Arestivo goal gives St. Anthony's the title

With one of her predictions having already come true, Sydney Arestivo was eager to test her psychic ability elsewhere.

"I think I'm going to go buy a lottery ticket right now actually," she said.

If her ability to pick lottery numbers is as accurate as her ability to predict scoring goals, she's going to have plenty of money to buy a big house with a mantle. On that mantle, she can display the CHSAA championship plaque she helped No. 2 St. Anthony's win Friday by scoring the lone goal in a 1-0 soccer win over No. 1 Kellenberg at Adelphi University.

During pregame shooting drills, Arestivo told her assistant coach that she was going to score a goal. What she didn't see in her crystal ball was that it would be the game-winning goal.

Reanna Marino sent a pass to Arestivo, who played a through ball toward the corner to Margo McGinty. McGinty crossed it back to Arestivo, who one-timed it to the far post with 10:35 remaining, a goal that would give the the Friars their second straight league title.

Courtney Davis, who normally plays center-back but shifted to stopper to mark Kellenberg forward Christina Akalski, was named game MVP.

"We wouldn't have won if it wasn't for every single player on that field," Davis said.

Kellenberg (12-2-1), the lone team to beat St. Anthony's (13-1-4) this season, nearly broke the scoreless tie midway through the second half when Akalski broke free. But her shot was tipped away by keeper Jensen Wiedmer. Amanda Barroca then had consecutive corner kicks, the second of which crossed the box but was cleared on a header.

"I'm proud of all the girls," said Kellenberg's Leanne Miller, who was named co-Player of the Year with Sacred Heart's Natalie Cikos. "We just came up a little short."

St. Anthony's advances to the state semifinals Saturday, which is being held on their home field. As for a state championship prediction from the Friars' fortune teller?

"Nothing is going to get in the way of us winning it," Arestivo said. "Nothing."