Real Central NJ defeats PA Classics in USL 2 season opener

May 20th, 2026

WEST WINDSOR, NJ – Real Central NJ (1-0) won their USL2 season opener 4-2 against PA Classics (0-2) on a warm and wet night in West Windsor, NJ. The home side earned all three points from their Mid-Atlantic Division opponents by virtue of four different goal scorers.

Lightning delayed the start of the match until 8:14pm and the rain was driving hard when the first ball was kicked. So were the players, as the game got off to a wild start in the first 10 minutes.

Elias Betancourt opened Real Central NJ’s account in the 8th minute. A deflected ball in the box found the feet of Daniil Kaban who calmly passed to Betancourt. The clinical finish by Betancourt made it 1-0.

But Real Central NJ’s joy would last for, literally, a minute. Eljo Agolli equalized for PA Classics in the 9th minute after being gifted a loose ball in the 18-yard box.

Each team enjoyed spells of possession until Real Central NJ scored again. Man of the Match Daniil Kaban (1 goal, 1 assist) broke free on the rush after a wonderful pass by Kaelan Debbage. Kaban’s finish left no-doubt from the second it left his foot and the score was 2-1 in favor of Real Central NJ.

PA Classics responded by pushing forward and controlling the play for much of the next 15 minutes. They had a few chances but their inability to push one over the line would ultimately doom their chances in this one. 

Also, conceding a penalty shot in stoppage time of the first half didn’t help. After a Real Central NJ corner, PA Classics were called for a foul in the 18-yard box. Andrew Kitch blasted the penalty from the spot to the right-side of the net to make the score 3-1 going into halftime.

Real Central NJ effectively put the game to bed in the 48th minute when Ayoub Fask scored to make it 4-1. Betancourt supplied a long ball for Fask on the rush. Fask received the pass and found the back of the net. 

Real Central NJ remained in control for most of the second half but PA Classics were not without chances. However, few were particularly dangerous as goalkeeper Joshua Snyder faced nine shots and only had to make one save.

Things started to shake loose for PA Central about 75 minutes into the game. The visitors began to boss possession and the game was played almost entirely in Real Central NJ’s end.

Jeter Cardona scored in the 81st minute to make it 4-2 but that would be as close as PA Classics would get.

Besides Kaban as Man of the Match, other performances of note for Real Central NJ were Elias Betancourt and Ayoub Fask. 

Fask was a menace on the right wing for the PA Classics defense. His ball-handling had the visitors conceding ground and opportunities. Fask finished with a goal and 3 shots.

Betancourt, the team’s captain, did a nice job in the middle of Real Central NJ’s formation. The midfielder’s deft passing and possession were key elements in the season-opening win. Betancourt had 1 goal and 1 assist.

Real Central NJ’s next match in USL2 will be Wednesday, May 27, against Reading University AC. The home game will be played on the campus of Mercer County Community College.