East shuts out Lew-Port in Class A playoffs

Williamsville East advanced in the Section VI Class A playoffs with a 2-0 shutout Saturday over Lew-Port in the prequarterfinals.

In less than ideal playing conditions, East came out strong, controlling most of the first half. Good ball movement and quick attack kept Lew-Port's defense active but East had difficulty scoring.

"Through balls often stopped in puddles before reaching a player," said East coach Ron Schumacher. "Dribbling through the water proved impossible."

Twenty-eight minutes into the first half, Tony Schiappa sent a dead ball to the far post for Sean Lanighan who was breaking in on goal. Lanighan was able to get a head on the ball and drive it into the net for the first and winning goal. Other scoring opportunities went high, wide or hit the post as East applied pressure.

Lew-Port packed the defensive 18-yard area on dead balls where the defense made good saves when the goalie was beaten.

The second half was much the same for East. Good ball control and scoring opportunities for East kept Lew-Port on their heels. Just over 10 minutes into the second half, Schiappa sent a corner kick into the goal area. The defense tried to clear the ball as East players kept trying to shoot to score. The ball came out to the 18-yard line where Colin Begy drove it into the far corner panel for the second goal of the game.

Several players stepped up for the Flames.

"Sean Lanighan played one of his finest games offensively and defensively," said Schumacher. "He had several scoring opportunities and beat his defensive player often."

"Tony Schiappa was marked closely preventing him to be as dominating as usual. Colin Begy stepped up to fill his role, setting up scoring plays. Mike Price continued to dominate from his outside position while forwards Matt Kweller and Simon Park pressured defense. Stopper Rashawn Durden controlled the middle, stopping Lew-Port's attack before it got rolling. Outside defenders Kyle Habdo and Bryan Cianchetti played solid while Andy Gage cleared the ball out of the defensive end."

Brian Wallden recorded his eighth shutout of the season.

East (11-0-1) played West Seneca East Tuesday but results were unavailable before The Bee went to press.