The Salesian Eagles Soccer team rolling a 25 game win streak over two seasons was waiting for a test to gauge their capabilities of winning a second straight CHSAA Championship. They received it during its most difficult run in the schedule, facing Cardinal Spellman, Blessed Sacrament and Cardinal Hayes in a five day stretch, without the league’s best player Senior midfielder Tom Manz. The best Spellman could do against the undermanned Eagles, who were also missing five other players, was claw away a 1-1 tie. Two days later Blessed Sacrament trying to make their mark in the CHSAA left the pitch losing to the mighty Eagles 4-2. Both Sebastian Zambrano and Nick Terp stepped up as leaders in Manz’s absence. As each team prepares for Salesian’s high scoring offense, they still can not find a way to attack on of the best defenses in the area.
On Monday, October 12 the highly anticipated rematch between Salesian and Spellman occurred on the brand new City Park turf in New Rochelle. Not only were the Eagles excited to play their first game this season near the New Rochelle campus, but also to take claim to the CHSAA “B” regular season title. The high winds made it difficult for Cardinal Spellman to clear the ball out of their defensive area. The constant pressure from the Eagle offense finally put the ball in the back of the net as Miguel Gallardo scored on a beautiful pass from William Gutelius. The tireless work of Zambrano helped Manz score a second goal just before halftime. The second half brought more of the same play as the first as Salesian expanded their lead to 4-0 on goals once again from Manz and Gallardo. Spellman’s only goal occurred as the Salesian defense left up a self goal late in the second half.
The Salesian Eagles remaining games are against Mt. St/ Michael, LaSalle and St. Agnes. They will be hosting the CHSAA Archdiocesan playoffs beginning Wednesday, October 28.
