By PHIL BLACKWELL and ROB JONAS
No one on the Bethlehem boys soccer team traveled this far, with this much support, exerting this much effort, to return home with anything other than victory.
And that is just what the Eagles got in last Friday night’s Class AA regional final, withstanding every kind of assault from Section III champion Cicero-North Syracuse to prevail 1-0 in an emotional affair at West Genesee High School near Syracuse.
In fact, the emotions got out of hand. Officials called the game with 11 seconds left after three CNS players were issued red cards in a storm of frustration at seeing its great season come to an end.
By the time everyone cooled down, Bethlehem players had run over to the bleachers, celebrating with the large contingent of black-and-orange-clad supporters that had traveled more than two hours to see the Eagles reach the state final four for the first time in team history.
It’s amazing to have that kind of support, said goalkeeper Jason Daniels, referring to the 200-plus students and parents (even the pep band) that all made the trip and, at times, drowned out the CNS contingent.
Fans on both sides witnessed a tense and exciting battle, where the Eagles took full advantage of the opportunity it got, and spent much of the other time holding on.
Each side had plenty of attacks early on, but the Northstars looked ready to go in front when, in the 17th minute, Jeff Gilbert charged in from the left.
Daniels ran out to meet him and made the stop far outside his net, then sprinted back in time to grab the ball again before the rebound went behind him.
Then in the 28th minute, the Eagles pulled out in front. Star forward Darko Knesevic, a handful all night for CNS defenders, ignited the push, and a great series of passes set up Bryan White, who dribbled around goalie Ryan Goettel and poked the ball home.
This continued White’s remarkable comeback from a torn abdomen muscle that kept him out most of the season. He still plays with a lot of pain, but has put in all three of the Eagles’ goals in the last two playoff games.
Ultimately, Bethlehem would not get so close again against CNS, and relied on Daniels and the rest of a hard-working defense to preserve that slim margin.
All night long, the back line of Rob Wexler, Tanner Crosier, Pat Campion and Nate House stayed calm and collected, breaking up the Northstars’ attacks and protecting Daniels.
In one extreme case, House made the biggest stop of the night. In the 53rd minute, Gilbert returned to attack and had Daniels beaten as he took the shot ` but at the last moment, House stepped in and kicked the ball away before it could trickle over the line.
Head coach Phil Ridgeway said his team had to stay in a defensive mode because it was getting used to playing on an artificial surface (Field Turf, to be exact) for the first time all season, and knew CNS had a lot more experience on that surface.
Ultimately, said Ridgeway, `we settled down and played our game.`
`We played well in the first half, then went into our defensive mode,` said Daniels. `Fortunately, we came out on top.`
All of those Bethlehem fans that ventured to Camillus will make a much shorter commute this weekend ` to the National Soccer Hall of Fame in Oneonta, where the state Class AA title will be decided.
On Saturday morning at 9 a.m., the Eagles will meet Arlington (Section I) in the semifinals, with the championship game set for Sunday at 11 a.m.
Ridgeway said the experience provided by 16 seniors (including most of the starting lineup) on the roster, plus the tough competition in the Section II ranks, has prepared his team well for the state tournament.
Late goals lift Eagles past Streaks
Bethlehem advanced to the regional tournament with a dramatic Sectional final victory.
White scored two goals in the final 3:33 to lift Bethlehem past Saratoga 2-0 in Tuesday’s class AA boys soccer championship game at Colonie Central High School.
White broke the scoreless deadlock less than six minutes later. After his initial shot was stopped by Warren Gross, White kicked the rebound away from Gross’ hands and knocked the ball into the empty net.
White added an insurance goal 93 seconds later. Bill Barrowman sent a crossing pass to White, who headed the ball past Gross.
`I just saw it coming and put my head on it,` said White.
The Blue Streaks had a chance to take the lead less than three minutes into the second half. Bethlehem goaltender Jason Daniels came off his line to snare a loose ball, but Saratoga’s Johnathan Rosebrook beat Daniels to the ball and crossed it to Sean Behan in front of an empty net. Behan’s shot sailed high over the crossbar, though.
Rosebrook had his own chance at an empty net goal later in the second half. He knocked the ball away from Daniels and shot it toward the goal, but Bethlehem’s defense swooped in and cleared the ball away.
Gross made several saves in his final game in a Saratoga uniform. The senior goalie will be playing for Penn State next fall after earning all-Suburban Council first-team honors the last three years.
`Warren’s a fantastic goalie, and we were lucky to get two (goals) on him,` said Ridgeway.“