Maine East wears regional crown

To say it has been a while since Maine East last won a boys soccer regional, would be a classic case of understatement.

Twenty-four years is a very long time. But Friday afternoon in cold and dampness at Maine South, the Demons disposed of Von Steuben 3-0 and ended decades of disappointment in the state playoffs.

"It's been a long wait," East skipper Vic DiPrizio said, "but it's worth it. The last time won a regional, (longtime coach) Bob Dollaske was here.

"I was so happy for our guys. We took control of the action early and never let up. It is a big step for our team and the program. We're thrilled to be going to the (Niles North) sectional."

East (16-4-2) did indeed take charge early against the upstart Panthers, who were trying to win their first regional crown ever. The Demons tested Von Steuben goalkeeper Paul Varilla early and often. But Varilla answered the challenge and there was no score at halftime.

In the second half, East stepped up the pressure and just 5 minutes, 40 seconds into the period, Mike Guzzarde drilled a shot into the net. About 10 minutes later, Damian Lewandowski got around the defense and made it 2-0.

In the closing minutes of the game, the Panthers desperately tried to get back in it. But they lost the ball in transition and East's highly talented James Kelly got the ball on a breakaway and buried his shot past Varilla.

"We were really jacked up today for this game," said East goalkeeper Milan Tijanic, who notched his eighth shutout. "We have been talking about the regional for weeks."