Riverhead Charter Captures First County Soccer Title
The Explorers defeated Southold in overtime to secure their first Suffolk Class C championship.
By Owen Turner ·
Riverhead Charter secured its first Suffolk County soccer title on Wednesday night.
The Explorers defeated No. 3 Southold 2-1 in the Class C final at Eastport-South Manor. Bradley Bolaj scored the decisive goal with 12:31 remaining in the first overtime period. The shot came off a corner kick delivered by Aimar Galvez. This victory marks the program's initial county championship.
Southold goalkeeper Grady Brigham recorded 11 saves during the match. Jefferson Moreno scored an early goal in the first half for the Warriors. Riverhead Charter responded through Daniel Carrera, who netted the equalizer before the halftime break. Samuel Akinola made four saves to protect the lead for the Explorers.
The Explorers enter the regional final on Saturday, Nov. 7, at Harborfields. They will face the Section I champion in that matchup. Southold finished the season with a record of 6-9-1. Riverhead Charter concluded its campaign with a 10-7 record.
Several other playoff games concluded on Tuesday and Wednesday across Long Island. Southampton defeated Center Moriches 2-1 in double overtime to advance to the Suffolk Class B final. Ulisses Lopez Silva scored the winner with 7:58 left. Southampton will play Babylon on Friday at Harborfields.
Garden City reached its 10th consecutive Nassau AA soccer final after a 2-0 win over Manhasset. Tucker Leake and Matthys de Rechter both found the back of the net. The Trojans will face either Glen Cove or Roslyn on Sunday at Farmingdale State. St. Anthony's advanced to the CHSAA Class AA final after a 3-0 victory over St. John the Baptist. Shane Rossiter, Owen Dorsey, and Jayden Crespi scored for the undefeated team.
In girls volleyball, Sayville beat Westhampton 3-0 to reach the Suffolk Class A final. Jillian Livingston recorded 12 kills and five aces. Half Hollow Hills West defeated Hauppauge 3-0 to advance to the Class AA final. Ella Corso and Emily Dantona each posted 12 kills. Smithtown East also won its semifinal match to secure a spot in the Monday final.
Manhasset advanced to the Nassau Class B field hockey final after a 2-0 win over South Side. Angelina Durante and Mina Mitby scored for the undefeated squad. They will face Garden City on Saturday at Cold Spring Harbor. Northport-Commack won the Suffolk League II swimming title with 378 points. London Strasser took gold in the 200-meter individual medley and 100 breaststroke events.
Source: Newsday
