Yesterday afternoon, the boys’ soccer team opened PSAA play with a thrilling 2-1 win over Staten Island Academy in the first ever match-up between the two squads. In a normal season, the Tigers would compete in the PSAA West Division for boys’ soccer, but COVID-19 remade the league landscape for this unique season, bringing the teams together for a regular season tilt.

The Bears drew first blood against the reigning PSAA Champions just past the 20-minute mark of the first half when Dennis Yilmaz struck home a cross from Devin Saraniero. The hosts equalized 10 minutes later to leave the score tied 1-1 at the half.

With three minutes left, the match was still knotted and appeared headed for a tie (there is no overtime in regular season PSAA play) when senior captain Malik Ulysse headed home the winner off of a corner kick from Daniel Kim, giving the Bears a triumphant return across the Verrazano Bridge.

The win moves the Bears to 2-0 overall on the season. They return to the pitch on Friday afternoon in a home match-up with Our Savior.

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