John Bapst Advances to State Final

The John Bapst High School boys soccer team defeated Oceanside 3-0 on Wednesday night at Hampden Academy to claim the Class B North title. The victory marks the fourth championship for the Crusaders in five years. The team will face Yarmouth in the state final at 11 a.m. Saturday at Cameron Stadium in Bangor.

Senior striker Kasper Hansen scored two goals, while junior winger Gavin Rogers added the third. John Bapst enters the final with a record of 16 wins, one loss, and one draw. Yarmouth, the defending state champion, holds a 15-1-1 record.

The Crusaders dominated the defensive aspect of the match. Goalkeeper Bode Phillips made five saves against 20 shots from Oceanside. The team allowed only nine goals all season. Wednesday's result was their 10th shutout and their 15th game where they conceded one goal or fewer.

Coach Jason Pangburn credited his defensive unit for limiting the opposition. He stated that the defense minimized shot opportunities against dangerous players. Senior midfielder Rafa Rentosa agreed, noting the back line trusted in its ability to handle attackers like Guy Yamba and Lucas Novicka.

Hansen broke the scoreless tie with 9 minutes and 46 seconds remaining in the first half. An Oceanside defender misplayed the ball, allowing Hansen to poke it away. He drove down the left channel and finished with a low left-footed shot to the far corner.

Rogers extended the lead 2 minutes and 58 seconds into the second half. Ewan Tunney executed a 180-degree spin at the top of the penalty area and slid a pass to Rogers. Rogers slotted a right-footed shot into the far corner.

Hansen scored his second goal just 4 minutes and 27 seconds later. He broke free and shot, but Oceanside goalkeeper Grady Geretz blocked the ball with his chest. The ball popped into the air and rolled into the net.

Oceanside coach Robbie Krul said his team executed its game plan but made one error that led to the early goal. He noted that his side typically performs better in the second half. Krul expressed pride in his players for staying composed despite the deficit.

The Crusaders will take on Yarmouth, who defeated Oceanside 2-1 in overtime last year. Oceanside finished its season with a 13-4 record. The Mariners had been shut out only once prior to Wednesday's game. They entered the match averaging 4.25 goals per game.

Pangburn highlighted specific performances from his senior players. His son Josh and center back Jake Monnier marked Yamba effectively. Holding midfielder Luke Derosier controlled Lucas Novicka, while right back Hayden Pepin created offensive chances in the second half.