Match Report: Kingston Stockade 3-0 Real Central NJ

Photo Courtesy of Ryan Eichem

Real Central NJ opened their 2026 The League for Clubs slate at home to Kingston Stockade, with a trio of first half goals, including a goal and assist from Jonathan Salguero and Davis Barnes each, propelling the visitors to victory.

Quote of the Game: “Don’t linger on the ball, particularly in the final third… quite frankly, we’ve had 4 training sessions together… we’ll get a lot more reps under our belt,” – Men’s Sporting Director Ira Jersey.

First Half

It was all Kingston in the first half, as they scored thrice and even had a penalty, which was saved. Salguero and Barnes lead the line for the New York-based side, as Salguero scored the opener and assisted on the third. Davis set Salguero up for the first then hammered home the second.

RCNJ were unfortunately dealt with injury early on in this match, with captain Sean Milelli coming off with an apparent lower-body injury. He was replaced by Bryan Sanchez. Sanchez had a huge moment to grab a goal in the 43rd minute but could not get his body over the ball as his shot sailed high.

Kingston, up by a pair in stoppage time, were awarded a penalty after RCNJ defender Jasper Ring, along with the rest of the defense, failed to play out from the back and were forced to scramble. Paddy Cuneo, who won the penalty, was denied from the spot by keeper Eric Wnorowski. Cuneo got his get back within minutes, though, as his finish extended Kingston’s advantage into the break.

Second Half

Real Central looked better in the second half, but were still held off the scoresheet. Delaino Shaw and Evan Hamele both had solid chances within the first 15 minutes of the second half, although neither found the back of the net.

Subs came thick and fast for both sides as the two squads looked to test their depth in the season opener. RCNJ, after failing to play out from the back a few times in the first frame, settled for a more direct approach as they looked to get back into the match.

Cuneo continued his form into the second half, setting up Salguero in the box. Salguero danced around a defender but could not keep his shot down as the lead stayed at three. Eric Wnorowski and Matt D’Ippolito, the two keepers, held strong in the second half, making numerous punches and saves each. Nathan Linden went off with a muscular injury late in the second half, adding to RCNJ’s injury list after just one game.

Daniil Kaban forced a save out of D’Ippolito in stoppage time with a shot across goal, and nearly assisted a minute later, although nothing came of the chances. Sanchez rattled the crossbar a moment after with Stockade absorbing the pressure late on.

Three Points

Kingston can score. Kingston’s front four looked dangerous the whole time they were on, and their subs didn’t look much worse. There’s talent up and down the roster, but that attack proved today that they can capitalize on any chance they’re given.

Be careful when playing it around the back. RCNJ looked to build out from the defense often in the first frame, and mistakes led to conceding both goals and a penalty. It’s still early in the season, so hope shouldn’t be lost, there just needs to be some increased wariness in future matches.

Real might be more focused on USL play. The hosts’ squad featured a lot of young and inexperienced players for this level, and it showed. They’ve got proven Division-1 talent listed in their squad, but they seem to be waiting for USL2 games to begin to use it.

Real Central NJ Lineup (4-3-3) – Eric Wnorowski, Christopher Turnbull, Santiago Lopez, Jasper Ring (Edward Chuisaca – 79’), Aidan Chendak, Nathan Linden, Sean Milelli (Bryan Sanchez – 30’), Evan Hamele (Reed Sviben – 58’), Delaino Shaw (Elias Murad – 58’), Ilia Sakheishvili (Ibrahim Faye – 68’), Daniil Kaban

Kingston Stockade Lineup (4-2-3-1)– Matt D’Ippolito, Joe Dolan (Austin Mobray – 45’, later replaced by Gabe Garcia – 78’), Papa Diop, Brody Timm, Noah Robinson, Imari Harris, Robert Pesantez (Evan Baukol- 62’), Jonathan Salguero (Clem Grossman – 68’), Jason Zulauf (Modou Badije – 62’), Paddy Cuneo (Andrew Foster – 71’), Davis Barnes (Slate Scott – 71’)