Alfaro's Overtime Strike Sends John Glenn to Suffolk Championship

John Glenn forward Cristian Alfaro broke a scoreless tie in overtime to propel the Knights into the Suffolk Class A boys soccer championship game. The senior struck with 3:24 left in the first extra period against Kings Park on Tuesday, Oct. 27, ending the contest and advancing the No. 1 seed.

Knights coach Lou Hanner told his players before the start of the extra session that someone needed to step up. Alfaro provided that moment on an assist from Jesse Columbo. The shot bounced off the post before skittering into the net, giving John Glenn its only goal of the match.

“We weren’t going to let it end here,” Alfaro said. “All I know is that the ball was going in.” He described the goal as the biggest of his high school career but credited the group for the result. “It was amazing but it wasn’t just me, it was a team effort,” he said. “I feel great for the team. They did an amazing job.”

The matchup was tight, with strong defensive efforts and goaltending from both sides. Kings Park goalkeeper Michael Congro recorded six saves, while John Glenn keeper David Palencia made eight. Hanner noted that the Kings Park squad played well in the final third of regulation. “They [Kings Park] were real good today,” Hanner said. “They probably deserved to win that game. They were all over us in the last third of the game. Second half we held on. [Kings Park] had a couple of good chances but once again, our goalie David made an amazing save with a couple of minutes left in regulation.”

Kings Park coach Tom Nally acknowledged his team’s effort following a recent defeat to the Knights. “The boys played their hearts out,” Nally said. “I thought we played really well in the second half and I thought we were carrying the play in overtime. But that’s soccer, one play can end the game and we don’t get to play anymore. John Glenn played real hard. They’re a very talented team.” Nally added that his team had lost to John Glenn 6-0 just 10 days earlier. “That wasn’t our best game but today we came back and gave our best effort. I’m proud of the guys.”

John Glenn will face No. 2 seed Amityville in the championship game at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30, at Harborfields High School. Amityville advanced by defeating No. 3 seed East Hampton 2-1 on Tuesday. A victory for the Knights would mark their third consecutive county title and send them to their third Long Island championship game, with a chance to win back-to-back regional titles. “Our kids will be ready,” Hanner said.