Boys Soccer Opens 2025 with Win over Elyria Catholic

Aug 16, 2025|Boys Soccer

The Amherst Steele boys varsity team kicked off the season with a resounding 3-0 victory over Elyria Catholic.

After several near-misses, Matthew Hammond finally found the back of the net, taking a through-ball from Cristiano Reyes, beating a defender down the goal line, and firing a shot past the Panther goalkeeper to give the Comets a 1-0 lead.
Minutes later, Hammond worked his magic again, sending a brilliant cross to the back post, but a Ty Pinto shot just missed wide left. Ben Thompson almost cashed in, firing a point blank shot after another Pinto shot rebounded to him, but the EC goalkeeper was up to the task with a diving save to keep the game close at the half.

Thompson finally found the net early in the second half, collecting a nifty pass from Reyes and burying a shot to push the lead to two. Noah Clinton provided a much-needed insurance goal, stealing an EC throw-in and chipping the keeper. Pinto almost found the net again with 15 minutes left, but his 40-yard rocket was turned away and the Comets ran out the clock to earn the win.

Casey Giancaterino was tremendous in goal, turning away all five Panther shots, including a late diving stop to preserve the shutout. Gavin Beckler, Gavin Ford, Carter Boone, and Evan Ferancy played tremendous defense to keep the Panthers in check.

Amherst Steele (1-0) hosts Firelands on Monday. The JV kicks off at 6:15 with the varsity game at 8.

Varsity box score:
Amherst Steele 3, Elyria Catholic 0
Goals: Matthew Hammond, Ben Thompson, Noah Clinton
Assists: Cristiano Reyes (2)
Saves: Casey Giancaterino - 5