt and Cameron Linnington.
The Maroons continued their strong form with a commanding 3-1 win over Wayne Valley, with Masri scoring twice and Kosuke Yoshikawa assisting. Ridgewood’s offense showcased versatility, consistently breaking down defenses and demonstrating their depth. Through the first eight games, the Maroons outscored opponents 30-10, displaying both offensive prowess and defensive discipline.
Head coach Aidan McCluskey highlighted the team’s ability to adapt. After a hard-fought 3-1 win over Paramus, McCluskey said, “They took us out of our normal game because they wouldn’t let us recycle through the back so we had to start playing through the lines and a lot of longer balls” (NJ.com). This adaptability would become a crucial asset as the season progressed into more challenging territory.
Ridgewood’s impressive start faced a stumbling block on October 1, when they faced Ramapo again. Despite having beaten them earlier in the season, the Maroons fell 3-1, ending their hopes of breaking the school win streak record. This defeat was a tough pill to swallow, but the team’s resilience shone through as they rebounded with a strong 3-1 victory over Bergen Catholic just days later.
However, Ridgewood faced a 2-0 setback against Randolph on October 7, which dropped them in the state rankings. The pressure to regain their form was evident, yet the Maroons responded with a convincing 4-1 victory over Hackensack, with standout performances from Cameron Linnington, who has been instrumental in leading the offense throughout the season. Yoshikawa and Linnington emerged as key figures, consistently finding the back of the net and helping Ridgewood maintain its competitive edge.
The Bergen County Tournament brought mixed emotions. In the second round, Ridgewood narrowly edged out Fort Lee 3-2, but in the quarterfinals, they were defeated by Garfield 2-1 on October 19. “It’s a shame we couldn’t get that win,” said senior center-attacking midfielder Niko Martirossian, reflecting on the disappointment of falling short of advancing further. “But we’re focused on what’s next. There’s still a lot of season left.”
Senior forward Cameron Linnington was a driving force in Ridgewood’s attack, consistently contributing goals and assists. His game-winning goal in a 2-0 victory over Northern Highlands, along with assists on crucial plays throughout the season, made him a cornerstone of the Maroons’ offensive strategy. Linnington’s leadership on and off the field was pivotal, particularly in helping the team regroup after tough losses.
Goalkeeper Aarav Patel also played a crucial role, recording multiple clean sheets and making critical saves in tight games. His penalty save during the Paramus match helped preserve a 2-0 lead at a key moment, and his ability to stay composed under pressure provided Ridgewood with a solid foundation in defense. The Maroons only conceded 15 goals across 13 games, a testament to Patel’s shot-stopping ability and the defensive coordination led by players like Connor Holt and Daniel Kim.
Another standout performer was Kosuke Yoshikawa, who consistently found the back of the net in key moments. His late-game goals, such as those against Ramapo and Bergen Catholic, helped Ridgewood secure vital wins and maintain momentum. Yoshikawa’s contributions, along with those from teammates like Masri and Holt, underlined the depth and talent spread across the squad.
“The difference between this year’s team and last year’s team is mentality,” McCluskey said. “These guys don’t want to lose – they fight for everything” (NJ.com).
Ridgewood’s perseverance paid off in the state tournament. On November 15, the Maroons defeated Clifton 2-0 to win the North 1, Group 4 sectional title—their first sectional championship since 1993. Senior midfielder Niko Martirossian played a pivotal role, scoring the decisive goal late in the match. “It was an incredible feeling to finally get over the hump,” Martirossian shared. The victory marked a historic moment for Ridgewood boys soccer, tying the program record and igniting pride throughout the community.
Unfortunately, Ridgewood’s playoff run ended in the state semifinals against Scotch Plains-Fanwood. Despite their best efforts, the Maroons fell 2-1, bringing their remarkable journey to a close. However, the season was still a resounding success, having broken a 31-year sectional drought and establishing Ridgewood as one of New Jersey’s top teams.
Head coach Aidan McCluskey remained proud of his team, stating, “This team has it. This team has something about it that’s special. The players understand what we want and we try to teach development from freshman up all the way through. And I think we competed last year, we competed against the top teams, we just fell short. This year we’re not only competing, we’re winning against top teams” (NJ.com).
With key players like Linnington, Patel, and Yoshikawa leading the way, Ridgewood has shown a blend of offensive firepower, defensive resilience, and the ability to adapt under pressure. As they reflect on their historic season, the Maroons can take pride in their achievements and look ahead to what comes next. The Ridgewood community has much to celebrate, and regardless of what the future holds, this team has left a lasting mark on the field.
The Ridgewood boys soccer team has experienced the highs of a record-tying win streak, a long-awaited sectional title, and the lows of tough, season-defining losses. Through it all, their resilience, talent, and collective spirit have kept them among the top teams in the state. They’re determined to build on this season’s success and continue making history in the years to come.