Members of the Matchfit ’06 New Jersey State Cup champions include (front row, from left) Jake Berish, Zachary Stark, Santiago Maura, Emerson Kekesi, Mark Gavrish, Julian Ramirez, Stefano Muscara, “Monchi” Camejo, Aidan Grund, Kyle Marchesi, Ari Pollack, Jayce Pagano and Brady Le. IN the back are coaches Mark Gavrish, Rick Le and Bill Berish.

With several Hamilton Township players helping the cause, The Match Fit Academy 06 Heat won the New Jersey State Cup on May 7 at the North Brunswick Community Park Complex.

The team, comprised of boys born in 2006, battled their way through the 550team field with tenacity and grit.

After receiving a first round bye, the Heat defeated FC Copa Academy, The Ironbound Pirates Red and Mercer FC in bracket play. They then went onto to defeat the defending state champs, Watchung Hills NJ Elite on Saturday in the semifinals by sudden death penalty kicks. On Sunday, MFA defeated United Bayern in the same fashion to capture a memorable state championship

The team currently plays in the first division EDP League but will be participating in the highly competitive Pre Elite Clubs National League in the fall. The coaching staff consists of head coach Rick Le and his assistants Mark Gavrish and Bill Berish.

The players feature Emerson Kekesi “Monchi” Camejo, Aidan Grund, Mark Gavrish, Julian Ramirez, Stefano Muscara, Jake Berish, Zachary Stark, Santiago Maura, Kyle Marchesi, Ari Pollack, Brady Le and Jayce Pagano.