The Millburn boys soccer team shook off a slow first half to score two goals in the second, eliminating Belleville in the North II Group 3 State Sectional championships at the Dr. Keith A. Neigel Field Tuesday.

The Millers move on to the second round, where South Plainfield awaits them on Friday.

Max Okinow, who recently was inserted into the Millburn starting lineup, had a big day, scoring the first goal of the match and assisting on the second.

“He stepped up, he’s a senior, he really stepped up today and allowed us to get the win,” said Millburn head coach Rob Grosso. “He’s been slowly getting in there and contributing more and he has started the last three games this year. He was not a starter at the beginning of the year."

Okinow struck first in the sixth minute, tracking down a bouncer in front of a crowded net and putting it home easily. The second goal was a bit prettier, though equally as effective.

Senior Miller Sam Waters crossed the ball to Okinow, who crossed it back over the field to a speeding Drew Rosenberg, who fired it past the Belleville keeper for the score. Up 2-0, Millburn’s defense took care of the rest, securing their ninth shutout of the season. Belleville took just three shots on goal, compared to 18 from the Millers.

“We did a nice job as a group,” Grosso said. “Getting behind the ball, getting a lot of bodies behind the ball to defend. They had one or two players over there who were strong offensively, so I think we did a nice job defending.”

Though Millburn out-shot Belleville during the opening half, the score did not show it. The visitors battled hard and stood their ground in the first half and had a chance with three corners. But in the second half Millburn’s defense, speed and ball movement proved to be too much.

The Millers, who improved to 12-4-2 with the win, are seeded fourth in their section, and, though they are the defending Group 3 champs, coach Grosso considers his team underdogs.

“We’re seeded fourth. The two teams that are doing very well in this section, Cranford and Scotch Plains, Cranford is currently undefeated.,” Grosso said. “So I would say we’re the underdog, and I like that actually. It’s about who’s going to come and play and who wants it more. It’s not always the best team that wins.”