By PATRICK WALSH
Charlie Ippolito connected on a golden goal on a pass from Ryan Mathis three minutes into double-overtime, as Fairport (No. 1 NYSSWA) defeated Shaker (II) 2-1 to capture the NYSPHSAA Class AAA championship on Sunday at Middletown High School.
The goal, just the fourth on the season for Ippolito, secured Fairport’s first state title in program history, as well as the first undefeated season.
“It doesn’t even feel real yet to be honest with you,” said Head Coach Bill Teasdale. “I told them today in the locker room before we took the field and said, ‘you have an opportunity to make school history today,’ and they did.”
After Shaker led 1-0 in the first half, Mathis connected on a goal with two minutes left in the frame. Three minutes into double-overtime, Mathis received a pass from Justin Burton next to the far sideline. That’s when he saw Ippolito on a run and delivered a crosser that Ippolito connected on and sent the Fairport sideline into pandemonium.
“Ryan (Mathis) and I actually locked eyes for a minute and I was like, oh I know he’s going to cross the ball here,” said Ippolito.
“Last year he was a center back for us for much of the season,” said Teasdale. “When he came back, we put him in the midfield because he’s so athletic. I mean the kid can do handstands, he can walk on his hands, he can do backflips, he’s got all this athletic ability and he’s a good soccer player.”
In the Section V Championship, Fairport trailed 2-1. The next contest in the Far West Regional, Fairport conceded a goal 45 seconds into the match. In both the state semifinal and final, the Red Raiders trailed 1-0, before finding a way to win each of those four contests.
“It just shows that they are a resilient group and they never quit,” said Teasdale. “I always tell them defend well, because if we defend well and keep the ball out of our own goal, at some point we are going to score a goal.”
Mathis finished with a goal and an assist. Ippolito scored once. Trevor Scoppa added an assist on the Mathis tally.
“We’ve set a pretty high standard for Fairport soccer and I’ve told the boys all season, you’ve got a bullseye on you, and its getting bigger and bigger,” said Teasdale. “Now its bigger than its ever been.”
“I couldn’t imagine a better season than this season with my team,” said Ippolito. “It’s such a great feeling knowing that we made history.”
Fairport’s title extends Section V’s streak of three-straight years of at least one state title.
So PROUD of Charlie and the team! What an awesome mark they have made for the school!
Wow, sooo proud. Knew you were a good player!
Great honor!
Stay humble and give God the credit.