Emotions were at an all time high as Aquinas took the field once again in Rootstowns narrow football stadium. It was the Knights first time there since falling 2-1 last season in the district semi final match in overtime. Though the grass was 6 inches long and the officiating questionable once again, the boys were able to overcome the odds of a 3rd minute red card issued to returning leading scorer Marco Pavlek and win the game 4-1. Aquinas scored first on a goal from Ray Benedetti and began to dominate the game only to have a penalty kick called against them from an official approximately 70 yards away. This however only fueled the Knights to score again just before the half. This time Robbie Hoerr was the scorer. The second half was more of the same from the Knights who scored on a beautiful team movement finished again by Ray Benedetti after a combination from Robbie Hoerr to Jared Smith. Senior Josiah Smith then added an insurance goal on a penalty kick which was his first career goal as a Knight. The Knights did what they needed to do in order to insure never having to play a tournament game on a football field in the 2010 season.

Junior Goalkeeper Brandon Johnstin has claimed the school record of individual career shutouts with his Senior season to go. Brandon now sits on 31 career shutouts surpassing the old school record of 26 set in 2003 by Anthony Donnelly. Brandon has been a starter since his Freshman year aiding the Knights defense and helping the team achieve 2 District Titles and 2 Regional Final appearances in 2007 and 2008.

Aquinas 4 LaBrae 0

The Knights dominated this game from start to finish routing the Vikings 4-0 in their opening playoff match. LaBrae was content to stay in their own end of the field while the Knights poured forward. Junior Marco Pavlek scored his 15th and 16th goals of the season while Drew Kostiuk added his 7th. Senior Chris Hecht finally found the back of the net for the first time in his career off of the 2nd assist from Junior Josiah Smith who played a critical role in the victory. Marcello Pavlek and Derek Walro also added assists during the match. The Aquinas defense posted their 12th shutout of the season bringing them within one shutout of the school record for single season shutouts. The boys are now matched up with #1 seed Rootstown (16-1) on Tuesday at 7pm.

Aquinas 8 Northwest 0

The Knights took it to Northwest for all 80 minutes humbling the Indians 8-0. Marco Pavlek recorded his first hat trick of the season while Drew Kostiuk added a brace of goals to pace Aquinas. Freshman Nick Barnett and Sophomore Matt Furgiuele also scored their first varsity goals for the Knights. Late in the match senior Chris Hecht was moved up front seeking his first career goal but was denied multiple times while breaking free on goal. The boys wrap up the regular season at 10-3-3 and have posted 11 regular season shutouts, two shy of the single season school record but with the post season still to play. The Knights open their playoff run with the Labrae Vikings.

Aquinas 1 Perry 0

On this Monday evening match, the boys came out inspired to play. Facing a more mature and physical Perry side, Aquinas had their work cut out for them. During the game, the boys wore black armbands in memory of schoolmate Anthony Nicholson who passed away just a week previous and was close with many member of the squad. This driving force led the Knights to opening the scoring in the match when Senior Adam Drakulich struck what turned out to be the game winner thirty six yards from goal.

Fortune finally smiled on the Knights as the ball was driven straight over the keeper, giving him no chance for the save, and into the side netting. Adam also had the added responsibility of man marking Perry’s standout player Angelo Capuano and help him to zero shots on goal for the match. As the game developed emotions began running high and tackles more forceful. This led to a total of 9 yellow cards (5 Perry 4 Aquinas) to be dished out during the 80 minute game. Sitting deeper in the 2nd half the Knights deprived Perry of space to get in behind them looking to strike on the counter. This almost led to a second goal as Drew Kostiuk, Eric Palutsis, and Ray Benedetti all had good looks. Defensively the boys stood strong and held the Panthers to only 3 shots on goal for the match with goalkeeper Brandon Johnstin needing to make 2 saves en route to his 10th shutout of the season. The victory was a very emotional one for the Knights but a positive catalyst going into the final regular season game against Northwest.

St. Vincent St. Mary 1 Aquinas 0

The boys lost a league heart breaker last Monday placing their final record at 3-2-1 in the Tri County League. It was a very exciting game with good soccer being played on both sides. St V’s scored just 2 minutes into the second half on a slotted pass that keeper Brandon Johnstin initially saved but was jarred loose and then rolled into the back of the net. Aquinas created a wealth of chances throughout the match even though the Irish had the edge in possession. The Knights missed several looks from close range and then in the closing minutes Eric Palutsis drove a shot from distance that looked destined to go in the top corner but the Irish keeper made a diving fingertip save to deflect it out of bounds. It was a tough result for the boys to take but the performance was good and the Knights are beginning to peak at the right time. This coming week pits the boys against two Stark County opponents Perry and Northwest. Aquinas is 5-0 against Stark County opponents this year and have outscored them 17-0.