Recalling Roy-Hart’s first N-O soccer title

Contributed Photo – Roy-Hart’s 2000 Niagara-Orleans League champion boys soccer team included, in front, Eric Beyler, Aaron Boyle, Aaron Hall, Derek Boyle and John Salmeri. In the middle row are Jeremy Silsby, Steve Bochniarz, Brandon Wittcop, Joel Belliveau and Marc Morse. In the back row are Coach Carl Husung, Matt Bishara, Cole Bronson, Isaac Bath and Billy Loeffler. Missing from the photo are Chris Barr and Billy Richards.

Ending a 20 year drought, Roy-Hart claimed the Niagara-Orleans League boys soccer title this fall using the combination of a 3-2 win over Wilson and a 1-0 win by Newfane over Akron on the final weekend to claim the crown outright. The Rams finished at 7-3 with Akron (6-3-1) and Newfane (6-4) close behind.

The Rams exciting title win recalls Roy-Hart’s equally exciting first N-O championship run in 2000.

That fall Coach Carl Husung’s Rams captured their historic first championship by winning their last three games in a row while Starpoint lost its last two.

A narrow 2-1 late season loss to then front-running Starpoint (8-2) dropped Roy-Hart a game off the pace at 6-3.

However, the Rams rebounded strongly to win their final three games beginning with a 1-0 overtime victory over Wilson on a goal by Billy Loeffler.

And just as was the case this year the Rams then got some huge help down the stretch as Starpoint dropped two games in a row losing 1-0 to Akron and 2-1 to Medina to fall to 8-4.

Capitalizing on the opportunity,Roy-Hart moved into first place at 8-3 with a 3-0 win at Newfane on goals by Loeffler, Aaron Hall and Chris Barr to clinch at least a tie for the N-O title.

The Rams then completed their historic league campaign by nipping Medina 1-0 on a goal by Cole Bronson with just four minutes remaining to claim the N-O championship outright.

The Rams finished the N-O title season at 9-3 a game ahead of Starpoint and Albion both at 8-4.