By PAUL GOTHAM
MIDDLETOWN, N.Y. — An early goal proved to be the difference as Fairport boys’ soccer (18-1-0) fell to Commack (20-1-1) of Section XI, 1-0 in the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) Class AAA championship game, Sunday from Faller Field at Middletown High School.
The loss kept Fairport from repeating as state champions and ended the Red Raiders unbeaten streak at 37 games.
“I’m proud of the team,” said head coach Bill Teasdale. “We had a great season. I told them ‘One game does not define us.’ We’ve got a lot to be proud of. They worked hard, and I’m proud that they battled right until the end. They didn’t give up.”
The Red Raiders came into the weekend ranked No. 1 in the state (a spot they had held since the beginning of the season) and looked every bit the part on Saturday as they easily dispatched Guilderland of Section II, 4-0.
On Sunday, Commack limited Fairport’s scoring opportunities, and those chances that the Red Raiders had didn’t go their way.
“Sean (Griffin) had a great shot that went off the post,” Teasdale said. “He had another great one that went off the crossbar. It’s a game of inches. If it bounced a little bit more one way or the other, who knows. Unfortunately, it didn’t bounce our way.”
Ryan Curcio scored the lone goal less than eight minutes into the match. Brayden O’Boyle assisted on the play. The Cougars defeated Baldwinsville (III) in a weather-delayed semifinal on Saturday as thunder and lightning accompanied showers that moved through the area.
“They’re a good team,” Teasdale said of the Section XI champions. “They’re a quality opponent.”
Fairport was looking to become the third Section V team to repeat as state champions joining Red Creek (2007, 2008) and Pittsford Mendon (1997, 1998) and the first local side to achieve that at the highest classification.
“They’re a great group,” Teasdale said of his squad. “I’ve enjoyed coaching them, and I’m very proud of them.”
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