New Jersey’s top boys’ lacrosse midfielders to watch in 2023

Updated: Apr. 04, 2023, 1:25 p.m.|

By Brandon Gould | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com Mike Kinney | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

By Brandon Gould | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com Mike Kinney | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

If there is a position in lacrosse that inadequately explains the duties of the player who occupies the role, it would most definitely be midfielder.

Granted, these guys begin the game and at each ensuing faceoff smack in the center of the field, but then proceed from that starting point to contribute on just about every inch of the turf with the exception of goal. And while the middies may not have yet found a way to seize the keepers’ job, they sure have earned the respect of those net minders through their versatility and diligence.

MIDFIELDERS TO WATCH

Erjon Cosaj, Monroe, Sr.

Christian Updale, Monroe, Sr.

Boys lacrosse: Monroe surges past West Windsor-Plainsboro North

Updated: Apr. 29, 2023, 4:48 p.m.|

Published: Apr. 29, 2023, 4:47 p.m.

Christian Updale posted five goals with three assists to lead Monroe in a 14-4 win over West Windsor-Plainsboro North in Plainsboro.

• 4/29 - 11:00 AM Boys Lacrosse	Final
  Monroe	14
  West Windsor-Plainsboro North	4

Complete Box Score »

The Falcons (8-2) outscored the home team 10-2 in the second half.

Chris Chaves added on three goals and four assists to the win, while Erjon Cosaj recorded two goals and two assists. Jake Evanchick posted a hat trick.

Which Group 4 boys’ lacrosse title contenders can take home a championship in 2023?

Updated: Apr. 03, 2023, 7:09 p.m.|

NJ Advance Media is previewing all six groups this week, highlighting the early frontrunners in each sectional title race as well as the title contenders in the overall group championship chase.

Monroe (12-7) won a fourth straight Greater Middlesex Conference Tournament and advanced to the sectional semifinals last year before falling to Lenape, 6-5. Although goalie Anthony Cioffi and several key offensive leaders are gone from that club, the Falcons still hold experience at a number of other positions. Among those are senior middie Christian Updale, who won 73 percent of his faceoffs and produced 24 goals and 36 assists last spring. Assisting him on the offense will be seniors Erjon Cosaj (20G, 10A), Chris Chaves (11G) and juniors Jordan Lacerte (11G, 10A) Junior Salvatore Marchione. With sophomore Taran Singh return on defense.

Braswell scores five as Monroe beats South Brunswick - Girls lacrosse recap

Updated: Apr. 21, 2023, 5:06 p.m.|

Published: Apr. 20, 2023, 9:24 p.m.

By Tom Rimback | For NJ Advance Media

Elisabeth Braswell scored five goals as Monroe rolled to a 13-3 win over South Brunswick. Julianna Dowd added four goals in the win.

Jessica Naoum and Savannah Riker shared the win in goal as Monroe improved to 5-2.

• 4/20 - 4:00 PM Girls Lacrosse	Final
  Monroe	13
  South Brunswick	3

Complete Box Score »

Jessica George had two goals for South Brunswick (1-6).