Third time the charm as Golden Knights win

COPENHAGEN — The Copenhagen boys soccer team has taken a big step forward by taking a quick glimpse at its past.

While the Golden Knights drew the top seed for the Section 3 Class D tournament, they were winless in the regular season against Friday's opponent, No. 8 Belleville Henderson.

Coach Scott Randall was happy to remind his players of that fact, and the Knights responded by earning a 2-1 quarterfinal triumph over the visiting Panthers.

"I told them again before the game that we were 0-1-1 against these guys, and don't look past them" said Randall, whose team will face either Alexandria or Hamilton in the semifinals. "We knew it was going to be a tough game."

Ryan Fitzpatrick netted the game-winner in the 60th minute, adding to David Hovendon's eighth-minute score as Copenhagen (14-2-1) finally found itself on the winning end of a 2009 matchup against its division foe.

Eli Anderson registered the goal for Belleville Henderson (10-6-1).

"We've had a hard time against them every game," Fitzpatrick said. "We just wanted to keep fighting. We played hard and got one at the end."

The Panthers needed 11 saves from goalie Jake Fleury to keep it as close as it was. Copenhagen tested Fleury early and often, firing 11 of its 20 shots directly on net.

Fighting a 1-0 deficit and a fierce wind, Belleville Henderson finally made a serious offensive run about 15 minutes into the second half. Chris Leen slashed his way through a pair of defenders, rifling a shot that Copenhagen goalie Paul Sawyer could only deflect away, and Anderson was in perfect position to punch in the rebound.

"The wind was tough to adjust to," Panthers coach David Green said. "Once we finally got settled, we were able to come up with some of the goal kicks and clearing kicks."

Fitzpatrick's tally 6 minutes later, however, ensured Copenhagen its fifth consecutive berth in the sectional semifinals. Despite its regular-season troubles against the Panthers, Copenhagen managed enough consistency to grab a third consecutive league title, and fourth in five seasons.

"We have guys who know the system, and that gives us continuity," Randall said. "They know we have to think through what we do, and not react. They do a good job of that."

Green is doing a good job, too, though, of helping the Panthers build a respectable program. They finished third in the division this fall, but also knocked off second place Lyme along the way.

"We had a shot to share the title with Copenhagen. I think that speaks volumes about how far our program has come," Green said. "We're very happy that we can put out a team now that's close to matching (Copenhagen's)."

WATERTOWN 3, ONEIDA 0

Matt Cleaver contributed one goal and one assist in the No. 4 Cyclones' Class A quarterfinal victory at Watertown High School.

Chris Waterbury tallied the eventual game-winner in the 16th minute for Watertown. Brendan Arthur also scored, Will Jaacks provided an assist, and Tim Madden (3) and Cameron Devlin (1) combined for four saves for the Cyclones (13-3-2).

No. 12 Oneida finished the season at 7-11.