Harrington's goal enough to put Real Central past Atlantic City

June 17th, 2026

WEST WINDSOR, NJ – Real Central NJ played the role of giant killer on Wednesday night with a 1-0 victory over Atlantic City FC who came into the game undefeated in The League for Clubs. The impressive victory gave Real Central 7 points from their last 3 games.

Atlantic City FC began the game by high pressing Real Central NJ. The pressure led to turnovers for the home side and possession for the visitors. 

The possession turned into chances as well for Atlantic City FC. Their best early chance came in the 20 minute when Matt Will fired a rocket from about 10 yards out that went wide. The shots kept coming but Real Central NJ were able to weather the storm and find their footing.

Real Central NJ produced the only offensive magic they would need in the 30th minute. From the middle of the park, Captain Sean Milelli made a gorgeous one-touch pass to Wawens Zidor at the edge of the 18-yard box. Zidor made a beautiful one-touch pass of his own when he laid it off vertically to Roan Harrington on the left side. Harrington blasted away and the ball found the bottom-right corner of the net for a 1-0 lead.

Atlantic City FC answered the goal with more pressure. They were able to put the ball over the line in the 35th minute but the goal was ruled out for offside. It was their second goal disallowed for offside in the half.

The second half was more of the same. Atlantic City FC piled on the pressure and Real Central NJ were content to absorb and repel it.

The visitors had an excellent chance in the 77th minute when their high press created a turnover at the edge of the 18-yard box. Alex Lawrence had the ball and seemed poised to equalize the contest. But Real Central NJ goalkeeper Christopher Kelley made an aggressive play and surged off his line to cut off the angle and save the lead.

An equalizer seemed assured again in the 86th minute when Atlantic City FC’s Ryan Cleary made a charging header from a few yards out. However, the ball found the post instead of the net and the advantage stayed with Real Central NJ.

Atlantic City FC had chances in stoppage time including a glorious one where the ball was bouncing free just in front of the 6-yard box. Even though the ball seemed destined to find the foot of an Atlantic City FC player, Real Central NJ were able to clear the danger and preserve the win.

Player of the Match for Real Central NJ was Roan Harrington. Harrington was the lone goalscorer of the match but his contributions weren’t just offensive. Harrington played a significant role in the team defense necessary for Real Central NJ to win the game.

Sean Milelli also had an outstanding game from the central midfield position. Milelli dropped back to defend and support possession for Real Central NJ. As mentioned earlier, he also had the “hockey assist” on the goal when he made the pass that led to the goal-scoring assist by Zidor.

After a slow start to the 2026 tLFC season, Real Central NJ have got some momentum. They have 2 wins and 1 draw from their last 3 games. They won’t get much time to bask in their success though. Their next game is Saturday night, 6/20/26, on the road at Kensington SC.