Champions (Again!): Boys Soccer Completes Undefeated Title Defense

Supported by several hundred fans, the Sacred Heart Boys Soccer team completed an undefeated season, triumping over Cathedral Prep, 3-2, this past Sunday afternoon. Keyed by two first-half goals by Sophomore Andres Benitez, and the go-ahead brace by Junior Ryan Connaire in the second half, the Irish completed a defense of their CHSAA Intersectional B Division Title.

The game began as a defense struggle, with both teams seeking to control the midfield. The Irish took the lead when Senior Captain Eddie Nika broke down the left wing and cut toward the Cathedral net. Sophomore Andres Benitez found himself unguarded at the far post, volleying home Nika's cross to give the Irish a 1-0 lead.

Just minutes later, Benitez struck again, making a run through the Cathedral Prep defense while finding a long ball at his feat. He chipped his second goal of the game over the Cathedral goalkeeper to put the Irish in front 2-0.

The second-half, however, found Cathedral Prep far from defeated. The Crusaders took a goal back on a penalty kick after an Irish defender accidentally handed the ball in the penalty area. Later, with Cathedral desperately pressing to tie the score, they found an equalizer after a miscommunication by the Irish inside the 18-yard box.

Facing adversity for seemingly the first time this year, the Irish would not concede another goal. To win the championship, however, the Irish would need some magic. And they found it on a corner kick from who else, but Andres Benitez. Benitez's kick went toward the far post, and, unable to be cleared by the Cathedral defense, Junior Midfielder Ryan Connaire did not miss from point blank range.

From this point forward, the Irish continued to press the attack, with Junior Rory Gallagher just pushing two shots past the left post and Eddie Nika striking the crossbar on a free kick.

As the clock ran down, Cathedral found themselves unable to find the equalizer, sealing another championship for the Irish of Sacred Heart.