Sports
Victory over Kellenberg Takes Flyers Into Playoffs
After second win in a row, Chaminade looks to succeed in CHSAA soccer playoffs.
The Chaminade boys varsity soccer team defeated host Kellenberg 3-1 on Thursday afternoon. The Flyers (10-1-2) have finished their regular season; Kellenberg (5-5-0) will face powerhouse St. Anthony's in semi-finals of the playoffs.
Hero: All it took for Chaminade to pull out the win was two boots from Giovanni LoMonaco, scoring his seventh and eighth goals of the season. LoMonaco, a starting forward for the Flyers, continued to find the ball throughout the match.
Turning Point: In the first half, the Flyers came out slow, giving up a quick goal to the Firebirds' John Reynolds. However, playing for mainly pride, Chaminade scored on a Giovanni LoMonaco ball in the first half. The 1-1 score going into halftime didn't hold up - the Flyers quickly took advantage during the second period and took control. Head coach Mike Gallagher explained his strategy:
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"Basically, we changed the system to play 4-4-2, we moved two forwards high and I think that put a little more pressure on their backs as opposed to one guy trying to press their backs was good."
Bottom Line: The game highlighted Chaminade's desire to win. Had they not fought back after dropping 1-0 early on, a loss was inevitable.
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"The fact that they responded to being down a goal in the first couple of minutes with a little bit of pride on the line," Gallagher said. "They eventually got three."
Quotable: "[We] came out very flat in the first half and let up a miscommunication in the back goal which rarely happen and they responded well so that's the key," Gallagher said.
Key Stat: Chaminade has constantly found a way to win this season when they limit their opponents shots on goal. Michael Dorritie had three saves and Ricky Berotti had one, both for Chaminade.
Who's Next: The Flyers will take on St. John's the Baptist in their first match of the CHSAA playoffs at St. Paul's in Jericho. Chaminade's only loss this season was to St. John's the Baptist on September 23.
CHSAA League Match
Team................1.....2 -- F
Chaminade.......1.....2 -- 3
Kellenberg........1.....0 -- 1
Goals -- Chaminade: Giovanni LoMonaco, 2 goals; Kory Seibt, 1 goals; Jon Stallone, 1 assists; Andre Torto, 1 assists; Richard Peteka, 1 assists.
Kellenberg: Jonathan Reynolds, 1 goals; Chris Tricarico, 1 assists
Saves -- Chaminade: Mike Dorritie, 3 saves; Ricky Berotti, 1 saves.
Kellenberg: Andrew Stephens, 7 saves.
