Two New Jersey high school soccer teams faced off in the first round of state playoffs at the beginning of the month, but what they did on the field was magic for one player with special needs.
With only 15 minutes left in the game Camden County's Eastern High School was up by five over Atlantic County's Absegani High. Jeff Domercant, an Absegami player with special needs, began dribbling the ball towards Eastern’s net. He stumbled a little, but quickly recovered the ball -- being cheered on all the while.
That's when Domercant, known by his teammates as “Jeff D,” kicked the ball and scored the only goal for his team in the playoff match which was also the final soccer game in his four-year career.
The crowd went crazy!
“He’s one of those kids you love having on your team,” said Absegami Coach Bill Rose.
Before the game, Rose talked to Eastern Coach Steve Kosyla, letting him know that he'd be putting Domercant in to give the senior some playing time in his last game.
"Everyone was all for it," Kosyla said when he told his team about the plan.
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Later in the game, Rose signaled to Kosyla he was putting Domercant in.
"I had seen him warming up and thought let's do one better," said Kosyla.
That's when a new play was put into action by the coaches.
Absegami ran the play with Eastern playing less aggressively than usual, allowing Domercant to score, according to Rose.
Domercant’s goal was the silver lining to the playoff loss.
“At every level, he’s made a positive impression on his coaches and teammates and works as hard as he can,” said Rose.
Domercant was even given the game ball to commemorate the "play of year."
