One squad is looking for its first title in 26 years. The other aims for its first since the merger of two programs. Kendall and Genesee Valley-Belfast meet on Saturday to determine the Section V Boys’ Class C2 Soccer championship. Here’s the breakdown:
No. 1 seed KENDALL EAGLES (16-1-1 / Genesee)
vs.
No. 3 seed GENESEE VALLEY-BELFAST JAGUARS (15-2-1 / Allegany)
How they arrived here: Top-seeded Kendall (No. 5 NYSSWA) downed Gananda (7-1) and Campbell-Savona (2-1) to reach the title game. Genesee Valley-Belfast defeated HAC (4-0) and Dundee/Bradford (2-1) in double-overtime to advance to the C2 championship game.
Total goals scored: Kendall (83), Genesee Valley-Belfast (57)
Total goals allowed: Kendall (8), Genesee Valley-Belfast (16)
Trends: Kendall has won its last 10 matches and has posted six clean sheets during that stretch. Genesee Valley-Belfast is riding a five-game win streak.
Players to watch for Kendall: Pablo Rosario-Reyes Jr. (24 G, 23 A); Brandon Barrett Jr. (13 G, 10 A); Jonathan Esposito Jr. (10 G, six A); Colby Hughes Sr. (six G, 12 A); William Kludt Sr. (eight G, one A); Jonathan Conte Jr. GK (55 saves, five goals against).
Genesee Valley-Belfast: Jordan White-Phipps Sr.; Callahan Tallman Jr.; Sal Gambino Sr.; Zach Thomas Sr. GK.
Coaches: Rich Esposito (Kendall), Mark Sullivan (Genesee Valley-Belfast)
History 101: Kendall is looking to win its first sectional title in 28 years. The Eagles last won in 1998 and boast six championships in program history. Genesee Valley-Belfast aims for its first championships since the Genesee Valley and Belfast programs merged. The two programs combine for 15 titles, with Belfast accounting for 14, the last coming in 2017.
What’s next: A spot in the Class C Far West regional qualifier against the winner of East Rochester and Byron-Bergen/Elba.
Kickoff is slated for 2:30 p.m. at Honeoye Falls-Lima on Saturday.
Leave a Reply