Campbell MVP as Friends wins another state title

MIDDLETOWN, N.Y. - When the Most Valuable Player was about to be announced for Friends Academy after yesterday's state championship game, the odds were Matt Slotnick or Colin Heffron would get it. Heffron had a goal and an assist and Slotnick had an assist and was often marked by multiple defenders, which opened things up for others.

But it was Chris Campbell who was called to the podium to accept the award. Campbell scored the final goal of the game on a penalty kick and helped create the second goal. The senior defender had a look of shock on his face when his name was called, but anyone who has followed Friends Academy soccer knows how important Campbell is.

All three captains were integral in Friends Academy's 3-0 win over Marathon in the state Class C championship game at Middletown High School. Friends Academy (15-1-2) won the state championship for the second straight season. Friends goaltender Eli Rousso made five saves.

"It was nice to finally get recognized," Campbell said, "But I don't mind just being in the back. It's a whole team effort and it's everyone."

The Quakers were happy to see Campbell get some recognition on a big stage. "Campbell is the reason our defense works," Slotnick said. "We have great defenders besides him, but he's the one that keeps them organized. He's the one that prevents the breakaways. He helps on offense all the time. He may not get the assist. A lot of times he dribbles around five guys and plays the ball up and we score."

That was the case for the second goal. Campbell played a ball to Heffron near the far post. Heffron took a shot that was stopped by Marathon goalkeeper Evan Holl. The rebound came to A.J. Muran and he scored with 8:52 left in the first half to give the Quakers a 2-0 lead.

For the third consecutive game, Friends Academy scored in the first seven minutes. Heffron and Slotnick, who have played together for four years and are best friends, have the same chemistry on the field. The two connected for a goal just 6:28 into the game.

SEE PHOTOSState finals: Friends Academy 3, Marathon 0

"There was a ball floating around midfield," Heffron said. "I took it, beat a man and passed it to Slotnick, who is the quickest kid on Earth. He took it and played it to me in the middle. It was a classic counter-attack goal."

The Quakers capped the scoring when Campbell was taken down adjacent to the goal. He was awarded a penalty kick and scored with 24:01 left.

The Quakers had lofty expectations after winning the state championship last season. Even after winning a semifinal, Heffron said it would be disappointing if the team didn't win the final. Slotnick agreed.

"We knew we should win it this year," Slotnick said. "After you win, it's a lot different than thinking about winning it. We felt there was a lot of pressure on the seniors because if we didn't win, we felt it would be our fault. The captains were glad to get this done."