Paramus boys soccer knocks off Tenafly in overtime thriller at Red Bull Arena

HARRISON – The text popped up around 3 p.m. only a few hours before gametime.

And when it did, Paramus coach Steve Contreras didn't know whether to believe it.

His leading scorer told him he was ready to go about two weeks after being sent to the ER and put in a sling. Pain and all, Adrian Qira wanted to make the most of his one shot at Red Bull Arena.

"He brings a whole other type of energy that I've never seen before," Paramus senior Mikey Rickard said. "I'm a three-sport athlete and I've never had a player like Adrian have the heart."

Qira used his heart and his head to give his team an unforgettable night in Harrison. The senior forward headed in his own rebound four minutes into overtime to send No. 16 Paramus past No. 17 Tenafly, 1-0, inside the cavernous MLS stadium.

Being on the field was special enough for Qira after fracturing his collarbone and getting diagnosed with AC joint separation in his left shoulder. But finishing off Vincent Candela's corner from the right side made it even better.

"Seeing everyone come to me was such a blessing," Qira said. "For them to show the support it's one of the best feelings."

Ben Linder and Daniel Bruk combined for seven saves in the Paramus shutout.

Times of change

Adversity has been a theme for the Spartans since winning their first sectional title back in 2018. Paramus has finished under .500 in each of the last four seasons and gone one-and-done in the state playoffs all four times.

But when Contreras moved up to the head coaching job this season, he saw a team ready to script a new chapter along Century Road. This group of 18 seniors came into high school with a bang by winning the Bergen County freshman tournament.

Now is their chance to leave a legacy.

"We're a completely different team than what we've been in years past," Rickard said. "We are full of guys with talent, full of guys with heart, full of guys with passion. There's no telling how far we can go."

Paramus (7-2-1) has shown that by winning three in a row and beating reigning Bergen County champion Ramapo. The Spartans came into the night with the most goals scored in the Big North and more than their final total from a year ago.

"The most dangerous part of this team is the depth," Contreras said. "I trust every single one on the field. The second line comes in and the play doesn't drop off."

Taking their shot

Depth came in handy in a building with brighter lights and wider dimensions.

This was the second Bergen County boys soccer match held at Red Bull Arena and both have gone to extras. Gaining access takes months of fundraising and planning.

"There was a target number and I think collectively we both hit the threshold," Contreras said. "I think Tenafly had 400 tickets sold and I think Paramus sold another 300."

Contreras said one of his favorite moments of the night came right after warmups. The Spartans dipped back into the tunnel for about five to 10 minutes before introductions.

"I'm just looking around and the kids are blasting music and none of them can stay still," Contreras said. "They're all fidgeting and running around and just couldn't wait to get back out there and start the game. For me it was great to look around and see the kids soaking in the moment."

Inside the match

Paramus did just about everything but score in the second half after turning up the intensity. Rickard had two excellent chances late in regulation, including one with under two minutes to go when Tenafly goalie Jason Baer came out for a sliding save.

"We were creeping into the doorstep," said Rickard, who made several brilliant tackles at centerback. "Once overtime hit, we knew we were going to win. We tied Fort Lee in overtime and knew we couldn't let it happen again."

Qira started both halves on the bench, but came through when it mattered. Injuries have become an unfortunate story through his career. He missed his sophomore season with a torn ACL and sprained the MCL on his other knee as a junior.

His goal on Tuesday was his 12th of the year and first ever in overtime.

"I just saw the ball in the air was coming perfectly to my head," Qira said. "I screamed for it, scuffed it completely but made up for it on the rebound."

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Paramus boys soccer knocks off Tenafly in overtime thriller at Red Bull Arena