By PAUL GOTHAM
The second full week of September comes to a close with games of intrigue throughout Section V boys’ soccer. Here’s a glance at some of the top tilts…
FRIDAY
McQuaid Jesuit (3-0-0/1-0-0) at Aquinas (2-1-0) 4:30 PM
The 2018 Catholic Cup kicks off with latest edition of the Aquinas and McQuaid rivalry. Undefeated state champions a year ago, McQuaid brings a 25-game winning streak into the weekend. Dan Malloy is the lone holdover from the Knights starting 11 a year ago. The senior attacker leads the McQuaid offense with five goals and an assist. Vincenzo Capezzuto has three goals. AQ senior Luke Putnam has two goals and an assist for the Li’l Irish. Sophomore attacker Gian Malcolm, who has found back of the net four times in the early going, made tremendous leaps during the offseason and provides head coach Josh Gleason with a scoring threat. The winner gets a matchup against the Bishop Kearney vs. Canisius (VI) survivor. Kearney claimed the 2017 Class C title. Canisius is a perennial power.
Geneseo (5-1-0/1-1-0) at Byron-Bergen/Elba (5-0-0/3-0-0) 6:30 PM
Livingston County/Genesee Region matchup pitting a pair of state-ranked sides. Led by Sam Pringle (eight goals/two assists), Wade Thompson (seven goals/four assists) and Kyle Foeller (six goals/six assists) Byron-Bergen/Elba, No. 11 NYSSWA Class C, has outscored opponents 25-2. Thompson is an elite level playmaker who is comfortable with the ball at his feet and getting teammates into the open for scoring opportunities. Geneseo came into the week ranked No. 15 Class C NYSSWA. The Blue Devils are coming off a 1-0 loss to Keshequa earlier in the week.
Williamson (6-0-0/4-0-0) at East Rochester (5-2-0/3-1-0) 6:30 PM
Wayne County tilt that sees No. 3 NYSSWA Class C, Williamson take on a surging East Rochester squad. Hunter Byron paces the Marauders offense with seven goals and two assists. Justin Eaton adds six goals and seven helpers to an effort which has seen Williamson outscore opponents 26-6. East Rochester has won four straight. Chuck Domm leads the Bombers with seven markers and three assists. Russell Domm has five goals and three helpers.
SATURDAY
Greece Odyssey (4-0-0/3-0-0) at Pittsford Mendon (3-3-0/1-3-0) Noon
Ranked No. 5 NYSSWA Class B, Greece Odyssey has the look of a team ready to improve upon last season’s run to the Class B finals. The Leopards will need to get past a Friday matchup with East High before traveling to Thornell Park to meet the Vikings. Dylan Ange leads Odyssey with six goals. Matt Bamford paces Mendon with five goals. The Vikings will look to win their third straight game.
Greece Athena (2-1-1/2-0-0) at Brockport (2-4-0/1-2-0) 5 PM
First-year coach Jeff Phillips and the Brockport Blue Devils will look to even up their divisional record when a banged-up Athena 11 make the trip west. Five different Blue Devils have scored with Nick VanWie collecting two markers to lead the squad. Starting center mid Dylan McDermott sat the second half of Athena’s match with Brighton on Thursday. Key reserve Alec Hefke will not be available because of injury. The Trojans are undefeated in their last three games.
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