St. Benedict’s Prep, ranked #1 in the country, defeated #5 ranked Haverford 2-0, the only team to beat the national champions last year. While last year’s game resulted in a streak breaker for the Gray Bees Saturday night was a game they’ll never forget.

The two top ranked teams in the country battled it out at Cabrini College in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania Saturday night September 19. It was a back and forth encounter, with each team having its fair share of chances. Haverford players made it clear early on that they were a formidable side with lethal set pieces.

St. Benedict’s began its preparation for the game  shortly after its victory against Peddie. The coaches and captains knew how to prepare the team both mentally and tactically. Despite the nerves and the atmosphere, St. Benedict’s stood strong in the first half and stayed loyal to its own style of play. Then, captain Johnny Antunes pounced on a loose ball at the top of the box. His left footed shot to the lower right corner, late in the first half, gave St. Benedict’s its first goal and control of the game.

“The atmosphere was intense,” said starting center back and captain, Esteban Hidalgo. “ At the beginning we were all nervous, but at the same time we made sure that all the details were perfect.”

Haverford held on in the second half keeping the deficit at only one until very late. Late chances for Haverford led to key saves by both center back Andy Martinez and goalie Andres Medina. Then, in the dying seconds of the game, Mickey George broke free of the Haverford defense before selflessly laying the ball off to left-mid Fabio De Sousa for the finish.

“I couldn’t be more proud of them,” said head coach Jimmy Wandling after the game. “They stepped on to a big stage and a very hostile environment and they outplayed one of the top teams in the country.”

The highly awaited rematch ended with a victory for the Gray Bees both on the field and in the stands. Over thirty fans made up of both faculty and students made the trip with the team and were enthusiastic throughout.

Coach Jimmy expressed his gratitude for the Benedict’s community, “ I was proud of the boys on the field, I was proud of the support we had from the Benedict’s community in the stands. It was a great night to be a part of the Benedict’s program,” he said.