Knights Win in OT, Earn Second Straight Boys Soccer State Title

It took nearly 102 minutes to settle Saturday's Class 1A boys soccer state championship match, but for St. Joseph's and the Knights' faithful, it was well worth the wait.

Sophomore Jonny Bunecke scored a little more than a minute into the first golden goal overtime period to lift the Knights to a 2-1 victory over Christ Church Saturday at Memorial Stadium in Columbia.

St. Joe's (17-4) won its second straight state title, its seventh as a member of the South Carolina High School League and its 11th in all (including four in SCISA).

The Knights dominated in the early going and capitalized in the 6th minute. Senior Thomas Flannigan gathered a throw-in from sophomore Rhys Roberts, boxed out a defender and then got around him and sent a shot that eluded the grasp of Christ Church goalkeeper William Ossman for a 1-0 lead.
 

In the 33rd minute, SJCS junior keeper Josh Linebaugh made a great stop, but the ball bounced out in front and Linebaugh had no chance as Reeves Dobson booted in the rebound to even the score.

The score remained tied through the remainder of regulation and two 10-minute overtime periods, although Ossman had to make a few outstanding saves to keep it that way. One came against Bunecke, who had a shot right in front that Ossman somehow reacted to in time.

However, 101 minutes into the match, the Knights finally beat Ossman a second time. When the ball came toward senior Reid Feldman in front of the goal to the left of Ossman, Feldman headed it to his right to Bunecke, whose shot found the back of the net. A wild celebration ensued, ending with a dogpile of Knights.

Congratulations to Head Coach Frank Kucinic, Assistant Coaches Ben Kovaleski and Mateo Gomez and all the Knights on winning the boys soccer program's 11th state championship!

Click HERE to watch WYFF coverage of the state championship match.

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