Boys’ soccer

O’Neill Raiders edge Panthers

Stafford nearly perfect in goal but O’Neill gets one by

By JESSE CAMPANARO, MONTICELLO HS and RICHARD A. ROSS

MONTICELLO, NY — Good soccer is all about defense. For 80 minutes, the Monticello Panthers and the James I. O’Neill Raiders battled each other on October 6.

In a game marked by staunch defense, it was clear early on that one goal could decide the outcome.

And that’s just the way it turned out.

O’Neill defeated Monticello 1-0 as Dan King scored the only goal for Raiders. He was unassisted.

It was a tough loss for the Panthers and keeper Dennis Stafford, who recorded 17 saves.

O’Neill keeper Stefano Mineo was well protected by his midfielders and fullbacks and only needed to turn aside six shots to keep Monticello scoreless.

Monticello is 3-5-2 and James I. O’Neill is 6-5.