Chaminade's JVB soccer team has had a roller-coaster start to its season. After responding to two early losses by ripping off three straight victories, the team has heard its head coach, William Honan, use the word "adversity" multiple times when describing the season thus far.

The Flyers kicked off their campaign with a 6-0 toppling of the Kellenberg Firebirds in Uniondale on September 9. Honan was pleased with how his team "controlled the pace of the game" and "didn't allow any scoring chances" to Kellenberg. Chaminade gained the lead quickly and never looked back in this dominant season-opening victory.

But the Flyers didn't have to wait very long to see the Firebirds again, as Kellenberg's JVA team traveled to Gold Star Stadium for Chaminade's home opener two days later on September 11. The Flyers got off to a slow start, as they conceded a goal in the first three minutes. Following the tally, however, the freshmen settled into the match, and striker Henry Sullivan soon capitalized on a mistake from the Kellenberg keeper to tie the game at one.

The match was a defensive battle that saw Kellenberg convert what would become the game-winning goal off a cross from the center circle with about 10 minutes remaining in the first half. Despite countless chances to tie the game, the Flyers couldn't find a second-half equalizer and fell to 1-1 on the season.

Nevertheless, Honan was ecstatic with his backline, who he said did "everything we asked of them and more," referring to Dante Vasili and Peter Choi. However, Chamiande's Rocco Suraci was disappointed with the result, believing his squad "should've won." Still, Honan focused on the positives as the squad prepared to travel to New Jersey for their next matchup.

On September 13, the Flyers traversed the George Washington Bridge to play the St. Benedict's Gray Bees in Newark. The freshman Flyers knew this game would be another challenge for them, but they battled hard and kept up with the pace of the match. Although the contest was close, the Flyers couldn't come away with a victory, losing 3-1 and falling to 1-2 on the young season. 

Afterwards, Honan admitted that he would "rather have the boys face some adversity now" so that they could learn how to respond during tough games later in the season. 

Chaminade returned to Ott Field on September 18 to take on the St. Anthony's Friars. Looking to turn things around, the Crimson and Gold came out flying, creating many chances to score early in the match. The Flyers took a well-deserved 1-0 lead when John Sardelis put home a loose ball in the six-yard box early in the first half.

Chaminade continued to dominate possession for most of the half and, thanks to some beautiful tackles by Choi and three unbelievable saves from the keeper, Finn McGuigan, with just seconds to play in the first half, the Flyers led the Friars, 1-0, at intermission.

Unfortunately for Chaminade, they didn't keep the lead for much longer, as the Friars converted a scoring opportunity into a goal just moments into the second half, tying the score at one. 

Quickly, the Flyers battled back with two quick goals of their own - one from Sullivan and the other from Damani Marrett - to make it 3-1. 

Soon after, McGuigan denied the Friars a goal when he made a beautiful save on a penalty shot. 

This was quickly followed by the Flyers' fourth goal - scored by Aidan Quinn - to put the Friars away. 

Coach Honan was proud to see his squad "really come together as a group," noting how they "battled the adversity" they encountered throughout the early part of the season.

After this victory over the Friars, Honan challenged his team to string together some wins, and the Flyers answered his call, defeating St. John the Baptist by the score of 4-0 at St. Paul the Apostle Field in Brookville on September 25. It was the third game this season in which the Flyers put up at least four goals.

Honan was pleased, reflecting that "things have started to go our way" after the uneven start to the campaign. The Flyers' ability to constantly pressure opponents has been critical to their success. It's something many teams can't apply for a full match, but it has created countless scoring opportunities for Chaminade. 

 On September 27, the Flyers headed to Cantiague Park for the first time this season to play against Delbarton (NJ). In a stellar defensive showing, the Flyers rode the Green Wave to a 2-0 victory - their second shutout in a row and third of the year. 

Honan was quick to heap praise on his goalies, especially McGuigan, who the head coach said is "willing to do anything to help the team win." 

Despite the adversity these freshmen have faced, they have stuck together as a team, one of the main reasons they find themselves with a 4-2 record at this midway point of the season. With several key regular-season league matchups and the postseason remaining, it appears as though the Flyers are rounding into the form necessary to challenge for a championship.