Flames tie North, beat Iroquois for ECIC II title

Entering the second to last week of the regular season proved to be a big week for Williamsville East's boys soccer team.

In a non-league game last Tuesday against Williamsville North, the teams played to a 0-0 tie.

"Neither team had any good scoring opportunities," said East coach Ron Schumacher. "The first half play was pretty equal. I think we controlled the game more in the second half. We had some good scoring chances that we missed and North played good defense to keep us off the scoreboard."

Schumacher said traditionally the games between East and North are usually very physical but this one was played cleaner with players on both teams enjoying the competition.

"It was important to do well again Williamsville North, win, lose or tie as North was ranked number one in Western New York (number two in New York State)," he added.

East traveled to Iroquois on Friday to battle for the ECIC Division II title and possibly the top seed for sectionals.

Schumacher said Iroquois is always a difficult game on their turf, but with about two minutes in, Kevin Castine picked up a loose ball, turned, and quickly sent it in the upper corner for an early lead.

"Playing with a one-goal lead takes pressure off the defense knowing a mistake may only tie the game," Schumacher added.

Schumacher said his team's defense played tough.

"Joe Buran played strong to prevent his mark from attacking," he said. "Through balls were quickly cleared by sweeper Bryan Cianchetti. Outside back Rashawn Durden stepped up to force poor passes. Stopper Jay Winzenried forced play in the middle and quickly attacked when we gained possession."

Up 1-0 at halftime, Schumacher said East controlled the second half early and had a few scoring opportunities.

"Colin Begy and Castine controlled midfield forcing play wide," said Schumacher. "Iroquois began to press and moved more players up to score. They had three great opportunities but shot high twice and wide another time."

Goalie Brian Wallden picked several crosses out of the air and his long punts and goal kicks put the ball at midfield and into Iroquois' defensive end, said Schumacher.

With only a couple minutes left, Begy took a pass from midfield, dribbled around a defender and sprinted toward the goal. Forced to the outside, he beat two more defenders before turning to the goal and chipping the ball over the goalie to the head of Brian Calisto who put the ball into the net.

"It was a great team victory," said Schumacher.

Begy leads East with 11 goals followed by Simon Park (10 goals) and Castine (nine).

East (13-1-2, 10-1), ranked No. 2 in Western New York and No. 1 in New York State Class A, hosts West Seneca East at 4:45 p.m. on Wednesday. The Flames close out the regular season at 4:45 p.m. on Monday against Lancaster.