Averill Park boys’ soccer captured its first Section 2 Class A championship since 2021, defeating top-seeded Schalmont 3-1 in a decisive final at Bethlehem High. The No. 2 Golden Knights demonstrated remarkable resilience, mirroring their gritty regular-season performance by overcoming an early deficit against the Sabres. First-half goals from Bobby Lee and Gabe Mussett flipped the script, while Liam Hoffman sealed the victory with a crucial insurance goal in the closing minutes, securing a hard-fought 3-1 win for the visitors.
Golden Knights complete late surge to end five-year title drought in dramatic 3-1 final.
The victory cements a season defined by adversity and preparation, as Averill Park finished the regular campaign with an 8-9-2 record. Despite a 2-9-1 mark in the highly competitive Suburban Council, the team utilized a schedule laden with Class AAA and AA opponents to build the toughness required for postseason success. Coach Dylan Martin, a Schalmont alumnus, emphasized that this “battle-tested” experience was the key differentiator, noting that the squad remained composed against a rival accustomed to championship pressure.
Martin highlighted the team’s unwavering confidence as the driving force behind the turnaround, stating that the players believed in themselves and the coaching staff from the start of the season. “It is an amazing moment. We’ve been looking forward to it all year,” Martin said. “We put it on the white board, Week 1. These guys believed in themselves, believed in the coaching staff and (we’re) really excited to bring this home to Averill Park.” The result marks a significant milestone for the program, ending a five-year title drought with a performance that showcased their ability to compete at the highest level.
Source: Yahoo Sports
