Kendall wins C2 soccer semi in OT thriller

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 30 October 2024 at 9:16 pm

Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Kendall’s Pablo Rosario-Reyes, who scored both Eagles goals, puts a shot on goal as Chase Nichols (7) and Jacob Whitmore (5) move in to defend for Campbell-Savona. The action took place during the Eagles overtime sectional win at Avon this evening.

Surviving a scare, top seeded Kendall put together a dramatic late rally to nip No. 5 Campbell-Savona 2-1 in the semifinals of the Section V Class C2 boys soccer tournament this evening at Avon.

Campbell-Savona grabbed a 1-0 lead with just 8:25 remaining in the second half on a goal by Jack Vanskiver but Kendall came battling back.

Kendall rallied back into a tie with just 1:24 remaining in regulation time on a goal by Pablo Rosario-Reyes which sent the contest into overtime.

Keeping the momentum, the Eagles then pulled out the dramatic win when Rosario-Reyes scored again at the 8:17 mark of the first 15 minute overtime period.

“With 8 minutes to go they had their backs to the wall but they regrouped and they knew it wasn’t over,” said Eagles Coach Rich Esposito. “When you give Pablo an inch he is going to make you pay. That goal was magic. The boys never quit. They just kept battling.”

Both goalkeepers, Kendall’s Jonny Conte and Campbell-Savona’s Chance Miller, made several key saves on the evening.

Improving to 16-1-1, Kendall will now face No. 3 Genesee Valley-Belfast in the Section V Class C2 championship game at 2:30 p.m. Saturday at Honeoye Falls-Lima. Genesee Valley-Belfast edged No. 2 Bradford-Dundee 2-1 in the other semifinal.

Kendall’s Brandon Barrett drives toward the goal against Campbell-Savona defender Ethan Cardinale.

Kendall’s William Kludt sends the ball up field.