By PAUL GOTHAM
WEBSTER, N.Y. — Lucas Cariola staked Churchville-Chili boys’ soccer to a first-half lead then set up Bryce Wolf for a goal, and the top-seeded Saints (16-1-2) went on to claim the 2025 Section V Class AA title with a 2-0 win over No. 6 Penfield (10-6-2).
The championship was the second in three seasons and came one year after John Mahoney’s squad saw its season end on penalty kicks after a scoreless game in the semifinals.
“All year long this is redemption for us,” said the 16th-year coach. “Losing these things before when we didn’t score goals, that wasn’t happening this year. That was the message after last year with the PK knockout not giving up a goal.”
VIEW MORE PHOTOS FROM LAURA ACCIAIO.
On Friday night, though, Churchville didn’t just have to contend with Penfield, but the Saints had to master 20 mile per hour winds and a rain-slickened surface at Webster Thomas High School.
“Sometimes you call it the great equalizer,” Mahoney said of the weather. “We really thought it played into our hands because our front three is so hard to contain. I think we could have scored a third or a fourth there. We’re talented up top.”
The Saints’ defense registered its third shutout in four postseason games and 13th overall for the campaign. Senior keeper Mason Simmons, who was required to make one save through the first 60 minutes, stopped three shots on the night.
“They’re just family,” Mahoney said of his backline that includes seniors Isaac Bailey, Ryan Vujanovic, Trevor Caldwell and Kyler Thomas. “Those back four with Mason, they’re just so good together. They help each other out.”
The two teams played to a two-all draw on October 16th, and Penfield scored two or more goals in each of its three previous sectional matches. In the Class AA final, though, the C-C allowed few good scoring opportunities.
Mahoney credited his defense and their willingness to help each other.
“They’re always a second man, second man, second man,” Mahoney said referring to the defensive support on the ball. “I don’t know if they had an open look because we always have someone blocking a shot and the second man in position. It’s just solid fundamental defense. It’s something we built the program on, but in years past we just didn’t have the scoring to go with it.”
Two years ago, the Saints ended a more than three-decade championship drought. Friday’s win captured the eighth title in program history.
“I’ve had some teams that were talented enough to win it before, but we just didn’t do it,” Mahoney said. “This group is just so mentally strong and focused. They just knew it.”
Avery Ewell had an assist on Cariola’s goal.
Churchville advances to the state quarterfinal where the Saints will face either Clarence (17-1-0) or the Williamsville East (16-2-0).
What a fabulous season for all. Players; coaches; supportive families and friends! Great job well done!!