Top-ranked North remains undefeated

The Williamsville North boys soccer team proved why their No. 1 among Western New York large schools with two grueling ECIC Division I victories last week.

North shut out Clarence, ranked fourth, 1-0, on Sept. 18 and Orchard Park, 2-0, last Thursday.

North coach Lee Ferenc said the Clarence game was an even battle with each team having its bright spots and dull times. Yet, he felt his team was able to exploit the defensive weaknesses that Clarence exhibited.

With about 35 minutes into the first half, Dan Topolski froze the Clarence goalie on a volley that dipped right over the goalie's head.

That was all the momentum the Spartans needed, as the midfield of Pat McCann, John Piaggione, Sean Durfee, Daric Will, and Matt Campana constantly pressured Clarence. Brian Durfee had a game-saving tackle with a shot block inside the North 18-yard line. The defensive core unit of Lucas Barnes, Jimmy Nesper, Travis Lang and Brian Doherty helped Tyler Cominsky earn another shutout.

Against Orchard Park, Ferenc said his team came out a little flat in the first half but was able to turn it around at halftime and score within the first two minutes of the second half.

Sean Durfee scored twice for his first points of the season.

"His speed was too much for the Orchard Park defense as he was able to take the keeper on and bury the ball in the back of the net," said Ferenc. Cominsky improved his shutout total to 5.5 for the season with an impressive stance in net.

With the 2-0 win, the Spartans improved to 7-0 overall and 4-0 in the league.

The Spartans remain undefeated at this point, but face a grueling divisional week of game play ahead. They will play three games this week, which started with a 1-0 home win over Frontier on Monday. Results were unavailable before The Bee went to press.

They host Jamestown on Wednesday before traveling to Clarence on Friday on what will be a showdown of large school powerhouses.