By PAUL GOTHAM
Senior Michael Theodorou collected a goal and an assist as the Aquinas L’il Irish erased a second-half deficit to defeat the East High Eagles, 4-3 in Class A2 quarterfinal action at Wegmans Stadium Friday.
Trailing 3-1 with less than 25 minutes remaining in the contest, Theodorou found classmate Luke Putnam just outside the six-yard box with a corner kick from the left flag to cut the deficit in half. Putnam converted with a head ball for his third goal of the season.
“I know Luke is going to win every head ball,” Theodorou said. “He’s the tallest kid, and he’s got the best head on the team. I knew if I put it on his head, he’s going to score.”
Less than three minutes later, Theodorou leveled the match.
“This is all I ever wanted, to get my team through and to play like this on potentially my last game on this field,” he added.
The play started on the right side of the field when freshman Gian Malcolm beat a defender with a feint, made a rush to the 18-yard box before delivering a cross that Putnam flicked on to Theodorou running far post.
“I saw the ball coming at me, and I said ‘you know what I need to take a chance. I’m not going to have time to settle. I’m in the box so let me just take a half volley.’ Thank God I scored.”
Josiah Fragnito capped the rally with 8:19 remaining in the match when he beat East High goalkeeper Abdiaziz Osman one on one. Fragnito stepped in front of a clearing attempt and broke into the open when several East defenders were distracted when an Aquinas player fell to the turf with a leg cramp. The official, by rule, did not stop the play with ball being advanced.
“It was a great effort. Second half we definitely bounced back. I’m really happy with my team and the effort we put forth in the second half.”
Edi Muka scored all three East High goals. The senior attacker gave the Eagles a 2-0 advantage midway through the first half. Muka made it a 3-1 game with 23:54 left on the clock.
“We told ourselves not to get to nervous and play simple,” Theodorou noted. “Get the ball up top and just finish. Every chance we get it it could be our last and just put them away.”
Brian Howse converted another Theodorou corner kick for the first Li’l Irish goal.
Aquinas (9-7-1) moved on to Tuesday’s semi-final round where they will play top-seeded Honeoye Falls-Lima (15-2-0). HF-L has won the last three A2 titles. Game time and location are to be announced.
Wow that Michael kid sounds good