By PAUL GOTHAM
HONEOYE FALLS, N.Y. — Lee Hartke scored twice while Austin Lattuca had a goal and an assist as the top-seeded Avon boys’ soccer team clinched the 2022 Section V Class C1 championship with a 3-0 No. 6 Williamson.
The title is the first in program history.
“Right now, it honestly feels like a relief to get the job done, but when I have time to soak it all in, it’s one the most special days of my life,” said Avon head coach Tony Patti. “We wanted this really bad. This group is really special.”
Hartke started the scoring less than 13 minutes into the game and added another score six minutes before halftime.
34’ Austin Lattuca leads Lee Hartke for his second goal of the day. @avon_central 2-0 pic.twitter.com/JGzImtczRo
— Paul Gotham (@PickinSplinters) October 29, 2022
“That’s critical because we have a really strong defense,” Patti said of the early advantage. “If we can score early and just do what we do, then we usually come out on top.”
Hartke, a three-year starter with the Braves, connected on his team-leading 29th and 30th goals of the season.
“It doesn’t start at the beginning of the season,” the senior midfielder said of the drive to win the championship. “It starts in seventh, sixth grade. We’ve been playing with this group of guys forever. When you know them this well, go to school with them every day, it’s fun. It’s fun to play the sport.”
49’ Josh Harter works the right wing for a service. Austin Lattuca flutters the twine. Avon 3 Williamson 0 Class C1 Boys Championship pic.twitter.com/BV9vtov69j
— Paul Gotham (@PickinSplinters) October 29, 2022
Williamson defeated Avon, 1-0 in last year’s semifinals. Patti said that game had little impact on his squad’s preparation for Saturday’s contest.
“It was just about doing what we wanted to do,” the 14th-year coach said. “They just happened to be the next team that was here. We didn’t really focus on them very much because we didn’t want it to become too emotional, just playing the game the right way.”
Avon (19-0-0 and ranked No. 1 NYSSWA) has not allowed a goal in its past 16 matches.
“It’s great,” Hartke said. “It’s been a good ride, but I know we got more to go.”
Christopher Kashorek made five saves for the shutout. Dominic Patti had two assists.
The Braves will face Class C2 champ Red Creek in the State Qualifier. The game is scheduled for a 7:45 p.m. kickoff, Wednesday night at Canandaigua Academy.
2022 Class C1 Champion Avon Braves pic.twitter.com/f6cvwZ9Rwg
— Paul Gotham (@PickinSplinters) October 29, 2022
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