By Joseph Staszewski
Medina Mulic again proved she could score from anywhere in any way and at any time.
The Christ the King super sophomore tallied both Royals goals in a 2-0 victory against Fontbonne Hall in CHSAA Brooklyn/Queens Class AA girls’ soccer Oct. 16 at Juniper Valley Park. The first came when she controlled a pass from Sarah Nolan and split two defenders in the box for a 26th minute goal. Shortly after she jumped up high to head in a Francesca Giglio corner kick to make it 2-0.
“She is very aggressive,” Giglio said of Mulic. “I just know that if it is one-on-one, she will always beat the player.”
The victory moved the Royals closer to clinching a third-straight regular season title. They have won the last two diocesan championships. CK Coach John Fayad is proud of his team for keeping the program at a high level. It has just 13 players, had key veterans choose not to return before the season and fields a relatively young roster.
“I’m happy with this year, especially this year because of the adversity that we faced,” Fayad said. “The girls stepped up.”
Christ the King’s defensive performance against Fontbonne was equally as impressive. They shut out Fontbonne and limited its dangerous scoring chances without a key player in the back. Senior defender Destiny Marino missed the game because of the death of her grandmother.
Christ the King sweeper Diana Paravatos was superb cutting off Fontbonne’s pass. Laura Jans filled in nicely for Marino, Kimberly Moreira was excellent in the net and Aimee Teitelbaum helped control play at midfield with Giglio.
“We were trying to pick it up for Destiny because she wasn’t here today, but we should always play with that high energy,” Mulic said.
Christ the King (4-0-2) was unable to finish numerous scoring chances. Nolan couldn’t put away a number of shots while streaking into the box. Mulic had a header go wide and two long blasts sail over the crossbar late in the second half, keeping her from recording a third goal.
“I wanted a hat trick,” Mulic said. “I really wanted a hat trick.”
CK also wants a third straight diocesan title. The challenge once the regular season ends next week will be to stay sharp for the playoffs. They will enjoy this victory first.
“This was a big win,” Mulic said. “This was a big deal for us.”
