Rewind: St. Benedict's vs. St. Ignatius standouts

St. Benedict's (N.J.) reclaimed its position as FAB 50 No. 1 with a 2-0 victory over St. Ignatius (Ohio) this past Saturday at Montclair State University. It was the third all-time meeting between the national high school powerhouses which the New Jersey squad now leads 2-0-1. Today, we take a look back at the standouts from that match:   GK [player_tooltip player_id='31761' first='Marcilio' last='Soares'], St. Benedict's (N.J.), Sr.   St. Ignatius had several scoring chances but Soares was there to thwart every single one. His positioning was perfect and the few times that he was challenged he showed quick reflexes. He was stretched only one or two times and again he made the save. St. Benedict's coach said they had been joking with Soares that he's had nothing to do in goal for most of the team's games this year. However, "big-time players step up in big-time games," he added. He's uncommitted with little interest at this point, according to the coach, despite being in his second year as a starter for St. Benecit's without losing a match. He's very good academically but his size might be an issue for some college coaches.   M [player_tooltip player_id='14666' first='Nolan' last='Spicer'], St. Ignatius (Ohio), Sr., Notre Dame   Spicer was fantastic. His speed, his technical ability were showcased against a very talented St. Benedict's squad. A compelling case could be made that he was the best field player in the contest. Every time he gained possession he drew the attention of two or three St. Benedict's defenders.   F/M Kwaku Agyabeng, St. Benedict's (N.J.), So.   The native of Ghana, Agyabeng very well could be the next rising star out of the Gray Bees program, following [player_tooltip player_id='18528' first='Ransford' last='Gyan']. Agyabeng gets the nod as the match's No. 3 star for his quick, shifty work that was rewarded with a goal near the end of the match. He works well in tight spaces, has great quickness, and serves nice left-footed passes.   F [player_tooltip player_id='18528' first='Ransford' last='Gyan'], St. Benedict's (N.J.), Jr.   Gyan was coming off a cold and was not 100 percent in this match, but that was hard to tell. He used his raw speed to stretch St. Ignatius, and at times, created golden scoring chances for himself and his teammates. Opponents always need to be aware of where Gyan is on the field. The junior already has interest from major college programs and there are possible professional opportunities coming his way following the season.   M [player_tooltip player_id='47390' first='Owen' last='Sullivan'], St. Ignatius (Ohio), Sr., UPenn   Sullivan might have been the hardest-working player on the field Saturday. He normally plays left back but on this day he was moved to midfield and made a strong showing. His work rate was tremendous. He was strong on the ball in tight spaces and he was always looking forward, not sideways or back.   F [player_tooltip player_id='14738' first='Zsombor' last='Onodi'], St. Ignatius (Ohio), Sr., Ohio State   Onodi was very dangerous and put several shots on frame but most were right to Soares.   M [player_tooltip player_id='45593' first='Belmar' last='Joseph'], St. Benedict's (N.J.), Sr.   While he factored in Cedar Stars' club national title run this past summer (along with several St. Benecit's players) by scoring goals, Joseph was a defensive force in this match. He was very effective in breaking up some of St. Ignatius' combo play just outside the 18. He really held his position well.   M [player_tooltip player_id='31763' first='Martin' last='Pulgarin'], St. Benedict's (N.J.), Jr.   Pulgarin served the corner kick that Yuvraj Nagra flicked into the goal to get St. Benedict's the early 1-0 lead. He was very technical and dangerous. In addition, he's a very strong student.

St. Benedict's (N.J.) reclaimed its position as FAB 50 No. 1 with a 2-0 victory over St. Ignatius (Ohio) this past Saturday at Montclair State University. It was the third all-time meeting between the national high school powerhouses which the New Jersey squad now leads 2-0-1. Today, we take a look back at the standouts from that match: