CHS Soccer opened its home schedule with a tremendous victory over one of Western New York's best programs.

Tomas Stojanovski '29 had two goals and an assist while Tony Franjoine '28 scored two goals as the Crusaders combined an explosive four-goal second half with a strong defensive performance in a commanding 5–0 victory over defending Class A public school state champion East Aurora.

Canisius (2-1) and East Aurora, also the 2023 Class B state champions of the New York State Public High School Athletic Association, played a tight, evenly-played first 30-plus minutes. 

Stojanovski opened the scoring in the 38th minute with a finesse finish off a quick counterattack, converting an assist from Emerson Manley '29 to give Canisius a 1–0 advantage heading into the break.

The Crusaders increased their offensive pressure in the second half as Tony Franjoine '28 doubled the lead with a well-placed shot into the upper corner off an assist from Bonaventure Shalamba '27.

Franjoine then scored again, meeting a feed from Stojanovski with a first-time finish to push the advantage to 3–0.

Gabriele Pili '27 extended the margin with an assist from Lucas Deyell '27 before Stojanovski closed out the scoring with his second goal of the night, set up by Jack Richards '28.

Canisius backed its offensive production with a disciplined defensive effort. Shalamba recorded 12 steals, Elliot Manley '27 added 11 and Michail Ahad '28 contributed 10, repeatedly breaking up East Aurora's attacking opportunities.

Goalkeeper Christian Lumba '27 recorded nine saves in 70 minutes of action. Charlie Bandura '28 closed the match with one save over the final 10 minutes to complete the combined shutout.

The two-time defending Monsignor Martin Athletic Association champion Crusaders look to continue their strong home campaign against another standout Section VI program in Amherst at 5 p.m. Friday, September 11 at Koessler Field at the Stransky Sports Complex.

The league opener for Canisius is Saturday, Sept. 19 at 10 a.m. at St. Francis. 

Students and families interested in the CHS Soccer and the excellence only found in a Jesuit education at Canisius – ranked as the Buffalo area's "Best Catholic School" by Buffalo Business First – can learn more by reserving a spot for our Open House on Sunday, Oct. 18 or Monday, Oct. 19 via canisiushigh.org/openhouse

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