By PAUL GOTHAM
ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Eddie Appietu connected in the 84th minute to complete a come-from-behind win as the combined squad from World of Inquiry/Edison Tech/Padilla High/School of the Arts defeated Wilson/Early College, 3-2 in Rochester City Athletic Conference (RCAC) action from the Trent Jackson Memorial Athletic Complex on the Franklin campus, Monday.
Appietu converted a corner kick from teammate David Ndabwa for a golden goal.
“It feels amazing,” Appietu said. “I’m so happy.”
He won a ball in the air for his first goal of the season.
“We practice this all the time in training,” the senior said. “Whenever we have free time at practice, we try it. We both knew what to do. When he has a corner kick, he knows to look for me, and I know that I have to work to get to the ball.”
84’ Eddie Appietu converts on a corner kick to complete the rally. FT@GriffinsWois / @EDTechAthletics / Padilla/ SOTA 3 Wilson/Early College 2 pic.twitter.com/7FMGYGna4y
— Paul Gotham (@PickinSplinters) September 15, 2025
Usually a stopper on defense, head coach Rich Paufler moved Appietu forward on the set piece to take advantage of his 6-foot-1 frame.
“I wanted to see if he could get something done up top,” Paufler said.
Ndabwa lofted a service from the right corner flag that dropped from its apex just outside the 6-yard box at the far post.
“Just going to the right spot and targeting players,” Paufler said. “It’s really rewarding to see something like that work out when we’ve been practicing it.”
The Griffins trailed with less than 10 minutes remaining in regulation. This after being denied on a penalty kick opportunity in the 60th minute.
“We felt like we were in it, and there was no reason to panic,” Paufler said. “That’s what I always tell these guys.”
Ibrahimu Ali leveled the match with 9:34 to go in the game. Ndabwa assisted on the equalizer.
It appeared WOI/Edison/Padilla/SOTA had the game winner in the 76th minute, but the goal was disallowed on an offsides call.
“I’m proud of these guys,” Paufler said. “They keep on fighting.”
Ali started the scoring and gave the Griffins a 1-nil lead in the 14th minute.
14’ Ibrahimu Ramazani Ali wins a foot race and goes top shelf to give @GriffinsWois /@EDTechAthletics /Padilla/ SOTA a 1-nil lead over @wildcats_wilson/Early College pic.twitter.com/XF9PtXWaSM
— Paul Gotham (@PickinSplinters) September 15, 2025
Wilson/Early College responded quickly.
Yassan Ali converted a penalty kick with 23:02 left in the half. Less than four minutes later, Yassan Ali got behind the Griffins’ backline for a breakaway goal and a 2-1 Wilson/Early College lead heading into halftime.
“Wilson is always up to the challenge,” Paufler said. “They’re well-coached. They’re a good team. They’re our rival. They’re always ready for us. It’s always a good game with them.”
Bereket Tremblay made four saves for the win.
The same two teams will meet on October 15th.
The win was the fourth straight for WOI/Edison/Padilla/SOTA (4-1). The Griffins host Bishop Kearney on Wednesday.
Wilson/Early College (0-4) hosts Hornell on Wednesday.
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