On a fast break, senior Patrick Warwick is moments away from scoring Jesuit’s first goal
in the opening game against the Northlake Christian Wolverines in St. Paul’s Holiday
Invitational Tournament. Alexi Petrou also scored a second half goal for the Jays and,
combined with their stout defense, shut out the Wolverines, 2-0. In the afternoon game
against East Ascension, Petrou’s solo goal, along with an impenetrable defense,
earned the Blue Jays’ their second shutout of the tourney, 1-0.
The second day of the tournament (Tuesday, December 29) begins
with a 9 a.m. match between Jesuit and St. Thomas More
at St. Paul’s Stadium (NOT the CYSA field). The tournament,
which Jesuit won last year, concludes on Wednesday.

Senior Blue Jay goalie Joe Hart makes it difficult for opposing teams to score.
In the recent Tampa Invitational Tournament, which Jesuit won,
Hart was named the tourney’s defensive MVP.

Sophomore Philip Hicks tries to beat a Wolverine to the ball,
but becomes tangled in knees.

Junior Jay Napolitano clears the ball, sending it past a Wolverine forward.

Focused and seemingly oblivious to a Wolverine breathing down his neck,
senior Andrew Moise tries to move the ball into Jesuit territory.

Senior Spencer Hart slide kicks past a Wolverine.

Senior forward John Barbara goes high for a header.
After a few of these, they become header-aches.

Junior Brian Barbara scans the field while playing keep-away from a pursuing Wolverine.

Senior Jordan Schwartz shows his form that makes him
a dangerous offensive player.

Speaking of dangerous, another formidable weapon in Jesuit’s offensive arsenal
is senior Alexi Petrou, who on this play rifles a shot past the Wolverine goalie.
Petrou also scored the Jays’ solo goal in their afternoon game of the tourney
against East Ascension, a 1-0 shutout.

Senior Brad Stewart discovers running on air is faster.

Junior Joey LaVenia seems surprised that the ball is trying to keep up with his pace.

Junior Jay Napolitano hustles downfield while warding off a Wolverine.

Senior Patrick Culotta moves in to steal the ball from a Wolverine.

Senior Rene Robért scans the field for an open teammate.

On a free kick, Stephen Cabos attempts to drill the ball past a wall of Wolverines
who successfully defended on this play.

While it appears Jordan Schwartz is getting ready to launch a sneak attack
from the confines of the adjacent woods, the senior Blue Jay forward actually
braved snakes, alligators, and poison ivy to snag the game ball
that had sailed out of bounds. Fear not for Schwartz
was not injured while retrieving the ball.  

Senior Alex Brignac and a Wolverine both try to head the ball.

Senior Graham McQueen “stares” the ball downfield.

Brad Stewart plants himself in front of a Wolverine to prevent him
from getting any closer to goalie Joe Hart.

Using a Jesuit magic carpet, Philip Hicks glides effortlessly upfield.

Joey LaVenia discovers that same magic carpet ride.

Stephen Cabos is determined to control the ball.

Good Game: Jordan Schwartz and the rest of the Jesuit soccer team shake hands
with Wolverine players at the conclusion of their match.