The head coach of New Jersey's top-ranked girls soccer team will miss a pivotal postseason game after a celebration marking her 100th career victory resulted in a one-game suspension.
Paul VI coach Karen Anderson was suspended Friday, Nov. 6, after a video circulated on social media showing her popping what appeared to be a champagne bottle on school property following the team's 2-0 victory over Notre Dame on Thursday, Nov. 5, in the South Jersey Non-Public A quarterfinals. The news was reported by NJ.com.
The win marked Anderson's 100th career victory at Paul VI, which is pursuing its third consecutive state championship.
The New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association
prohibits coaches and athletes from participating in alcohol-related activities during or after games on school property. Violations can carry a one-year suspension from tournament competition and potentially result in additional sanctions, including the loss of championship eligibility, according to the association's policies and procedures.
The suspension comes at a critical point in the season for Paul VI, which has established itself as one of the nation's premier girls soccer programs under Anderson.
The Eagles entered the postseason with a 21-1 record and also are ranked No. 16 nationally in the United Soccer Coaches poll. Paul VI finished 24-0 last season, winning its second consecutive Non-Public A state championship. The program is now two victories away from another state title.
Anderson is scheduled to serve her suspension Monday, Nov. 9, when Paul VI faces Immaculata (14-4-1) in a sectional semifinal in Haddonfield. A victory would put the Eagles one win away from another appearance in the state championship game.
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Coach of top-ranked New Jersey girls soccer team suspended after 100th win celebration
