By PAUL GOTHAM
WEBSTER, N.Y. — The schedule hasn’t done first-year Webster Thomas head coach, Jamie Berardicurti any favors. Four games into the 2024 slate, and Berardicurti’s Titans have already played three reigning sectional champions. Factor in a match against Irondequoit that was postponed, and the Titans have faced three straight champions.
So while Wednesday night’s contest didn’t produce a win for Thomas, you’ll have to forgive Berardicurti if he can’t help but look at the positive.
“We showed that we can compete,” Berardicurti said after his squad played to a scoreless draw with reigning Section V Class AA champion, Churchville-Chili. “We definitely have improved each match. We’ve shown that we can compete with the best teams in Section V.”
The Titans opened the season last Thursday with a 4-2 loss to Fairport, winners of AAA in 2023. Two days later, they dropped a 2-1 decision to Aquinas, a team that went undefeated a year ago in winning the NYS Class A title.
“It wasn’t a clean game (from a standpoint of tactical play), but it was definitely trending in the right direction,” Berardicurti said. “We’re primed for the remaining portion of our season.”
By the end of the night, Thomas keeper Patrick Klehr stood above the rest. The senior didn’t just register a shutout, he changed the outcome of the game.
“Without him, it’s probably a blowout,” Berardicurti said. “Churchville had tremendous opportunities, and he came up big. That just builds confidence in the rest of the team just knowing you have a solid keeper behind you. You can relax a little and play your game a little more with more confidence.”
Churchville entered play with wins in both of its previous outings, having outscored opponents by a combined total of 4-1.
The Saints pushed forward early in the contest working for a pair of first-half corner kicks and pair of shots on net including a Colin Guilfoyle rocket from 25 yards that Klehr left his feet to deflect over the bar.
Gem of a save from Patrick Klehr who finished the night with eight stops. Final in extra time: Thomas 0 Churchville-Chili 0 pic.twitter.com/VsZpc1HFkW
— Paul Gotham (@PickinSplinters) September 12, 2024
“Their keeper played outstanding,” said Churchville head coach John Mahoney. “A good four or five of those were goals. They were goals on frame that he touched to the post or past.”
Four of Klehr’s eight saves came in the second half.
With less than five minutes remaining in regulation, Klehr denied Churchville on a free kick from 35 yards out when he tipped away a head flick from Deric Olson. He had a similar effort on a Saints’ corner kick in the first extra-time.
He was at his best in the final minute of the second extra-time period when Trevor Caldwell lined up a right-footed volley just outside the six-yard box. Klehr made a diving stop.
“I’m so happy for him because his confidence level ebbs and flows depending on the situation,” Berardicurti said. “He got a little shell-shocked in our first match. He let in four goals that weren’t his fault.
“He’s a shot-stopper. His quick-twitch muscles, his reaction time is as good as any you’ll see. Obviously, every player has areas to work on, but right now he’s a key player on our team.”
Mason Simmons made two saves for Churchville (2-0-1).
Big save from @CCCSDbsoccer keeper Mason Simmons. pic.twitter.com/nAImYfWC6L
— Paul Gotham (@PickinSplinters) September 12, 2024
“I say it every time you walk into overtime, you do not want to lose,” Mahoney said. “Those two-and-a-half points in sectional standings matter. In the division title race, it matters. Of course, I would have like to have had a win. Hats off to them (Thomas). This is always a hard place to play for as long as I’ve coached here. The guys always bring it. They did. Thomas brought it.
“This was one of those first Fall games where the dew set in really early,” Mahoney said. “I thought the possession was sloppy on both sides. It wasn’t either one of our faults. It was just touches in the middle of the park where it was kind of all over the place. We did build. We did create. We had some really nice opportunities. We just didn’t finish.”
The same two teams meet at Churchville on October 1st.
Berardicurti’s son, Andrew, was a starter on the Saints’ sectional championship team last year.
Thomas travels to play at Spencerport on Saturday for a 5:00 p.m. start. Berardicurti played for Spencerport in the 90s.
Churchville hosts Gates Chili on Friday. A 4 p.m. kickoff is slated.
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