Setting a balmy Sunday at St. Johns University, Belson Stadium, Here two rivals compete.  Archbishop Molloy and St. Francis Prep met to Compete for CHSAA Class A Championship.  Both Teams went into the finals undefeated and they battled tooth annd nail for the win.

The stadium was packed with onlookers as the Stanners of Molloy and the St. Francis Prep Terriers soccer teams put it all on the field. This was a game where you saw what true team work was on both sides of the field.   In the end though, there could be only one winner.

St. Francis Prep’s Dino Moutopoulos showed raw talent.  Both teams played at their peak.  Archbishop Molloy’s Greg Davis moves were  fast and furious.  The first half was heated but uneventful ending in a 0-0 draw.

The second half was just s heated with Molloy dominating the field.  Co captain Glen Whelan took control of the field.  The Stanners played like clock work showing great passing skills. St. Francis would not let any of the many attempted goals reach their target.  Junior Chris Koulouris took two solid attempts for the net.  The ball was passed to Greg Davis, attempt made, shot diverted.  The second half ended again 0-0 score forcing the game into overtime.

In the next two 10 minute halves this is where the determination and confidence of a team shine through.  In the first half of overtime, Glen Whelan scores the first of two goals. Rocco Romeo began the play with a deep cross to the far post.  This is when Whelan tapped it in.

In the second half of overtime, Patrick O’Grady working with his teammates sealed the win with a second goal with five minutes left in play.  Archbishop Molloy now has back to back wins.  The Stanners will now advance to State Semifinals at Adelphi University and compete with St. Anthony’s.  The winning team will then move forward to State Finals.

This is Molloy’s 13th CHSAA title, to be defended on Friday November 13th.