One squad looks to defend its Class C2 title. Another is in pursuit of the Class C2 title after winning the Class D title last year. In a matchup of two teams that were perfect in the regular season, Kendall and Naples will see who blinks first as they go head-to-head for the championship. Here’s the breakdown:
No. 1 seed KENDALL EAGLES
(18-0-0 / Genesee Region I)
vs.
No. 2 seed NAPLES BIG GREEN MACHINES
(16-0-0 / Finger Lakes West)
How they arrived here: After earning a first-round bye, top-seeded Kendall (No. 3 NYSSWA) defeated No. 8 Cuba-Rushford/Hinsdale 7-1 in the quarterfinals. In the semifinals, the Eagles took down No. 4 Gananda 6-1. (No. 1 NYSSWA) Naples began its postseason with a 4-0 victory over No. 7 HAC in the quarterfinals. The Big Green Machines then defeated No. 3 Geneseo 4-0 again in the semifinals.
VIEW MORE PHOTOS FROM LAURA ACCIAIO.
Total goals scored: Kendall (76), Naples (103)
Total goals allowed: Kendall (7), Naples (6)
Trends: Kendall comes into the championship with a perfect 18-0-0 record. They’ve allowed more than one goal just once and shut out their opponent in 12 of the 18 games they’ve played. The Eagles shut out 12 of the first 15 opponents they faced including a stretch from Aug. 28 to Sept. 22 when they didn’t allow a single goal over eight games. Kendall has outscored opponents 13-2 in the two sectional games they played. Naples comes in with a perfect 16-0-0 record. The Big Green Machines have also only allowed more than one goal once and shut out their opponent in 11 of the 16 games they’ve played, including in both sectional games they played. Naples has scored six or more goals in 10 different games.
Regular season meetings: Kendall and Naples did not play each other in the regular season.
Players to watch for Kendall: Pablo Reyes-Rosario Sr. (24 G, 25 A) Brandon Barrett Sr. (18 G, 12 A); Jonathan Esposito Sr. (14 G, 10 A); Brenden Eichas Jr. (8 G, 14 A); Vincent D’Agostino Sr. (5 G, 2 A); Jonathan Conte Sr. GK (111 saves, 7 GA)
Naples: Connor Betrus Jr. (28 G, 11 A); Maddox Mannella Jr. (17 G, 14 A); Riccardo Izzo Sr. (16 G, 5 A); Oscar Austin Sr. (12 G, 24 A); Isaac Ward Sr. (10 G, 9 A); Joseph Christmas Sr. GK (39 saves, 6 GA); Oliver Stuck So. GK (1 save, 0 GA)
Coaches: Rich Esposito (Kendall), Jon Betrus (Naples)
History 101: Kendall took home the Class C2 title in 2024, first defeating Genesee Valley-Belfast 3-1 in the Class C2 final before taking down East Rochester in the regional qualifier 3-0. The Eagles eventually fell to Allegany-Limestone 4-2 in the quarterfinals of the NYSPHSAA Class C championships. Their title in 2024 was their first sectional title since 1998 and seventh as a program. After falling to Hamilton 3-2 in overtime in the semifinals of the NYSPHSAA Class D championships, Naples is looking to take the Class C2 crown in 2025. Their title in 2024 was just their second sectional title since 2001, also claiming the Class D title in 2020. They’ve won 13 sectional titles in program history.
What’s at stake: A spot in the Boys’ Soccer Class C regional qualifier against the Class C1 champion.
Kickoff is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 1 at 1 p.m. at Honeoye Falls-Lima Central High School.
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