By PAUL GOTHAM
ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Basha Kelil provided all the offense needed, and Armando Hassan backstopped the defense as Wilson/Early College opened the season with a 1-nil victory over Eastridge in non-league action from Thurgood Marshall Middle School on the Charlotte Campus, Tuesday.
Kelil connected on the match’s only goal in the 59th minute.
“I knew it was going in after I kicked it,” the junior midfielder said. “When the ball came to me, the first thing I thought was I got to shoot.”
Kelil took a pass from teammate Nuno Mohamed and unloaded a shot from 35 yards out that found the back of the net.
“My boy passed me the ball, and I had to finish it,” Kelil said. “I had to put it in.”
59’ Osman Kelil connects from 35 yards to give Wilson/Early College a 1-nil lead. pic.twitter.com/wqJTSl938i
— Paul Gotham (@PickinSplinters) September 8, 2026
The Wilson/Early College defense made the lead stand.
“Armando’s the key communicator back there,” Wilson/Early College head coach Josh Schipper said of his senior keeper. “He kind of organizes it.”
The Wildcats’ defense held Eastridge to two shots on target in the match. Schipper pointed to the play of center back Ibrahim Hassan for limiting Eastridge’s chances.
“Ibra started out probably two years ago, really was an iffy kind of player, but he has just grown into himself, and he has just really stepped up. He locks down the ball, wins 50-50 balls, and just really steps up.”
Eastridge’s best opportunity for a goal came in the first half when Sam Compitello struck from just inside the 18-yard box.
Hassan was up to the task.
“It all starts with communicating on the backline,” Hassan said. “Knowing that they’re listening is the best part.”
Eastridge (1-2-0) travels to play Rochester Prep on Saturday. Wilson/Early College. Wilson/ Early College hosts East/Monroe/School Without Walls on Friday.
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