Canisius had a terrific year in the Monsignor Martin Athletic Association, winning the regular season title for the third time in the last four years.
 
The Crusaders, however, had yet to win a playoff title in nearly a decade, and they were trailing St. Joe's, 1-0, in the second half of Friday night's league championship. Canisius dominated St. Joe's in the teams' first meeting, 3-0, but the second went to St. Joe's, 2-1. It appeared that the Crusaders could have been headed to another disappointing finish.
 
Then everything changed. CHS seemingly took out seasons of frustration with an explosion of offense in the first 15 minutes of the second half to take a 3-1 lead it would not surrender. The title was Canisius' first since 2016.
 
Playing with the up-tempo, powerful, possessive, skilled soccer they exhibited all season, CHS took command of the game with goals by Zach Bonuito '25 of Lancaster, Henry Smith '26 of Buffalo and Austin Xiao '26 of Williamsville.
 
See the gallery above for the big moments of the night, captured by CHS Digital Media photographers Noah Morlock '25 (@morlockprod) of Ellicottville and Benjamin Eppolito '26 (@eppoprod) of West Seneca '25 as well as CHS Communications. Also be sure to see the Instagram reel by Lucas Dembski '24 (@dembskiprod) of West Seneca.
 
Bonuito thudded home a strike from near the top of the penalty area to level the score, then soon after set up Canisius' second goal with a charge down the left side.
 
He got the step on his defender and pushed the ball to the end line before knocking it in front of the goal, where Smith streaked in to bang it into the net.   
 
Not long after, Xiao, who persistently pestered St. Joe's players throughout the game, collected the ball in the middle of the field and let go a fantastic shot that sent the Crusaders and the @1180BlueCrew into another celebration.  
Goalkeeper Brendan Peccia '25 of West Seneca earned MVP honors for a clean second half that included a massive save on a penalty kick with less than 10 minutes to play against a desperate St. Joe's side.
 
Next stop: The state Catholic playoffs in New York City. Canisius will play a semifinal at St. John's University on Friday; the championship is Sunday. Winners of the Long Island, New York City and Brooklyn dioceses will complete the final four.
 




Check out the Crusaders' entire schedule, roster and outstanding photo gallery here at our unmatched sports website, canisiussports.com
 
Students and families interested in CHS Soccer, CHS Digital Media and the excellence only found in a Jesuit education at Canisius – ranked as the Buffalo area's best Catholic school by Business First – can learn more can learn more by arranging a first-hand experience via canisiushigh.org/visit
 
This place is special. Let us show you why.
 
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