Centennial captures its 2nd straight state title Boys soccer

Centennial's boys soccer team won its second consecutive Class 3A state soccer championship yesterday by beating Whitman, 1-0, at Old Mill High. It was the Eagles' fifth overall state title, and the win extended their unbeaten streak to 32 games.

"This was an extremely rewarding one because no one thought we'd be here," Eagles coach Bill Stara said.

The game was much tougher for Centennial than the Eagles' earlier 1-0 victory over Whitman this season.

"Whitman went with five middies today and seemed a much more difficult team this time around," Centennial's Rehan Gill said.

Gill, a senior, played striker most of the season but moved to midfield for most of the game against Whitman.

With 15 minutes Centennial went into a defensive mode and Stara moved the dependable Gill back to stopper.

Centennial gained the advantage in the early going and in the 29th minute fullback Warren Grace scored the game's only goal.

Allen Alejandro initiated the scoring sequence with a long throw-in. Whitman goalkeeper Darren Lamiman blocked one shot and then a second before Grace put it away for his third goal of the season.

"We lost our composure at times," Whitman coach Sam DeBone said. Whitman attempted to spread Centennial's defense and attack with a short passing game.

Centennial goalkeeper Dan Christine was outstanding again. He recorded his ninth shutout. The Eagles gave up only nine goals this season. Christine's best save came in the 47th minute and with 10:50 left to play Christine rejected another hard shot off his body and then fell on the ball.