By Larry Moko
The St. John Henry Newman senior girls' soccer team seems to have found a formula for success.
First-place Newman allowed only one goal-against in its seven regular-season games (scoring 19). And that shutdown defensive strategy continued Thursday with a 3-0 semifinal playoff victory over the visiting St. Thomas More Knights.
As a result, Newman will play host to the Bishop Tonnos Titans for the 2025 Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic high school championship on May 22. Second-place Tonnos earned its berth by defeating the third-place Bishop Ryan Celtics, 1-0.
"We've been strong all season playing smart, defensive soccer," Newman coach Franco DiGiovanni said.
"The girls pass the ball around the back. We control possession of the ball and jump on opportunities when they come. I think defensive soccer is our best asset."
It's the third consecutive year the Cardinals have gone undefeated (a few ties) during the regular schedule.
"I'm proud of the effort all around,"DiGiovanni added.
Newman opened the scoring in the seventh minute on the first of two goals by Jessica Ras. Her rocket shot deflected in off the More goalkeeper's hands.
Ras, a Grade 11 striker, connected again in the 16th minute, capping a neatly-executed three-way passing play. Ras slid to the ground as she was making that shot from about 15 yards.
"My long legs could have something to do with it," said Ras, who later extended her leg forward to poke in a teammate's free kick that was loose near the goal line. That goal was disallowed, however.
Allysia Iaquinto completed the scoring in the second half by lofting a free kick from about 35 yards directly into the net.
"It was a great shot," the Newman coach said. "Allysia has been the backbone of the team this season -- like a wall in the back. Having her on the field gives everybody confidence. She inspires everybody to play their best game."
Starter Gracie Reeve and Sienna Maniaci have served as Newman's goalkeepers for the team's nearly all clean-sheet performances.
"We've played very well as a team," Ras said. "From the start of the season I think we've improved a lot. We've worked hard."
This is Ras' first-ever year as a striker. Formerly she was a defender or wing. Now, though, she feels comfortable at the position.
Said DiGiovanni: "Jess is not a natural striker. This year she filled a hole in our team and really rose to the challenge of developing as a striker. She's got a heck of a shot and scores lots of goals from distance. She's strong and never gives up trying to win the ball back."
As for More, it finished the regular season with a record of 3-3-1. The Knights then topped the St. Mary Crusaders, 4-0, in a quarter-final.
Coach Giovanni Carboni said a bright spot this year was the play of More's Grade 9 girls, led by attacking midfielder Cara Bisasor.
"Cara is an amazing player. She never stops. She doesn't care what the score is or what minute of the game it is. She plays hard all the time."
In boys' senior soccer, first-place Newman blanked More, 2-0, in one of the league's semifinals. In the other, the second-place Bishop Ryan Celtics edged the St. Jean de Brébeuf Braves, 1-0.
The boys' final is also scheduled for May 22 at Newman.
Photos by R.F. (Bob) Butrym, RFB Sport Photography
More photos on HWCDSB Athletics Facebook page
