By Phill Cipriani ‘24

Over Labor Day weekend, the Crusaders took on the Redhawks in the annual Pulaski Cup.  The Crusaders were in possession of the Pulaski Cup with an exciting 2-1 win last year.

The Redhawks took an early 1-0 lead within the first minutes of the game. Shortly after, senior Christan Morales scored on a penalty kick to tie the game.

The score remained 1-1 at halftime, but the Crusaders had the momentum.  Senior Bruce Harris nearly gave the Crusaders the lead as time winded down.  Senior Colin Welniak kept the Crusaders in the game with multiple great saves, holding the Redhawks to only 1 goal for the entire game.  With the score tied at 1-1 as time expired, it was time for a penalty shootout.

Both Marist and Brother Rice scored on their first 2 shootout attempts. Colin Welniak stopped the Redhawk’s 3rd attempt and the game winning kick was now up to senior Christian Morales.

With one kick left, the Pulaski Cup on the line, Christian Morales scored and the Crusaders won the game!

The team celebrated around Christian Morales. The Crusaders had successfully defended the Pulaski Cup for the 2nd year in a row.