Churchville-Chili is in the state semifinals for the second consecutive year as the Saints look to extend their unbeaten run to eight en route to the state final. Bethlehem enters undefeated on the season as the Eagles ride an eight-game win streak into their second semi-finals in three seasons. It’s No.1 vs No.2 with a trip to the state final on the line. Here’s the breakdown:
NYS No. 2 CHURCHVILLE-CHILI SAINTS
(16-1-3/Monroe County Division II)
vs.
NYS No. 1 BETHLEHEM CENTRAL EAGLES
(16-0-3/Suburban Council-Blue Division)
How they arrived here: Churchville-Chili defeated Spencerport in the Section V Class AA championship and advanced on PKs against Clarence (VI) in regionals to clinch a spot in the state semifinals. Aidyn Barth converted the winning kick, followed by a Landyn McDermott save to send the Saints to the semi-finals and secure their second straight triumph over Clarence in the regional round. After winning the Section 2 crown without conceding a goal, Bethlehem faced off against Watertown in the Regional Round. Ayaz Sajid scored twice as the Eagles handed Watertown its first loss of the season and moved to the semi-finals, 2-0.
VIEW MORE PHOTOS FROM LAURA ACCIAIO.
Total goals scored: Churchville-Chili (47), Bethlehem (69)
Total goals allowed: Churchville-Chili (10), Bethlehem (8)
Trends: Churchville-Chili enters undefeated in seven straight, scoring 15 and allowing two goals in that stretch. The Saints have scored at least three goals on eight occasions with a high of seven vs Lockport (IV). Churchville-Chili has recorded 11 shutouts and have only given up more than one goal once the entire season, a 4-2 win at Gates-Chili, along with failing to score in just two games. Bethlehem comes into the match on an eight-game win streak, outscoring opponents 28-4 in that span. The Eagles boast 14 shutouts and have scored at least three goals 11 times, with a 9-0 victory over Niskayuna being the high point.
Players to watch:
Churchville-Chili: Lucas Cariola Sr. F (8 G, 10 A); Avery Ewell Sr. F (9 G, 6 A); Bryce Wolf Sr. F (11 G, 11 A); Preston Tensley Jr. F (3 G, 3 A) Gavin Carnevale Sr. D (2 G); Isaac Gale Sr. D (1 A); Noah Murano Sr. D (2 A); Logan Vujanovic Sr. D (1 A); Austin Allen Sr. G (11 shutouts, 10 GA)
Bethlehem: Ayaz Sajid; Ian NeJame; Ishtan Chatur; Jack Pauze; Brendan Bashnat; Sean Doyle; Rashad Hattak
Coaches: John Mahoney (Churchville-Chili), Brian Spina (Bethlehem)
History 101: Churchville-Chili is in the state semi-finals for the second time in school history, also appearing in 2025. Last season, the Saints took a 2-nil lead into the halftime break against Cornwall (IX). In the second half, Churchville-Chili conceded three goals in the final eight minutes of regulation as they fell 3-2. Bethlehem has made three prior Final Four appearances, in 2006, 2016, and 2024, with a record of 0-3, including a loss to Fairport 1-0 on penalty kicks in 2016. All-time, Section V has a 19-14-2 record vs Section 2 in the state tournament, which includes advancing on the two occasions the games went to penalties.
What’s at stake: The winner will take on either Vestal (IV) or Huntington (XI) in the Class AA Championship game on Sunday, November 15th at 10:30 a.m. at Middletown High School. Both sides are looking to secure a first ever NYS title.
Kickoff is scheduled for Saturday, November 14th at 10:45 a.m. at Middletown High School.
More history: Since the inception of the NYSPHSAA Boys’ Soccer Tournament in 1978, Section V sides have won 48 of the 204 titles (23 percent) contested. Of those, 35 have been outright. Pittsford Mendon leads the way with six such NYS titles followed by Red Creek (4) and Aquinas (4). Fillmore, Holley, Naples, Penfield and Pittsford Sutherland have all won two titles apiece with another 11 schools bringing home one outright state crown: Bath-Haverling, Bloomfield, Cardinal Mooney, Fairport, Gates-Chili, Greece Arcadia, Greece Athena, Hilton, Jasper-Troupsburg, Marion, McQuaid Jesuit and Northstar Christian. Pittsford Mendon (3), Red Creek (2), Fillmore, Gates Chili, Greece Arcadia, Jasper-Troupsburg, Livonia, Marion, Penfield and Pittsford Sutherland have all shared at least one title.
Cornell University hosted the first NYS tournament that was competed at three classifications (A, B and C). Class D was added in 1980, AA in 2004 and AAA in 2023. Fairport took the AAA title in its second year in its existence. Two Section V teams (Penfield ’04 and McQuaid ’17) have won outright Class AA titles while Section V teams have combined to win 11 Class A championships, 14 Class B, 11 Class C and seven Class D titles.
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