Varsity Soccer Earns School’s First CHSAA ‘AA’ Intersectional Title

The fall 2017 Varsity Soccer season was one for the record books.

On October 25, the team earned the school’s first Archdiocesan Soccer Championship since 2002 with a definitive 3-0 win over league rival Fordham Preparatory. Then, on November 5, the team continued its postseason success by winning the school’s first CHSAA ‘AA’ Intersectional Title, again defeating Fordham Prep, this time with a 3-1 final score.

According to Christopher Scazzero ’18, the support the team felt throughout the playoff run was incredibly beneficial. “When the city championship game started, friends, families, faculty, and alumni roared. Everyone was so into the game. It was a sign of our strength, and helped push us towards our championship. It could not have been a better environment to play soccer,” said Scazzero.

The magical run continued on November 10 when the team defeated St. Francis Preparatory in a thrilling 2-1 overtime victory in the CHSAA State Semifinals. The victory earned the team a spot in the State Championship game on November 12 against Chaminade. It was the first time in school history that Regis Soccer advanced to the State Championship.

In a highly competitive Championship game, Regis bounced back from a 1-0 halftime deficit to score the equalizer early in the second half. The game was forced into overtime, where Chaminade earned their third straight State Title on a corner kick that curled into the top corner of the net.

The historic season concluded with a 19-6-3 record. The team ended the year ranked its highest in school history: #2 in New York City, #13 in the tri-state, and #41 nationwide.

Vincent Catapano ’96, who completed his 14th season as head coach, says that team chemistry was the most important asset this year. “The guys really came together as a team on and off the field, and really played for each other all year,” said Catapano. “Outside of the team, these guys are all close friends, and that bond was key in a successful season.”

For senior Eric Schemitsch ’18, winning two title matches was an unforgettable way to cap off a soccer Regis soccer career. “I have known many of my teammates since before the first day of school freshman year, and throughout the four years they became my brothers both on and off the field. In my soccer career, I have never had a greater privilege than to captain and play with a group of guys as dedicated, talented, passionate, and unified as this team, and that made this year’s season infinitely more special,” said Schemitsch.

“Our season was one I will never forget, and I think it helped deepen the already tight bonds of our team,” added Scazzero. “We call ourselves a team and a school, but really we’re a family.”

On December 12, Eric Schemitsch '18 was named the 2017 All-New York City Boys Soccer Player of the Year by News 12 Varsity. Chris Scazzero and Matteo Palacardo were both named to the 2017 All-New York City Boys Soccer Second Team, and Gearoid Kennedy and Liam Nicholson were named to the 2017 All-New York City Boys Soccer Honorable Mention list. Vincent Catapano '96 was named 2017 All-New York City Boys Soccer Coach of the Year.

Christopher Scazzero ’18 tracks the ball during the 2017 CHSAA ‘AA’ Intersectional Championship held at St. John’s University.

The Varsity Soccer team huddles on field before the start of the CHSAA ‘AA’ Intersectional Championship against Fordham Preparatory.