On a windy Friday night at Belson Stadium, the Flyers showcased their teamwork, skill, and determination to defeat St. Francis Prep and secure their spot in the CHSAA AA state championship final on Sunday. Chaminade - currently ranked fourth in the nation by United Soccer Coaches - showed its ability to rise and show up under pressure, netting two goals in the game's first 15 minutes on the way to a 3-0 victory.
From the opening whistle, it was clear who the dominant team was. Just over three minutes into the game, senior Jack Veletanga found classmate Blake Donohue on a beautiful cross to put the Flyers in front, 1-0.
Just over 10 minutes later, Donuhue returned the favor, getting the ball to Veletanga in the box for the Flyers' second goal in just over 14 minutes of action.
The Terriers were stunned, but the Flyers knew they had to keep their focus. As the first half continued, senior Antiono Testani noticed that his team was starting to give up more balls in dangerous areas.
"Boys, calm down!" urged the senior leader. "Let's put the ball down and play!"
As the game reached intermission, the Flyers looked dominant and showed passion, while St. Francis Prep largely struggled to find a starting point in their attempts to attack the Chaminade defense.
As the second half began, the Flyers were looking for chances to add a third tally and put the match away. On the other side of the pitch, St Francis Prep pushed and pushed in hopes of starting a comeback. However, the duo of seniors Antonio Ruffo and Franco Ferazzoli kept their composure and worked together to stop the Terriers attack and preserve the shutout.
St. Francis Prep nearly had their moment after Chaminade keeper Keegan Portsmore let one get behind him, but Franco had his back, darting to the cage just in time to save the day and provide an off-the-line clearance and keep the score 2-0.
The Flyers had many chances to capitalize in the second half but could not take advantage of any corner kicks or find anything off set pieces - in spite of numerous opportunities.
That all changed with just under 90 seconds remaining in the match.
Donahue set up for a free kick well outside the box, no doubt recalling the countless times he had imagined a moment like this - standing over the ball, with a trip to the state finals resting on his toes. Then, from 22 yards out, Donahue struck. An absolute rocket curled hard to the left about midway through its flight, beating the helpless keeper to crush any hopes of a comeback for St. Francis Prep.
As Chaminade celebrated in the corner and the last minute ticked away to applause from the Flyer faithful, thoughts immediately turned to a state final that was now less than 48 hours away.
"We will play the way we always do," promised head coach Brian Anselmo, now one win away from a state crown in his first year at the helm. "We will play together and play hard."
The championship match against Fordham Prep kicks off at 7:15 on Sunday - also at Belson Stadium, located on the campus of St. John's University.
