Boys soccer: Beacon edges Christian Brothers Academy to reach state Class A final

CENTRAL VALLEY - Miguel Ruiz can admit now that even he questioned how this team would fair. Behind the bravado, that even the most woebegone squad would put forth, there is an understanding of the circumstances

Beacon had graduated five standouts who now play soccer collegiately, so the common perception was that "we'd be rebuilding a little," coach Craig Seaman said. There also were concerns about the shortened roster and players feared their season could be doomed by a significant injury. Then star Gavin LaDue got hurt.

There even was doubt ― "fear," really ― as the Bulldogs competed in the Class A state semifinals on Saturday. When their two-goal lead quickly evaporated in the second half and Section 3's Christian Brothers Academy threatened almost constantly to go ahead.

"Panic!" Andre Alzate said candidly. "I thought we were the better team, but we lose that lead and our momentum is gone. That was terrifying."

But Beacon has silenced doubts, defied odds and squelched fears all season. So, what's one more?

Alzate scored the winner with 11:20 remaining, maneuvering between two defenders and sending a left-footed liner into the corner that lifted the underdog Bulldogs to a 3-2 win over previously undefeated Christian Brothers Academy.

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"I don't think words can describe the feeling," the senior said of that dramatic goal. "We had to battle for this, like we have all season. Now, we're here with a chance to win a state title. Unbelievable."

What it means

Beacon, sailing far into uncharted territory, will face Long Island's Amityville in the state final Sunday, 1 p.m. at Middletown High School.

"You can't prove yourself any more than they've done," said Seaman, whose team won its first Section 9 title last fall. "We thought we might be down a little, but it's been the exact opposite. We've got a group of interchangeable players with great chemistry, and we're strong in the right places."

Player of the Game

Alzate scored twice, putting the Bulldogs on the board in the 11th minute, and tallying the winner late on a fast break.

His first goal included a highlight-worthy setup in which he shook a defender on the right wing, flicked the ball back to himself and blasted a shot into the far corner. That move, he joked, can be called "The Alzate."

"He's been great for us, and somehow even better down the stretch," Seaman said. "Andre has really stepped up and been a leader."

Turning point

Liam Murphy scored two minutes after Alzate in the first half, giving Beacon a quick 2-0 lead that had its rapt fans singing the chorus of "Who let the dogs out."

But CBA-Syracuse dominated possession through most of the second period and Connor Morgia scored twice in four minutes to tie it. The forward recovered a ball that had twice been deflected after a corner kick and knocked it inside the left post, tying it with 33:07 remaining.

"That got us a little scared," Ruiz said, "but we regrouped and got after it."

Ruiz helped key a defense that withstood heavy pressure in the final 30 minutes, including four corner kicks and three throw-ins. The midfielder left CBA star Juliuz Pichardokmp little room to operate, and Thomas Robinson and Murphy anchored a back line that staved off a relentless attack.

Matt Sandison made a diving save on a fast break with 21:53 left. Brody Timm and Jack Philipbar also were key in clearing set pieces.

"Gavin is the heart of our team, so losing him was huge," Alzate said of LaDue, who cheered enthusiastically from the sideline, despite being in a leg brace. "What these guys have done, without our best defender, has been amazing."

By the numbers

CBA (20-1-1) ― Finn Wheeler had five saves and Rico Petrosillo had a defensive save.

Beacon (14-3-2) ― Enis Dika had an assist and Sandison made eight saves.

They said it

"We'll get as much video as we can to prepare," Seaman said of facing Amityville, "but at this point, it's about playing our absolute best and making adjustment during the game."

"We're the first Beacon team to make it this far and now we have a chance to bring back a state championship," Ruiz said. "Four years on this team and I've never been more proud."

Stephen Haynes: shaynes@poughkeepsiejournal.com; 845-437-4826; Twitter: @StephenHaynes4

This article originally appeared on Poughkeepsie Journal: Boys soccer: Alzate goal lifts Beacon over CBA in state semis