The Crusaders soccer team capped off its regular season with a commanding 3-0 victory over East Aurora, the 2023 Class B state champions and former Section VI titleholders. Entering the match, East Aurora was ranked No. 13 in New York by the United Soccer Coaches poll, No. 2 in Section VI Soccer, and No. 6 in the state rankings. East Aurora suffered its first home loss in more than three years and was held scoreless for the first time this season.

The Crusaders displayed composure and control, dictating the pace of play through organized defending and quick, decisive ball movement. The opening goal came early in the first half when Carter Amodeo '27 intercepted a pass deep in East Aurora's half and capitalized to give the Crusaders a 1-0 lead. 

In the second half, Halim Habib '26 connected with Anthony Franjoine '28, who broke free on a counterattack and scored with a finesse finish past the keeper to double the lead. Later, off a counterattack against East Aurora's high press late in the match, Henry Smith '26 slipped a precise through ball during a 2v1 breakaway to Gabriele Pili '27, who sealed the game with a clean strike to secure the 3-0 result and put the contest out of reach.

Defensively, the Crusaders were exceptional. The back line, anchored by Hayden Cunningham '26, Victory Shalamba '26, Halim Habib, and Elliott Manley '27, maintained structure and composure throughout the match, neutralizing East Aurora's attack and limiting their opportunities in the final third. Goalkeeper Octavian Santacrose '26 delivered another standout performance, making key saves to preserve the clean sheet.

With the win, the Crusaders improved to 13-1-1 on the season and extended its remarkable 13 consecutive game unbeaten streak heading into the playoffs. The Crusaders are currently ranked in the top 10 in New York State and top 5 in Buffalo, carrying significant momentum into the semifinal round at home.

GAME NOTES

• Carter Amodeo opened the scoring in the first half off a turnover. He has contributed 7 goals and 7 assists this season while playing a key two-way role in the midfield.
• Halim Habib assisted Tony Franjoine, who scored on a breakaway with a finesse finish. Habib has added 3 assists while providing consistency and defensive stability throughout the regular season.
• Henry Smith assisted Gabriele Pili on the third goal, finishing off a 2 versus 1 counterattack. Smith continues to lead the Crusaders' attack with 21 goals and 16 assists through 15 matches.
• Defenders Hayden Cunningham, Victory Shalamba, Halim Habib, and Elliott Manley anchored the back line in the shutout performance.
• Goalkeeper Octavian Santacrose recorded the clean sheet, backed by organized team defending, and tallied 6 saves.
• East Aurora was shut out for the first time this season.

UP NEXT

The Crusaders will play in the MMAA semifinal on October 27 at 3:00 p.m., hosted at Kossler Field at the Stransky Sports Complex, where they will face the winner of the quarterfinal matchup between No. 4 St. Mary's and No. 5 St. Francis who face off October 24th at 3:30 p.m.

Students and families interested in CHS Soccer and the excellence only found in a Jesuit education at Canisius – ranked as the Buffalo area's "Best Catholic School" by Niche.com – can learn more by scheduling an on-campus experience at cansiushigh.org/visit

This place is special. Let us show you why.

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