"We are ready to finish off the season at Belson Stadium by lifting the New York State championship."

This was the sentiment rooted in the mind of first-year varsity starter Massimo Fargnoli before Chaminade's 2025 season began. 

The statement represents more than just a mindset, but rather, the journey that the Chaminade Flyers have taken in the past year. From being ranked as high as #4 in the country in the United Soccer Coaches poll, to winning the NSCHSAA championship over St. Anthony's, to falling short of a New York State crown against Fordham Prep - it has been a roller coaster ride for the Crimson and Gold over these past 12 months.

2025 may be a new year, a new beginning, and a new team for Chaminade, but the goal remains the same - to call themselves New York State champs.

"We believe in ourselves, and we're willing to do whatever it takes to win," said senior midfielder Robert Malave. "The talent is there, the chemistry is growing every game, and we have leaders all over the field. We've learned a lot from our setbacks, and we're locked in. This team has what it takes."

In their first seven contests, the Flyers defeated six of their opponents; their only loss was to St. Benedict's Prep, the top-ranked team in the country.

"I think we have played well as a team so far, but there's still a lot of work to be done," said senior forward Gianluca Falanga. "We are still a work in progress at the moment, but what I can say is that we have shown, on many occasions, a glimpse of just how good we can be."

Chaminade has been led by the man between the pipes - senior goaltender Athanasios Pasakiolis. Outside of the second half against St. Benedict's Prep - one in which he let up six goals - Pasakiolis has only conceded one tally all season.

In 2024, Pasakiolis sat behind Keegan Portsmore, but with Portsmore having graduated, the kid they call "Thano" has been slotted into the starting role, and he has excelled.

"Thano has had an excellent start to the season," raved second-year head coach Brian Anselmo. "Before the season, we told him that we expected him to be a leader in the defense, and he has stepped up and done very well so far."

"The coaching staff has helped me become a better goalkeeper by showing me that they have trust and confidence in my abilities," said Pasakiolis. "I have realized that I need to step up to the plate and help us win as many games as possible."

In front of Pasakiolis is the backline, which consists of four new starters: Anthony Ferrante, Matthew Kucharnik, Connor Capobianco, and Nicholas McConaghy. Despite the inexperience of the group, they have all performed well to start the season. 

On the other end of the pitch, the Flyers added two stars from MLS NEXT, the top boys' youth soccer league in the United States and Canada, in Fargnoli and Massimo Bruno. 

"Playing with this team through seven games has been really fun," said Fargnoli. "I've gotten to learn a lot from the coaching staff. Most importantly, I'm giving it all for the team and not just me."

With the addition of these two seniors, Chaminade's offense has evolved and strengthened. In four of their seven contests, the Flyers have put five-or-more goals on the scoreboard. 

Last year, Blake Donahue, a current starter for the Cornell Big Red and a former MLS NEXT player, joined Chaminade's soccer team for his senior season, one in which he was named an All-American. Just like Donahue did last season, Fargnoli and Bruno have made Chaminade a stronger group.

"Both Fargnoli and Bruno have helped make our team more dynamic," explained Anselmo. "Any time we can add talented players, it makes us a better team."

Fargnoli has already tallied five goals this season, while Bruno has been an instrumental part of the midfield. 

"The midfield is off to a good start, and we have seen some growth in the last few games," said Anselmo. "One of our strengths in the midfield is our flexibility. We have a number of players who can play multiple positions."

"I think what makes us so hard to play against is how comfortable we all are on the ball and how hard we play defense," said Dorsey. "Anyime we lose the ball, we are swarming to get it back as quickly as possible, and we don't give our opponents much time to react."

With everything that has been put on display from this team to begin the season, Chaminade looks like it is destined for another successful campaign. After last year's disappointment, this team is on a mission to crown itself king of the state this time around.