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Archbishop Molloy’s boys soccer team entered Tuesday’s game against Holy Cross needing just one win to clinch the CHSAA Brooklyn/Queens Varsity AA division.
After a huge win against St. Francis Prep on Thursday, the Stanners came out aggressive, knowing their destiny was in their own hands, and they beat Holy Cross convincingly – 5-0 – to clinch the division.
“It’s great, we can celebrate now, but we have two other championships we are looking to get,” captain Eric Alerte said.
Molloy – the defending CHSAA champ – started its scoring early with a goal off the foot of Ryan Hoffman in the third minute of the game. Hoffman took advantage of the Knights’ inability to clear the ball out of the box and floated the ball over the goalkeeper for a 1-0 lead.
After their quick start, the Stanners continued attacking. In the 52nd minute, Anthony Iurillo sent a ball into the box and connected with Chris Ray for a header past the goal-keeper to give Molloy a 3-0 lead.
“I knew I had to go with the header and finish it,” Ray said.
Although the Stanners offense has scored 13 goals in their last four games, it is the defense that is has been the force. The Stanners defense has not allowed a single goal in their last four games and is looking tight heading into postseason play.
“This is the best defense I have had in my 38 years of coaching,” Stanners head coach Andy Kostel said.
Not only has Molloy’s defense been playing well, but the unit is filled with players who understand what it takes to win big games.
“We are all strong defenders,” Alerte said. “As a team we defend really well and we are hard to break down.”
The Knights struggled to move the ball around and were only able to get the ball past midfield seven times. Holy Cross is missing four players due to injury and one of its best, David Lago, is out with a stomach virus. Already shorthanded, the Knights lost another player during the game when captain Steven Cacchioli sustained an injury in the first half. The Knights were forced to play with only 10 men on the field for a good portion of the second half.
Molloy’s players know that every game counts for their seeding in the postseason.
“Each game we are fighting for position,” said Alerte. “We have to come out and do our thing.”
The Stanners have one more regular season game before postseason play begins and they couldn’t be more ready for the competition that awaits.
“We are playing good and we feel good with everyone at their best,” said Ray.
