Terriers Roar – St. Francis Prep moves on in overtime

Perhaps it was shock. Maybe disbelief. But St. Francis Prep, dominant and undefeated all season long, surely didn't walk to their sideline after regulation with the look of the league's best team.
As the two teams broke in preparation for an overtime session, Monsignor Farrell, who evened the game in the 67th minute on James Lamonia's goal, ran to their side fueled by momentum. The Terriers? They somberly walked to meet their coach, Franco Purificato.
There was yelling and screaming in Farrell's huddle, quiet tones in St. Francis's. &#8220I told them, ‘you're the best team in the city, start playing like it,' ” Purificato later revealed.
They heeded his advice, getting the game-winner from Tommy Garafola and holding the Lions scoreless in the 10-minute extra session for a dramatic 2-1 win at Randall's Island Sunday afternoon in the CHSAA Class A intersectional quarterfinals.
&#8220Although we were somber, we had intensity inside us,” goalkeeper Joe Iemma said, &#8220and it was ready to come out. We showed we can persevere through anything.”
The Terriers (13-0-6) led most of the way, jumping out first on Jimmy Alexiou's 11th minute tally. But they couldn't build upon their advantage, despite dominating for the most part. Farrell got the equalizer in the 67th minute, Lamonia heading in an Alessante Catalano corner kick to the far post.
&#8220Our boys got a little down,” Purificato said. &#8220We didn't expect to have them even near us. It's good, though. They know what to expect in the playoffs [now].”
In addition to challenging their ability, Purificato also mentioned the team's deceased soccer moderator for 17 years, Richard Coppolino, for whom they wore a ribbon. &#8220He was like ‘remember who we are doing this for,' ” Garafola recalled. &#8220He was like, ‘do it for him, do it for yourself.' ”
In the second minute of the second five-minute overtime, Garafola chipped in Steven's Lynch's cross after controlling it on his chest. &#8220I wanted the ball at my feet,” he said. &#8220I wanted to be the player who put it away.”
Iemma was tested down the stretch yet aced the exam, making one fantastic save with a headlong dive on an Anthony Russo laser.
&#8220I saw the shot coming and I've been working on it for a long time - my positioning, just being in the right place - and I just did what my instincts [told me], I dove.”