By The TimesLedger
The St. Anastasia Rookie sixth- and seventh-grade boys and girls soccer team emerged as the Catholic Youth Organization East Division champions. The team completed regular-season play with a record of 8-0, giving up only three goals during the season.
The team entered the CYO playoffs facing St. Gregory’s on Saturday, Nov. 10, at Alley-Spring. Despite aggressive defense by St. Gregory’s, St. Anastasia scored a goal midway through the first half and added some insurance with another goal in the second half. This 2-0 win advanced St. Anastasia to the second level of playoff, facing Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament on Sunday, Nove. 11 at Alley-Spring.
The game involved intense and exciting competition, during which both teams exhibited great skill and stamina. An early shot on goal by St. Anastasia hit the Blessed Sacrament goal post and bounced away and Blessed Sacrament subsequently threatened with several unsuccessful shots on goal. St. Anastasia subsequently scored a decisive goal and, despite several shots on goal by Blessed Sacrament, as well as equally threatening break-a-ways by St. Anastasia, the game ended in a 1-0 St. Anastasia victory, providing St. Anastasia an impressive 10-0 record in division play.
The St. Anastasia streak ended in cross-divisional play with a loss to St. Thomas More of Breezy Point on Nov. 17, giving St. Anastasia second place in Queens CYO.
The St. Anastasia coach expressed pride in the super effort, dedication, and teamwork displayed by the team. He noted that of the team of 14, there were 14 most valuable players, as all contributed to the team’s impressive season. The coach was also proud and grateful for the sportsmanship that the team has exhibited over the years, both when losing and winning.
