Boys’ Soccer Claims Fourth State Title

The boys’ soccer team came out swinging in the Non-Public B Championship against Rutgers Prep as the Knights scored early and often to defeat the Argonauts 7-0. The win marks the fourth state title in program history and the eighth overall state championship.

 

The Knights put up three goals within the first 19 minutes of play and never looked back. Leading the charge was Micaah Garnette ‘21 who recorded a hat trick. A trio of seniors, John Baber, Andrew Moglianesi, and Tyler Merna, all scored in their final high school match. Jordan Canica ‘21 also connected on a goal and Adam Berrocal '22 contributed two assists.

 

“For the last dozen games or so we have really been on a roll offensively,” said head coach Tony Bednarsky. “We have been playing really clinical, exciting soccer with all of the weapons we have. We knew we would have to be explosive because Rutgers Prep had an incredible run through the south sectional bracket, but we just focused on ourselves and on winning the state title.”

 

Not many people would have thought the Knights would have made it this far. With more than half the starting roster comprised of underclassmen and a 1-5-1 start to the season, it looked as though it could be a rebuilding year for Gill.

 

The coaches and the players, however, knew their roster was good enough to compete with anyone.

 

“We played very competitive soccer against some extremely good teams to open the year,” reflected Bednarsky. “The coaching staff knew that if we could keep the boys together and get everyone back healthy then we could be a force, and the whole team truly believed in that. We stayed the course and did not let anything get in the way of our goals.”

 

The 2018 state title continues a long line of success for boys’ soccer at Gill. Since 2007, the Knights have been in seven Non-Public B finals. Their most recent title came in 2016.

 

“This year’s theme was to give the seniors a nice send off,” said Bednarsky. “They were sophomores when we won our last title, so it was great for them to experience it again. Now it is up to the current underclassmen to carry on that tradition.”

 

Thanks to all of our fans who came out and supported the team and congratulations Knights!