Varsity And JV Soccer Both Hoist Championship Trophies
The Varsity Soccer team poses and celebrates after capturing their CHSAA AA Championship on November 4.
Farrell Scores Pair of CHSAA Championships
The Monsignor Farrell Soccer program capped off an incredible season as both the JV and Varsity teams brought home championship titles at St. John’s University.
After dominant playoff runs, clutch performances, and dramatic finishes, the Lions proved once again what Farrell soccer is all about: heart, resilience, and leaving everything on the pitch.
Varsity, who finished the regular season 9-2-3, earned their spot in the finals after an intense semifinal with St. Francis Prep that finished 1-1 after regulation and extra time. With everything on the line in penalties, the Lions stayed calm and delivered a 4-2 shootout win, securing their place in the Varsity AA Championship match.
The Junior Varsity Soccer team gathers around in celebration as they went on to capture their CHSAA title at St. John's University on November 4.
The road to the JV championship began after a massive 13-1-1 season. The Lions wiped out Molloy with a 4-0 win on campus before facing the only team that had beaten them all year: Holy Cross.
The semifinal matchup was electric from the start, with scoring chances for both sides and both keepers – especially Jack Power – playing their hearts out. Despite Holy Cross’s size and physicality, Farrell countered with brilliant passing and skillful possession.
Right before halftime, a missed clear allowed Holy Cross to slip in a goal, sending the Lions into the break down 1-0. After a strong halftime talk, Monsignor Farrell returned to the pitch fired up. Just five minutes into the second half, Vincenzo Comparato rocketed a shot into the strong-side corner to tie the game.
Farrell kept pressing, and eventually the momentum paid off. Joseph Marinelli broke through the Holy Cross defense and slotted a perfect shot – top bins, crossbar, post, and in – to give the Lions a 2-1 win and send them to the championship.
Mr. Hynes, '82, Varsity Soccer Head Coach, hoists up the CHSAA trophy as his team celebrates their win at St. John's University.
Championship day at St. John’s then showcased the very best of Monsignor Farrell Soccer.
Matched up against Xavier, the Varsity Lions gave everything they had and controlled the match on both ends of the pitch. They ultimately came away with a strong 3-1 victory -- led by Thomas Garritano scoring all three goals for a hat trick -- to earn the championship trophy and add another proud moment to the school’s soccer history.
JV, meanwhile, battled with St. Francis Prep for their title. After a tight match that ended in a tie after regulation, Farrell pushed through an intense extra time filled with chances, but they couldn’t bury a game winner. Fortunately, the Lions came alive again in penalties, with Jack Power delivering save after save. Once again, it came down to Marinelli, who stepped up to the spot and drilled the final penalty to seal the championship.
Both soccer teams finished their year with a championship trophy and unforgettable memories. It was simply a fabulous season for our brothers, and we hope to see the same fire, energy, and success next year.
Keep working, Lions. Keep getting better, and keep showing who we are.
The Lion is Monsignor Farrell's student digital newspaper. To read more articles from The Lion, click here.