There might’ve been more talented teams during Adam Schwartz’s tenure as Aquinas coach. What separates this year’s group, he said, is something intangible.
“For me, it’s the relationships. They care deeply and are willing to go the extra mile for each other,” said the Lil Irish coach. “I’ve coached brilliant teams and brilliant players, but the relationships weren’t there and we didn’t have nearly the success.”
Clearly, that’s an impeccable formula. For the second time in three years and 15th year overall, Aquinas is a Section V champion in girls soccer. The Lil Irish captured this season’s Class A title on Saturday with a 1-0 win over Pittsford Sutherland.
After carrying play for much of the first half, Aquinas was on its heels in the second.
About four minutes after halftime, Sutherland’s Kate Pinto found space at the back side of the net for what looked like a sure goal. While that try was stopped by Lil Irish goalkeeper Briar Hinds, it spurred a wave of chances for the Knights.
That includes a sequence with 22 minutes remaining, when an apparent goal by Sutherland’s Emma Wesley following a corner kick was waved off due to offsides.
In that instance, luck favored the Lil Irish. Minutes later, fortune was again Aquinas’ side.
Deming’s duty: Don’t miss
A wide-open net can be an oddly difficult target to hit. In practice or in the backyard, those kicks have a 100% conversion rate.
Introduce nerves and stakes, and that percentage drops significantly.
That was the situation for Aquinas junior Jaden Deming with under five minutes remaining in the second half. The initial shot from teammate Sienna Fallone was turned aside by Sutherland goalkeeper Lea Kenney, but Deming attacked the net and was left uncovered.
Staring at her was a gaping net. What followed was a perfect touch.
“The way Sienna was shooting, I could tell it would rebound off the goalie,” Deming said. “I re-angled my run, took a deep breath and hit it as hard as I could.”
“I give her all the credit in the world. That takes composure and poise,” Schwartz said. “I’ve played the game for a long time and had opportunities like that, and sent it over the net. For her to finish that was brilliant.”
The casualness of the goal was followed by almost five minutes of stress. To boot, Sutherland was awarded a corner kick with 10 seconds remaining, to no avail.
By the numbers
12 — Shutouts for Aquinas this fall, credited to sophomore goalie Briar Hinds. She was busy in the second half, but up to the task. Said her coach, “This game wasn’t too big for her. She thrives in this environment.”
15 — Section titles for Aquinas. Only Livonia (20) has more.
31 — Years since Pittsford Sutherland’s last championship. The Knights have been on the cusp the last three seasons, dropping those section final contests by a combined four goals (which includes an overtime loss in 2024).
Quote of the game
Here is how the game unfolded:
Aquinas vs. Pittsford Sutherland: Game start
The teams receive their first touches, and the Class A final is underway.
Aquinas 0, Pittsford Sutherland 0: 27 minutes left in the first half
First great chance of the game belongs to Aquinas. Junior Julianna Shannon curls a shot wide from about 15 yards out.
Aquinas 0, Pittsford Sutherland 0: 20 minutes left in the first half
Sutherland awarded its first corner kick of the game. A looping attempt is served into the goal box, but Aquinas goalkeeper Briar Hinds punches the ball out of harm’s way.
Aquinas 0, Pittsford Sutherland 0: Halftime
First 40 minutes in the books. Aquinas leads Sutherland 3-1 in corner tries and 2-0 in shots.
Aquinas 0, Pittsford Sutherland 0: 36 minutes left in the second half
Early in the second half, Sutherland posts its best chance of the game. The ball skips back door to Kate Pinto, but Lil Irish goalkeeper Briar Hinds makes her best save.
Aquinas 0, Pittsford Sutherland 0: 22 minutes left in the second half
For a moment, it looked as though Sutherland had the game’s first goal, as Emma Wesley redirected the ball in after a corner kick. It’s call off due to offsides.
Aquinas 1, Pittsford Sutherland 0: 4:48 left in the second half
Jaden Deming puts home a rebound on Sienna Fallone’s shot. Aquinas, which has been defending most of the second half, has the game’s first goal.
Aquinas 1, Pittsford Sutherland 0: Final
Sutherland awarded a corner kick with 10 seconds left, but to no avail. Aquinas wins its 15th section title.
This article originally appeared on MPNnow: Late goal propels Aquinas past Pittsford Sutherland for girls soccer title
Reporting by Justin Ritzel, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle / MPNnow
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
