Top NJ high school soccer coach suspended in champagne controversy

Paul VI girls’ soccer coach Karen Anderson has been suspended for one game after a video showed her celebrating on school grounds with what appeared to be champagne. The suspension follows her 100th career victory and comes as the top-ranked New Jersey team continues its bid for a third consecutive state title.

Paul VI said Anderson did not drink from the bottle, which team parents gave her after the team’s 2-0 quarter-final win over Notre Dame. The school consulted the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association before imposing the ban; the association prohibits coaches and players from being involved with alcohol on school property during or after games. Anderson will miss Monday’s sectional semi-final against Immaculata, with Paul VI’s record at 21-1.