Boys soccer North's dream season ends in regionals

Williamsville North had never advanced past the Far West Regional in boys soccer and unfortunately, the Spartans' bad luck continued last Saturday at Caledonia-Mumford High School.

North, ranked first in New York State Class AA and fifth in the National Soccer Coaches Association of America/Adidas rankings, lost to Section V's Webster Thomas, 2-0.

The Spartans battled with Webster Thomas right from the get go.

"We came out looking to set the tempo as both teams exchanged scoring chances throughout the first half," said North coach Lee Ferenc. "Yet, either team could break through the defense."

Webster Thomas' first goal came with 30 minutes left in the second half on what Ferenc called a questionable penalty kick.

"A strong defensive move was shunned by the referee and Webster Thomas' (Matt Schuber) capitalized with about 30 minutes left in the game," said Ferenc.

Ferenc said his team had only let in eight goals all year with two of them going in on penalty kicks.

As the game continued, North and Webster continued to put the pressure on each other. As game time started to wind down, Ferenc made a formation change to generate more offense and Webster Thomas took advantage of the situation as Matt Schuber added a late insurance goal.

North finishes 19-1-2 and outscored its opponents, 60-8. They were also ECIC Division I and for the first time in 15 years, Section VI Class AA champions.

"The parental and school support for our team (program) was amazing as the players worked their way through the season," said Ferenc. "The players were given encouragement from all angles and helped form a sense of pride. This team spirit and pride was present when I arrived six years ago and has continued to grow over the years. The amount of alumni and former players at our events pushed the players harder. As the players said many times, the sectional championship was not only for them but for those who tried in the past and were unsuccessful."

Ferenc wanted to also recognize the team's fan base, who were with the team all year, regardless of the weather.

"From foam fingers, posters, armbands to the 'Steiny scream', it was truly an experience," said Ferenc. "The team had a family approach and that is what kept us rolling all year long. We all looked out for each other both on and off the field."

North's success on the field also resulted in several all-star selections. Jimmy Nesper, John Piaggione, Sean Durfee and Tyler Cominsky earned ECIC Division I First Team honors; Lucas Barnes, Daric Will and Brian Durfee made the Second Team; Dan Topolski, Matt Campana and Andre Marinaccio were selected to the Third Team.

Campana led North with 28 points (10 goals, eight assists). He's followed by Sean Durfee (nine goals, four assists) and Topolski (10 goals, two assists) and Piaggione (six goals, eight assists), Marinaccio (four goals, five assists) and Oliver Jackson (five goals, three assists). Cominsky had a 94 save percentage and 16 shutouts in net.