By PAUL GOTHAM
PITTSFORD, N.Y. — That the boys’ soccer teams from Pittsford Sutherland and Churchville-Chili squared off in sectionals comes as no surprise.
Having said contest occur prior to All Hallows’ Eve shunned a trend from the past couple of seasons.
Sutherland’s Knights made sure the game result remained consistent with past meetings.
Devon Rashid and Thomas Kwon scored a goal apiece as No. 4 Sutherland secured a spot in the 2022 Section V Class A semifinals with a 2-0 victory over No. 5 Churchville-Chili, Tuesday evening.
“They’re a great team,” Sutherland head coach Sean Hopkins said of Churchville-Chili. “It’s always a great battle. We got lucky to get a couple goals in the first half. They put it on us the whole second half. We defended our hearts out. Did a really nice job.”
Rashid snapped a scoreless tie when he received a pass inside the 18-yard box along the right side and went far side netting for a 1-nil lead with 18 minutes remaining in the first half.
Moments earlier, Rashid had worked along the right flank to deliver a service that went just over the bar. When given his opportunity, he didn’t miss.
“The first seven games of the year he was playing center mid, and I think he had an assist,” Hopkins said of the senior. “Then we moved him to striker. Ever since I think he’s got nine goals and 11 assists. That’s in seven games. That move has really helped him. He’s a dangerous player up there for us. He creates a lot, and we need that.”
22’ Devon Rashid goes far side netting to give @SHSsoccersquad a 1-nil lead. pic.twitter.com/78YLFNZx4h
— Paul Gotham (@PickinSplinters) October 25, 2022
Kwon converted a free kick from just out side the 18-yard box 14 minutes later for the two-goal advantage heading into halftime.
Churchville wasted little time putting pressure on Sutherland in the second half.
Aidan Ozkaynak made a rush along the left wing and played a service into the area that eventually came to Colton Shuman for a shot that sailed just over the bar.
The Saints continued to push the ball at Sutherland, but the Knights defense gave Churchville little room to finish.
36’ Thomas Kwon connects from just outside the 18. @SHSsoccersquad 2-nil pic.twitter.com/MuVuv1N2sb
— Paul Gotham (@PickinSplinters) October 25, 2022
“We always talk about marking very tight throughout the game,” Hopkins explained. “Pushing people up the middle. That’s where our strength is. I never think we do it well enough, and I’m always on them to keep getting tighter and tighter. That’s been our staple.”
Seth Rozen made eight saves for the shutout.
Sutherland (14-3-1) will face No. 8 Greece Athena (10-6-2) in the semifinals on Friday. Sutherland took both regular season meetings (4-0, 3-0) between the Monroe County Division III rivals. The Knights will be looking to clinch their fourth straight finals appearance.
Fantastic stop by Elijah Bailey keeps @CCCSDbsoccer within striking distance. 18 remaining @SHSsoccersquad 2-0 pic.twitter.com/BECzhZiMSY
— Paul Gotham (@PickinSplinters) October 25, 2022
Sutherland defeated Churchville in the past two Class A championship games taking a 2-nil decision in 2020 and a 1-0 victory a year ago.
“We both said to each other before the game it’s weird seeing each other in the quarterfinals,” Hopkins said of pregame conversation with Churchville head coach John Mahoney. “It’s too early for this matchup.”
A 7:30 p.m. start time is scheduled at Gates Chili High School on Friday.
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