9-21-08 Rochester-McQuaid Jesuit 3-0 W

Anthony Arena throws the ball in. [PHOTO BY MICHAEL GANCI]

BY MICHAEL GANCI

ONEONTA, N.Y. — When you look up the definition of an intense game, Sunday’s boys soccer game against Rochester-McQuaid Jesuit would be exactly what you would see. Three goals, two players red carded, and one victory for St. Anthony’s was the theme on this day. The score was 3-0.

The opening half was filled with whistles. It seemed like the referees were calling everything, from minor contact to off sides. Many of the players were voicing their displeasures, and no one was able to put a tally on the board. St. Anthony’s had a number of centering feeds, but McQuaid Jesuit was able to thwart off their attempts. The first half ended with neither team having a goal.

The second half started with a huge play that may have been the turning point of the game. McQuaid Jesuit was in the offensive zone, and their attacker had a completely open net to work with. Unfortunately for him, he soared the shot over the cross bar, and the game remained tied.
Shortly thereafter, Rob Kramer would notch his first goal of the season to give the Friars a 1-0 lead. Kromer blasted the ball into the McQuaid keeper, but the ball squirted on through.

“We were awarded a free kick because of hard work,” said Kromer. “Although I will admit it. It was kind of a lucky goal. But I will take it.” Although there was plenty of time left, this ended up being the game-winner.

Both teams exchanged chances in what was a very physical second half. St. Anthony’s Kieth Jecewiz received a yellow card due to a sportsmanship issue. Shortly thereafter, Orlando Castanada was able to create space and break in on the McQuaid Jesuit keeper and a nifty move enabled him to give St Anthony’s the insurance that they were looking for.

As if that wasn’t enough, St. Anthony’s would put one into the net one more time. Henry Tirado was driving down the field on the near side, and he blasted a shot that was intended as a cross. Luckily it went off of the post and into the net, which drew a big response from those in attendance.

“I just beat the player and I was trying to cross,” said Tirado. “I knew it was going to go in immediately after it left my foot. I could just tell by the keeper’s position.”

Kieth Jecewiz was later red carded for another sportsmanship issue, and then McQuaid Jesuit seemed to retaliate as they took out a St. Anthony’s defender on what seemed like an unnecessary hit. The culprit was given a red card as well.

St. Anthony’s leaves the tournament with a record of 2-0 for the second consecutive year, and they will look to keep up their winning ways when they visit St. Mary’s on Tuesday, September 23 at 4:15 p.m.