CB East defeated Conestoga 2-1 to earn its second District One AAA title in as many years. To view photos of Saturday’s title game, please visit the Photo Galler, CLICK HERE.
By Ben Winderman for SuburbanOneSports.com
The District One men’s final featured the ingredients of an epic clash: The tournament’s top two seeds, both undefeated this fall, two great goalkeepers, rosters dominated by experienced upperclassmen and sprinkled with dynamic stars, and the on-going debate in Southeastern PA concerning which league/latitude plays a better brand.
For the Central Bucks East Patriots, a win would mean back-to-back district titles, pole position for an elusive state title in men’s soccer, and a chance to solidify their indisputable legacy as one of the greatest soccer teams for one of the elite high school programs in Pennsylvania.
And in case the carrots of perfection, universal respect, glory and immortality did not resonate, consider that CB East’s women’s team had just captured their own district championship by defeating Downingtown West 2-0 to maintain their own flawless fall record.
“I really can’t say enough about this particular group,” said East coach Mike Gorni.
Consider that the Patriots have now gone 43-3 in the last two years, won back-to-back district crowns and forged the SOL Continental Division into an annual fixture of the state’s elite soccer programs.
From the perspective of success, the game’s result delivered the goods, but in terms of profound drama, individual invention, or soccer suspense, this game’s bill out-distanced its content. 
The final score CB East 2-1 over Connestoga could create a misleading assumption. It wasn’t that close. The Patriots controlled play consistently, dominated the air, orchestrated the tempo, and methodically disrupted Conestoga’s ability to sustain pressure. Translation: Coach Gorni not only devised a pragmatic plan, but his players understood their roles within it, implemented play in a way that was simultaneously impressive and mundane.
Gorni did it his way but a Sinatra-less song, a few mobsters called JR, Alex, and Stephen, and a real commitment to the discipline of hard work.
“Hard work wins games,” explained senior keeper Austin Prime.
So does courage.
Prime is proof that toughness and resilience is learned.
“Austin is consistently one the best keepers in the state,” explained his coach.
After a vicious collision versus CB West left Prime in the emergency room, stitched but not shaken, the senior captain inspired his side to execute and perform. It is rare to see an East defender diving in or attempting to dribble out of the back. These players accept their roles and seek team collaboration, not individual agenda.
“I thought Stephen Sheehan was excellent tonight,” remarked Gorni. “We got a goal from our left back, Andrew Zach, and from our senior attacker Alex Parasky.
“Evan (Vare) has 38 goals this year and 85 in his career, but we have five different players on this team with over four goals each, proving other guys can score too.”
Vare did have a brilliant side volley in the fifth minute of play that unfortunately targeted the post instead of the panel, but more impressive tonight was his leadership, work rate, and defense. He won a key defensive head ball with only minutes remaining, and somehow finished the game smashing a free kick from his temporary role in the back. If versatility is a measuring stick for a player’s value, then Evan Vare would bring a true fortune.
Evident early was Conestoga’s decision to man-mark Vare with sophomore Nick Jenkins, and although the strategy kept Vare from directly tallying, his contributions were no less significant. Combining with senior Alex Parasky up top and midfielders Justin Chomik, JR Eisold, Brian Gilligan, Ian Lutz, and Edgar Mauge, the Patriots were able to win deep throw-ins and corner kicks, which ultimately led to both Patriot goals.
In the 28th minute, East midfielder Justin Chomik took a corner kick that Parasky had won and after a failed clearance Andrew Zach struck a low shot that deflected into the far corner. Austin Prime responded with three first half saves, each of which denied any rebound to a Conestoga player waiting on the doorstep.
“This is our field,” Prime reminded his teammates at halftime, a ritual that East players have made into a mantra this season.
The Patriots second tally came off an Ian Lutz throw-in, flicked on by JR Eisold to Parasky who neatly chested the ball, turned and fired a volley on target. Evan Vare was in the vicinity to disrupt and ultimately the ball found its way into the Conestoga net.
“I just want to make an impact,” said the senior Parasky, who wears number 50 and runs like a gazelle. “Anything for the team,” he explains with a signature smile.
Coach Gorni keeps them grounded and believing they have “something to prove.”
The 2015 Patriots are 23-0 now: Winners of the Continental Division crown for several years running, back-to-back District One champs, and one of the primary contenders for this year’s state title.
East will be in pursuit of that trophy this week, and regardless of opponent or venue it’s a guarantee that this team won’t beat themselves, will work hard, won’t pretend to be who there not, and will be the home team; like Austin Prime reminds them each game, “This is our field, we’re always the home team.”
Call them squatters or champions; at 23-0 these Patriots have earned the right to manifest their own destiny and make anyone’s soccer field their home.
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