Arrest Made in Connection to Assault At Youth Soccer Match

During a soccer match between North Plainfield Soccer Elite and Elizabeth Youth Soccer at the Warinanco Sports Center in Roselle on October 19, 2025, a report was filed alleging that a coach assaulted a player.

On November 18, 2025, Mr. Gustavo Rosas Plata of North Plainfield was charged in connection with this assault. During this match, a player was involved in a play and fell to the ground near the sideline. It was alleged that the coach of the North Plainfield team then kicked the 16-year-old player from the Elizabeth team. Officers from the Union County Police Department were contacted and investigated this claim. After conducting several interviews, viewing relevant video, and reviewing victim/witness statements, an arrest was made.

Officer Grzeda, of the Investigations Division, charged Mr. Plata with simple assault (in the presence of a child under 16 years of age at a school or community-sponsored youth sports event), N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1F, a fourth-degree offense. Mr. Plata was processed and released pending a court date in superior court.