Alfaro's 3:24 Overtime Strike Sends John Glenn to Suffolk Title Match
A lucky bounce off the post ended a scoreless tie against Kings Park, securing a spot for the No. 1 seed in Friday's championship game.
By Amelia Clarke ·
Cristian Alfaro scored the only goal of the match with 3:24 remaining in the first overtime period, ending a scoreless tie and advancing John Glenn to the Suffolk Class A championship game.
The senior forward's shot bounced off the post before skittering into the net on an assist from Jesse Columbo. The play broke open a defensive battle that featured two standout goalkeeping performances. Kings Park goalkeeper Michael Congro recorded six saves, while John Glenn keeper David Palencia made eight stops to keep his team in the game.
Knights coach Lou Hanner told his squad that someone had to step up before the overtime kickoff began. Alfaro said he knew the ball was going in as he struck it. He called it the biggest goal of his high school career but credited the entire group for the effort. "It was amazing but it wasn't just me, it was a team effort," Alfaro said.
Kings Park coach Tom Nally noted that his team had lost to John Glenn 6-0 just ten days prior. He praised his players for coming back with their best effort in the second half and overtime. "The boys played their hearts out," Nally said. "I thought we played really well in the second half and I thought we were carrying the play in overtime."
Hanner acknowledged that Kings Park dominated the final third of the game and created several high-quality chances. He credited his goalkeeper with a crucial save late in regulation that kept the match close. "They probably deserved to win that game," Hanner said of the Knights' opponents.
John Glenn, the No. 1 seed, will face No. 2 seed Amityville in the county title match. Amityville advanced by defeating No. 3 seed East Hampton 2-1 on Tuesday. The championship game is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 30, at Harborfields High School.
A victory for the Knights would mark their third consecutive Suffolk county title and grant them a berth in the Long Island championship game. That would give them a chance to win back-to-back state-level honors.
Source: TBR News Media
