Blue Devils season ends

After winning their second consecutive boy's soccer Section Five title, Brockport's season came to an end with a 1-0 loss to Webster Thomas on a goal in the final minute of regulation in the Class A state qualifier held at PAETEC Park.

After a scoreless first half, Brockport sophomore Brandon Conley had his shot from the top of the box stopped in the 53rd minute, had another chance in the 57th minute saved by the goalkeeper and a third opportunity in the 71st minute that was stopped on a diving save by Thomas goalkeeper Dan Russell.

With just 53 seconds remaining in regulation, Mike Reidy corner kick was knocked in by Matt Schuber sending Thomas into the state playoffs.

Brockport reached the qualifier by defeating Rush-Henrietta 8-0 in the quarterfinals, Churchville-Chili 3-2 in the semi-finals and Fairport 2-1 in overtime in the championship game.

"The emotions were pretty intense and we had several good opportunities towards the end before they started pouring it on," said Brockport head coach Chris Zorn. "But when you have a goal scorer like him (Schuber), it's inevitable that he'll eventually finish. But tonight was a total team effort and it's the nature of the game that you can dominate and still have them poke one in. I commend our players. It's a tough way to end the season and there will be a few tears shed and some will be mine. It's been a great learning experience for everyone involved, so just being in the atmosphere and learning how to win will hopefully carry us into next year."

The Blue Devils lose 11 seniors including eight starters. Brett Allen, Craig Dimbleby, Nick Flanagan, Jack Flechaus, Nick Lazor, Matt Newsome, Josh Oyer, Shawn Roberts, Brett Schickler and Jeremy Toscano all suited up for the final game of their high school soccer careers.

November 19, 2006