Morgans staying close to home at Rutgers
BY MIKE WHITE
Staff Writer

JACKSON - Focus, concentration and a commitment to improve are the attributes that have made Jackson High School junior boys soccer player Alex Morgans one of the premier goalies in the Shore Conference.

Jaguars coach Steve Bado immediately noticed Morgans' ability to raise his game and leadership levels as a middle school player at Goetz. When Bado took over the high school program two years ago, he knew having Morgans in goal was going to be a huge asset for Jackson.

Apparently, Bado isn't the only coach taking notice of Morgans' skills. Morgans was heavily recruited this past year. His tenacious nature on the field, and an outstanding work ethic, have resulted in a number of coaches courting him. Two weeks ago, Morgans made a verbal commitment to play at Rutgers University following his senior year.

"I'm not surprised that he was getting as much attention as he was," Bado said. "He is an outstanding goalkeeper. I have said in the past that he is the best goalie in the Shore Conference. I would not trade him for anybody else. He is a leader and a fine example for the rest of the team. He has made significant contributions since he joined the program."

Last year, Jackson finished with a 14-4-2 overall record, which included appearances in both the Shore Conference and state tournaments. The Jags suffered a 2-0 loss to Toms River East in the semifinals of the Shore Conference, followed by a disappointing 2-1 setback against North Brunswick in the quarterfinals of the Central Jersey Group IV state playoffs.

"We had a great year," Bado said. "We had a number of talented individuals on this squad. Morgans played a significant role in our team reaching as far as it did in the postseason. He could frustrate even the best of the teams."

Morgans posted 10 shutouts during the season. At 6-2 and 185 pounds, Bado cited Morgans' offseason workouts and playing with an elite travel soccer team for enhancing his prowess.

"He works as hard as any kid who has come through here," Bado said. "When he got here, he was a thin, talented kid. Now he has really filled and it has a huge difference. His quickness and ability to read what is going on in front of him is uncanny. He seems to always be in the right spot."

Bado also cites Morgans' understanding of the game as his biggest asset.

"He has really matured as a player," Bado said. "He has stepped up his game and leadership role tenfold."

Bado points to Jackson's dramatic 2-1 overtime win over West Windsor- Plainsboro in the first round of the Central Jersey playoffs as an example of Morgans' ability to lead.

"We came in at halftime and he lit a fire underneath the rest of the team," Bado said. "We were not playing up to our potential, and he made it known that we needed to raise our level of play so that the seniors on that team didn't end their careers with a first-round loss in the states.

"We came out and were a different team in the second half. We played with intensity and executed well. I think his speech during the break woke some players up."