Woodbridge Township Celebrates Youth Soccer Champions
Council Honors Colonia Cosmos, Colonia Galaxy, and State Cup–Winning Woodbridge Wildcats
All three championship youth soccer teams honored by Woodbridge Township — the Cosmos, Galaxy, and Wildcats — gather for a combined photo at Tuesday’s council meeting. (Credit: Woodbridge Township via Facebook)
December 4, 2025
Three youth soccer teams packed Woodbridge Township Council chambers Tuesday night, transforming the usual municipal meeting into a celebration of championship seasons. Parents cheered, cameras flashed, and young athletes lined the dais as township officials honored tournament victories, undefeated records, and a historic first State Cup championship.
The Colonia Cosmos boys team, Colonia Galaxy boys team, and Woodbridge Wildcats girls team each received proclamations recognizing their standout fall seasons.
Mayor John McCormac opened the ceremony by praising “a whole lot of really good soccer players here in Woodbridge Township.”
The Colonia Cosmos took the spotlight first, having won their Mid-New Jersey Flight Division and captured the Branchburg Fall Classic with an undefeated run capped by an 8–2 title game victory. The mayor also noted the team’s appearance in the Red Bull Soccer Showcase.
Several young players were encouraged by the mayor to share their thoughts at the microphone.
“I just like to say I want to congratulate Colonia for working hard at the tournament and winning it,” said one player.
Isaac Henry was asked to speak about his coach, Anthony Alfieri. Asked what he appreciated most, Henry replied, “He doesn’t yell a lot. He’s really nice.”
Alfieri said the boys played in two separate leagues with a combined record of 14 wins, 2 losses, and 4 ties.
When asked about the team’s performance in the Branchburg Fall Classic, team captain Nolan said, “We played four games, and we won all four.”
The Colonia Galaxy boys team earned recognition for their deep postseason run and first-ever Presidents Cup title.
“We got good defenders, good midfielders, good strikers, and I’m just really proud to have had a chance to be a member on this team,” said Daniel T.
The team’s two captains were then asked to speak.
“It was a great experience playing on the team this year,” said Martin. “A lot of people put a lot of hard work in every practice. It was amazing getting far in the state cup to play in a final.”
Fellow captain Alex R. smiled and said the coaches made the boys “work really hard,” drawing chuckles from the audience.
Coach Rafal Rebisz spoke about the team’s growth over multiple years and thanked parents for their support.
“Without you, we wouldn’t make it tonight,” he told the room.
The final group drew the biggest ovation. The Woodbridge Wildcats became the first township team — boys or girls — to win a New Jersey Youth Soccer State Cup Championship.
“We played a good season,” said Carmela Giglio.
When asked by the mayor how many games the team won and lost, Carmela summed up their success succinctly:
“We didn’t lose any.”
The team’s captains were also invited to speak. Kelsey Markovic identified what set the Wildcats apart.
“Our defense is just amazing,” she said.
Co-captain Claire Downes praised her coach, Michael Giglio, saying he pushed the team throughout the season.
“I think that’s why we won most of our games,” she said. “And he’s a very great coach to all of us.”
Coach Giglio emphasized how many players came through the Woodbridge Recreation program and described their path to the State Championship.
“It started with 16 teams,” he said, narrowing down weekly, “until there was only one.” The Wildcats clinched the title by defeating Millburn in the final.
Council members congratulated the athletes throughout the ceremony.
Councilwoman Debbie Meehan praised the teams’ accomplishments. “It’s nice to see the soccer program as strong as it’s always been,” she said, adding that her son once played soccer at the rec level and in high school.
Councilwoman Lizbeth DeJesus said the Wildcats’ historic win highlights the importance of supporting girls’ sports.
The evening ended with team photos on the dais, cheers from parents, and a township proud of its young athletes.