9-20-08 Vestal 3-2 W

The Friars’ Chris Labiak with the ball.

BY MICHAEL GANCI

ONEONTA, N.Y. — The St. Anthony’s boys soccer team kept on pushing harder and harder against a diligent Vestal defense, and it couldn’t muster much early. But late in the second half, the Friars found the rhythm they needed to hand Vestal its first defeat of the season, 3-2, on Saturday morning at the National soccer Hall of Fame’s At-A-Glance Field.

After 13 minutes of scoreless play, St. Anthony’s finally was able to put the ball in the net for the first goal of the game. Greg Mallia would not give up, as he had two consecutive shots blocked. The third time was the charm, as he was able to beat Vestal’s Mike Economou to give St. Anthony’s a one-goal lead.

The Friars maintained that lead until the 35th minute. Nick Patricia was able to set up Paul Hoover, who blasted one past Shane Wend to tie the game. Wend got a piece, but the ball was kicked too hard for him to stop. Through one half, the teams had nearly identical numbers. The game was tied at 1-1, both teams had four shots and two saves, and St. Anthony’s had one more corner.

Vestal came out on a mission to start the second half, and it would take a little time before they saw any results. Two minutes in, St. Anthony’s goalie Kevin Hays was caught out of the net, but the defense was able to bail him out. St. Anthony’s was able to maintain order for the next few minutes, but at the 20 minute mark, Bijan Mangouri set up Tom Keegan for a goal that gave vestal the lead.

Vestal had the momentum, but St. Anthony’s wasn’t going to give up. With less than ten minutes remaining, Joseph Lyons was able to tie it up. He picked up the deflection from a shot taken by Orlando Castanada, and he was able to put it into the net.

“I give Valencia credit for the corner kick, and Orlando credit for kicking it on goal,” said Lyons. “You never know what will happen. I just tipped it in.”

Shortly after, Nick Masotto was able to draw a whistle and get a free kick for St. Anthony’s. Rob Kromer sent it toward the net and Masotto was able to redirect it off of the far post and in for the game-winner. St. Anthony’s would hold on for the 3-2 win.

“I got pushed and we were awarded a free kick,” said Masotto. “I was able to jump and use my head to redirect it off of the far post.”

“We looked a little tired today, but it was nice to see us persevere,” said Coach Gene Buonaiuto.

The Friars will be in action once again at At-A-Glance Field on Sunday, September 21 at 9 a.m. against McQuaid Jesuit.