Congratulations to Union County Coach of the Year: Dan House, Johnson

After going 3-11 last year and winning a total of 12 games the last two seasons, Johnson rebounded in a big way this year.

Under long-time head coach Dan House, Johnson enjoyed its best season since 2015 as the Crusaders went 15-3-1, won the Union County Conference Valley Division at 6-0, advanced to the second round of the county tournament and advanced to the Central, Group 2 semifinals for the first time since 2015.

Johnson, which moved from the Mountain to the Valley Division this season, opened on a 9-0-1 run in which it outscored opponents 48-5 with five shutouts during that span before a 2-0 loss to Summit in the second round of the county tournament. The Crusaders would go 6-2 the rest of the way and see their season come to an end against Holmdel 2-1 in overtime in the sectional semifinals.

A senior-heavy team, the Crusaders were led by Parker Reyes (15 goals, two assists) and Adam Vargas (11 goals, three assists), while senior goalie Carson Pires made 100 saves in 18 games and posted eight shutouts.