The sophomore came out of the box to meet them, as…
By Joseph Manniello
It was the only thing left for them to do. The final whistle sounded and they were off. The Arts & Business girls’ soccer team dashed toward their teammate and friend, goalkeeper Ewelina Krzysztofowicz.
The sophomore came out of the box to meet them, as they mobbed her with open arms and wide smiles.
It was the perfect ending to a near perfect season for the Bulls, as they won the PSAL ‘B’ championship, 2-0 over Lab Museum United Saturday afternoon at St. John’s University.
Moments later, the team was presented with a championship trophy, the first of any kind for the high school in its six-year existence.
“It’s been a dream of a season,” said Arts & Business coach Keith Horan, whose squad allowed just one goal (in a 9-1 win against Beach Channel on March 24) over their 16-game winning streak to end the season. “This is amazing. The whole school is excited.”
Saturday was just like all those other days for Krzysztofowicz since late March. But this one wasn’t expected, at least not by Horan.
“I’m surprised that we were able to hold this team down, to see a team with this many weapons and that much firepower and have my goalie play like that today, it’s just amazing,” he said. “I’m shocked that my goalie kept them out.”
The undefeated Gators of Lab Museum entered the title tilt relying on second half heroics to advance. Dating back to last season, its last five playoff games went into overtime, the most recent a 5-4 victory in double overtime over Tilden High last Thursday in a rematch of last year’s ‘B’ title match.
With just under two minutes remaining, Lab Museum (16-1) had the golden opportunity it was waiting for all game. Krzysztofowicz came out to challenge a ball sent in the box, but couldn’t get to it as Kyla Jacobs flicked one toward the net.
Out of nowhere came Grace Law, the all-important senior sweeper to knock the ball out of play, saving the shutout streak.
“I didn’t know what to do,” said Krzysztofowicz, who along with Law, were kept in to play every minute by Horan during the regular season, even during blow-outs to preserve the streak. “Then I saw Grace and she helped me out. That was amazing.”
Arts & Business (16-1) was lucky on the offensive end as well. Just under seven minutes in, junior Amparo Garcia’s shot lofted over goalie Abigail Harden, who misplayed the ball to make it 1-0.
When that happened, Horan presented junior forward Mayra Terra with the daunting task of stopping Lab striker Beth Kenworthy from finding the back of the net.
Kenworthy, a sophomore who plays like a senior was the main reason the Gators made the trip to Belson Stadium after scoring three goals two days earlier, including the game-winner.
“When we scored the first goal, I said ‘your job today is to win a city championship. You’re going to stop this girl from beating us. Don’t let her touch the ball,’” Horan recalled.“She was frustrated, she was aggravated, there was nothing she could do out there. Mayra locked her down”
“I was like her shadow,” added the Argentinian, primarily an offensive player. “I was so tired, but I knew that if I stopped running, she was going to score.”
The strategy to play 10-on-10 soccer paid off, just like another of Horan’s brilliant moves.
The Bulls were awarded a free kick from 25 yards out midway through the second half and for the third straight game, Jackie Roche, the four-year captain that Horan recently decided will be the go-to girl in these situations, came through.
Horan has watched his team improve every year since its inception four years ago, when they won three games. With a championship under their belt, who knows what the 2005 season will bring.
Krzysztofowicz will be returning, along with her uniform.
“That’s my lucky shirt,” she said, adding that it’s not one of her favorites because of the unsightly colorful scheme. “I know for sure that next year I will wear this one.”
HS For Arts & Business 3, Julia Richman 0. Senior Jackie Roche scored on a hand ball free kick from the 20-yard line; Amparo Garcia scored on an assist from Roche, and Alison Lubo scored on an assist from Garcia. Goalkeeper Ewelina Krzysztofowi stopped eight shots in the shutout win for Arts & Business in the PSAL ‘B’ semifinal game last Thursday at Forest Hills HS.
Reach contributing writer Joseph Manniello by e-mail at TimesLedger@aol.com or call 718-229-0300, Ext. 143.
