Aided by the absence of five starters of the opposition, the North American College Martyrs punched its ticket to the Clericus Cup Finals with a commanding 2-0 victory over Guanelliani. Running its playoff goal differential to 5-0, the Martyrs are left wondering how good it could be. The answer, of course, will come in its annual playoff tussle with two-time champion Redemptoris Mater. This Saturday, however, was characterized by an incomplete, puzzling dominance: controlling tempo and chances but failing to capitalize fully, as evidenced by its one goal scored on twenty-three shots. The edge remains but the results continue to attest to a level of play previously unthinkable for the American squad.

Lining up opposite to players with obvious athletic limitations, the Americans became quickly aware that the Semifinal contest was the theirs for the taking. Microcosmic of a day both fulfilling and frustrating, the American chances began in the second minute with a free kick from David Santos ‘12 (Newark). As Santos sent the ball long and into the goalie box, John Gibson ‘13 (Milwaukee) appeared free from a shorter defender and seemed ready to offer an early test to the Guanelliani keeper. The ball, however, thought otherwise, gliding just above Gibson’s head and out of bounds.

While short-handed, Guanelliani was not without skill, as evidenced in the 14^th minute. Receiving the ball at the top right corner of the Martyrs goalie box, a Guanelliani striker attacked left, easily moving past a tackle attempt by Santos. Having the area of space necessary, he ripped the ball left-footed towards the low, right corner of the goal. Daniel Gallagher ‘13 (Pittsburgh) continued his fine play, however, lunging to poke the shot away and diving to gather it in before any damage could occur. No damage, in fact, was destined to occur at any point during the game, as this exchange was the only true chance for the Group B champions.

Accustomed to receiving only one or two true chances a game, veteran forward Deacon Daniel O’Mullane ‘10 (Patterson) was in unfamiliar territory. His first opportunity occurred in the 19^th minute. After a beautiful through-ball from Jeff Eirvin ‘12 (Portland in Oregon), O’Mullane’s well-timed run positioned him with the ball behind the defense in the middle of the goalie box. Moving forward then backward, the Guanelliani goalie, however, did just enough to confuse O’Mullane and collected the side-footed shot, averting disaster at least momentarily.

Five minutes later O’Mullane found himself with another opportunity. Intercepting a pass in the 24^th minute, the striker touched the ball to fellow forward Deacon James Morrison ‘10 (Mobile), beginning a give-and-go that ended with the ball on O’Mullane’s foot behind the defense. Just as he struck his shot, however, a defender poked his foot in to pop the ball up and into the goalie’s hands.

In the 29^th minute, the breakthrough would finally come. Taking the ball on his side of the field, Santos looked up the field for a pass, spotting Nick Nelson ‘13 (Duluth) and delivering it to the first-year player in stride. From the right wing, Nelson sent a low cross into the box, finding the apparently never marked O’Mullane. Stepping to the right and past the confused goalie, O’Mullane tapped in the well-executed goal, giving the Martyrs its long-sought 1-0 advantage.

Not a minute passed before yet another breakaway chance was forced. This time Gibson forced loose a ball from Guanelliani’s back line and found room to run. With the defense recovering and the goalie anticipating, Gibson’s shot went well high and brought the match to halftime.

The action continued in the Martyrs favor following the intermission. In the 32^nd minute, Father James Adams ‘09 (Kalamazoo) forced a turnover and fed Morrison with a nice slip pass in the box. As the defense and goalie converged, Morrison’s attempt bounced off a defender’s foot and away from the keeper. Rolling nearest to a Guanelliani defender, the ball seemed destined to be booted out of bounds. Reacting quickly to an onrushing Nelson, the defender attempted to put it out of play near the goal. The ball instead found the back of the net. The own goal made the score 2-0 and eliminated any hope of a comeback.

The remainder of the second half resembled much of the action that preceded it: possession and opportunities with no conversions. O’Mullane, Morrison, and Gibson each had chances that were scuttled by a poor touch, a good save, a crossbar, or the absence of a stronger gravitational pull. Whatever the true reason, the match ended with a dominant 2-0 victory and should keep the squad focused on the task ahead of it. In Redemptoris Mater, the Martyrs find an opponent who has escorted the team from the playoffs each year: the 2007 quarterfinals, the 2008 semifinals, and last year’s finals. The upward trend, though, is obvious, something the Martyrs hope will continue with a breakthrough Saturday, May 29th. Action on the pitch starts at 11 am, but with a Booster Club tailgate to precede, the fans will start much earlier.

In a thoroughly dominant sixty minutes of soccer, the North American College Martyrs defeated Sedes Sapientiae 3-0 in the opening round of the Clericus Cup playoffs. The dismantling of the Opus Dei-run diocesan seminary was quick and sustained, evidenced by bookend goals in the 6^th and 60^th minutes. More than skill or fitness or momentum, however, the Martyrs emerged victorious due to trademark energy and effort – qualities that will decide where the team’s season will end.

On a slick Field B, both teams tried to adjust to the conditions and each other in the early going. No attack proved potent until the 6^th minute. Having collected the ball in the box, Martyrs goalie Daniel Gallagher ‘13 (Pittsburgh) shrunk the tiny Field B with a punt that landed near the opposition’s box. Misplayed by a Sedes defender, the ball was allowed to bounce. Once. Twice. Three times. At this point, with the ball well within the goalie box, Martyrs forward Deacon Daniel O’Mullane ‘10 (Patterson) had all the chance he needed. As the Sedes keeper Alphonse Bertrand Omgba Embolo closed, O’Mullane flicked the ball up with the outside of his right foot, sending it expectantly in the air. Deflecting off the left post, the shot fell in, giving the Americans an early 1-0 lead.

Sedes did not merely stop playing, though. Led by its striker Anthony Naah of Ghana, the Opus Dei seminarians worked to remain in the match. Supported by his ten goals in seven matches, Naah was billed as one of the supreme talents in the tournament. The athletic, 6 foot 5 inch Gahnaian did not disappoint, flashing moments of brilliance. In the 21^st minute, after a rare defensive misplay by Martyrs player-coach David Santos ‘12 (Newark), Naah fired, spinning and off-balanced. The strike from eighteen meters crashed off the top crossbar, giving obvious witness to Naah’s talent and threat. As it had to other offensive stars, however, the Martyrs stout defensive line greatly neutralized Naah’s presence, limiting his opportunities and keeping him off the scoreboard.

Spurred on by the momentum and the lead, superior play and effort, the Martyrs controlled much of the action in the first half. The American side had another scoring opportunity near the end of the first period, with O’Mullane again as the instigator. On the tight Field B of Oratorio di San Pietro, a throw-in near the goal is nearly equivalent to a corner kick, as throws can fall in the middle of the goalie box. Taking a throw in the 28^th minute, O’Mullane offered just such a throw. As Sedes goalie Omgba collided with a defender, the ball bounced to John Gibson ‘13 (Milwaukee). Recognizing the opportunity despite the crowd of players in front of him, Gibson lofted a kick over the scrambling keeper and toward the goal. A perceptive Sedes defender, however, was waiting for the shot and headed it away at the goal line. The ball, still in the attack zone, was quickly returned to the middle of the box. Omgba would not allow the chaos to continue, though, clobbering Martyrs midfielder Nick Nelson ‘13 (Duluth) to secure the ball and end the threat.

Looking for his fifth shutout in eight games, Martyrs keeper Gallagher was forced to earn it just after intermission. In its one sustained threat of the match, Sedes sent a low strike across the box. With Naah and his compatriots nearing the ball, Gallagher stopped any chance of an equalizer by quickly diving to turn away the attempt.

While the match was distinctly in the Martyrs’ favor, the lead was still only 1-0 through the 37^th minute. Creating the play of the season, Jeff Eirvin ‘12 (Portland in Oregon) changed all that. With the ball just outside of the Sedes box, a defender quickly tried to clear it up field. Turning as he fired, he did not expect an American to be standing in his way. Eirvin, however, did more than merely keep the ball in play. After the ball deflected hard off of his face, the American left winger immediately pounced, connecting on a shot after the ball had touched the turf once. Rocketing the ball as two defenders closed, Eirvin sent Sedes keeper Omgba flailing. The shot perfectly bent into the high right corner of the goal. Omgba could only laugh, and the Martyrs and its supporters were only too happy to join him. The rout was on.

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The remaining minutes had Gallagher collecting balls before they could cause any harm and the American squad continuing to sustain the offensive pressure. Twice the Martyrs created near-goal opportunities. In the 47^th minute, Deacon James Morrison ‘10 (Mobile) received a brilliant header from O’Mullane, his attacking counterpart. Finding himself with only one defender to beat, Morrison turned inside to gain separation, only to have a creeping Omgba dive to deflect his shot at the inside of the box. Ten minutes later O’Mullane gathered a quick-strike pass from veteran Fr. James Adams ‘09 (Kalamazoo) and found himself in the same situation on the other side of the box. Creating space for his shot, O’Mullane sent a low attempt that ricocheted hard off of Omgba’s arms and away from a rapidly approaching Morrison and a rebound opportunity.

The final offensive attempt proved more successful. In the concluding moments of the match, O’Mullane once again found himself with a throw-in near the goal. As three Martyrs shed their defenders, the ball found its way to Santos who buried the header at close range. The appearance of the skilled sweeper in the offensive attack has become a more regular sight, and with results like that, there is little wonder why. Before the kick-off could take place, the referee whistled the match over, ending the 3-0 assault.

The Martyrs will continue their journey towards a first Clericus Cup title with a semifinal appearance on Saturday, May 22^nd at 10:30 against Guanelliani. The Roman house for priests of the Congregation of the Sevants of Charity is no stranger to the Martyrs, having been a first round opponent a year ago. In a match marked by skilled and hard play, the Americans defeated the international team with an overtime goal from now-Deacon Charles Gallagher ‘10 (Washington D.C.). As victors of Group B, Guanelliani again poses a serious challenge – one only another sustained performance will match.

In its last match of the regular season, the Martyrs returned to its winning ways, defeating the French 1-0 on rain-soaked Field A of Oratorio di San Pietro. Controlling the action from start-to-finish, despite playing without usual starters David Santos ‘12 (Newark), Deacon Daniel O’Mullane ‘10 (Patterson), and Deacon Fernando Saenz ‘10 (Santa Fe), the American squad showed its depth and versatility – attributes it will now bring to the playoffs for the fourth consecutive year.

With intermittent rain throughout the match, the field was slick and puddled, often sending pass attempts past their intended target. After the French forced a corner kick in the first minute of play, all notable offense was produced by the Americans. The conversions of those chances, however, proved difficult. Two minutes into the action Saenz’s replacement Anthony Dill ‘12 (Harrisburgh) signaled this “barely off” offense when he sent forward a pass to Neil Atzinger ‘12 (Lansing). Free from the defense, Atzinger was a stride too late to corral the pass, as the ball skidded into the hands of French keeper Règis Peillon.

Peillon’s work was far from done. Enjoying unusual space and freedom of central midfield, Chris Seiler ‘13 (St. Louis) and Father James Adams ‘09 (Kalamazoo) steadied the action. After whiffing on a cross in the 9^th minute, Seiler again found himself unmarked in the French goal box five minutes later. Following a pass from Nick Nelson ‘13 (Duluth), Seiler’s one-timer was struck forcefully, but right at Peillon who batted it away.

As the goal attempts increased in frequency but remained frustrated, an interesting cat-and-mouse game began between Peillon and veteran Martyrs striker Deacon James Morrison ‘10 (Mobile). Recognizing that Peillon’s goal kicks were falling fairly short and often to the wrong team, Morrison positioned himself just above the goalie box, waiting to capitalize on any errant pass.

Following another scoring chance – this time from Adams in the 30^th minute – the Martyrs found themselves in familiar territory: knotted in a goalless tie at intermission. While winning on all but the scoreboard, the Americans readied themselves both for the effort of the French and the dampness of the weather in the second half. A win would secure a playoff berth and a second seed in Group A – a prize the team needed no reminder of.

The second period followed much of the pattern of the first. In the 39^th minute, Nelson again fed the attack, sending in a cross that bounded in front of the goal to an open Morrison. While the Mobilian’s header lurched wide, the exchange began an aggressive series of plays for the Martyrs. Attempting shots on four consecutive possessions without allowing the ball to move past midfield, it seemed only a matter of time before a breakthrough would come. With Peillon’s pass attempts continuing to find the Martyrs, the French keeper supplied even more excitement as he went to field a shot from Seiler. Seeing the rather innocent strike approaching, Peillon bent down to greet it, strangely extending only his right hand. The ball squirted past and looked momentarily to edge the goal line. Peillon, however, quickly recovered, grabbing the ball before any scoreboard damage could be done.

With only ten minutes remaining in the contest, the Martyrs continued its search for a goal, knowing only one play separated it from a deserved victory. In the 51^st minute the play came. As Peillon lined up for yet another goal kick, Morrison waited at the eighteen-meter mark to spring into action. Choosing to pass the ball to a defender just to Morrison’s right, Peillon stroked it with pace. To the dismay of the French and glee of the Americans, the pass was not completed, bouncing from the foot of the would-be receiver and back into the box. It took only a moment for Morrison to pounce, collecting the ball and firing a shot into the top right corner of the goal. The breakthrough had come.

The 1-0 margin stood the test of the final minutes and finished the Martyrs regular season on a winning note. The quest to return to the finals for a second consecutive year now begins in earnest. After a week intermission, the squad will begin playoff soccer with a match against Group B’s third seeded Sedes Sapientiae on Saturday, May 8^th.

In a match billed as a possible breakthrough moment for American soccer in Rome, history shunned transformation in favor of repetition, as the North American Martyrs once again fell to the Neo-Catechumenal Way’s Redemptoris Mater 1-0. Coming after the Easter pause in play, the match assures Redemptoris, the defending Clericus Cup champion, first place in Group A entering the May playoffs. More importantly, however, the contest reasserts the Neo-Cats as the class of the Cup – a motivating realization for the Martyrs.

From the outset, the Martyrs looked both parts energetic and erratic, often sending crisp passes to the feet of a Neo-Cat defender. For all of its dominance in possession, however, Redemptoris had nothing to show for it. The opposition’s strategy of sending “through balls” to their front-line forwards was counteracted by a unified defensive front, as David Santos ‘12 (Newark) and his line drew eleven offsides penalties in the match.

With Redemptoris’ chances frustrated by the linesman’s flag, the Martyrs’ athleticism and effort kept them in the contest. Playing the ball down the perimeter of the field, offensive chances came mainly from an occasional back-line foul. Santos, the squad’s normal free-kick taker, served a ball into the box in the 9^th minute that momentarily escaped the grasp of the opposing goalie, only to be collected before any Martyr could pounce on the miscue.

That the 9^th minute free kick was one of the rare offensive opportunities in the first half serves as a testament to the play of Redemptoris Mater sweeper Davide Tisato. Regarded by many as the best player in the Clericus competition, the Italian seemingly effortlessly cleared balls and steadied the play of his less gifted teammates. Having studied philosophy in Rome, the 2^nd-year Theology Tisato has annually displayed the rare talent of controlling the game against the American side, both defensively, by helping to keep the Martyrs without a goal in now five contests, and offensively, by moving forward during set pieces. Acknowledging Tisato’s unparalleled skill, the Martyrs’ strategy was to attack quickly when the defender was on the offensive side of the field. The plan seemed to wear him down match’s end, but the breakthrough goal remained elusive.

As the contest neared halftime, the 0-0 tie appeared to be the destined score for intermission. Redemptoris Mater, however, does have a flair for the dramatic. In an eerie parallel to the decisive extra-time goal it scored in the first half of last year’s final, the Neo-Cats struck again with mere seconds remaining before the whistle. With the defense set and the ball being headed back-and-forth near the Martyrs’ end line, a Neo-Cat lifted a cross near the goal. Emerging from among four defenders, the Red-Mats’ leading scorer Emmanuele Grisante found the ball tracking for his leg. The Italian forward struck it soundly, and at such a close range, goalkeeper Daniel Gallagher ‘13 (Pittsburgh) could do little more than wave at it. The goal made it 1-0 and sent the Redemptoris side into a dog-pile celebration much to the delight of its guitar-strumming fans.

On the American side, though, hope was not lost. Fortified by another pre-game tailgate and encouraged by the electric keytar-playing of Stephen Vrazel ‘11 (Mobile) and drum-pounding of Rich Mastrogiacomo ‘11 (Rockville Centre), Martyrs fans announced they would not go quietly. The energy of the halftime performance was mirrored by the play on the field in the early going. In the 40^th minute, it appeared – however momentarily – the energy would lead to success. Catching Tisato in an attacking position, Deacon James Morrison ‘10 (Mobile) neared midfield with the ball and saw fellow veteran Deacon Daniel O’Mullane ‘10 (Patterson) in place to receive a forward pass. As the ball moved toward its intended target and a one-on-one for O’Mullane, Fabio Perdomo, the last remaining Red-Mat defender, raised his elbow shoulder-high, deflecting the ball from its path. Though an intentional hand ball in such a situation usually merits a red card and an expulsion from the contest, head referee Moretti found only a yellow card in his pocket for the Columbian defender. Santos’ ensuing free kick sailed high over the goal, eliminating any scoring chance for the Martyrs.

Even up 1-0, Tisato’s magic was not complete. Turning away yet another pass in the attacking zone in the 47^th minute, the Neo-Cat sweeper held on to the ball, moving it up the Martyrs’ left side past waves of players. Finding himself near the top of the goalie box with one defender in his path, he struck a beautiful cross that barely over-shot a trailing teammate on the right side.

As the Martyrs hunted for an equalizer, they found one more opportunity in extra time. Chris Seiler ‘13 (St. Louis) sent a corner kick into a scrum of players in the middle of the box. With the Red-Mat goalie out of position and bodies on the ground, the ball bounced to the top of the box and to the foot of O’Mullane. Moving past one defender and searching for an opening, a challenge came from behind but found only O’Mullane’s left leg. Much to the dismay of the American side, Referee Moretti, however, signaled only “play on.”

After another scoring opportunity for the Red-Mats went wide of the mark, the match concluded with the familiar 1-0 score – the fourth time in five matches the Martyrs have found themselves on the wrong end of such a conclusion. Despite the nerves and lay-off, the opposing skill and moxie, the American side only lost by a goal to the two-time Clericus Cup champion. Different results in only a hand-full of plays would have swung the decision dramatically. The search for those plays and full form continues, as the Martyrs conclude their regular season schedule with an engagement with the French.

On April 15^th, the College celebrated its largest Rector’s Dinner to date when over 440 guests gathered at its Janiculum Hill seminary to honor the Most Reverend Timothy M. Dolan and the Honorable Francis and Mrs. Kathleen Rooney with the 2010 Rector’s Award.

In addition to the many Cardinals, Archbishops, Bishops, and Curial Officials in attendance, the College was honored to have the distinguished presence of several Ambassadors and international diplomatic representatives from the United States, Australia, China, the United Kingdom, Chile, Russia, Croatia, Portugal, the European Union, and the Sovereign Order of Malta; over 50 members of the Papal Foundation; the head of the Swiss Guard; and numerous friends, benefactors and alumni of the College.

During the evening, guests enjoyed traditional Italian fare and lively entertainment provided by the seminarians, which included Barber Shop Quarter and Doo-Wop renditions of American popular music from the 1950s and 1960s.

After accepting the Rector’s Award, the recipients imparted words of wisdom and inspiration.

Archbishop Timothy Dolan spoke with great humility and thankfulness, as he reflected it was “already award enough” for him to have served for so many wonderful years as Rector of the North  American College and, thus, to have played a direct role in training seminarians for future leadership in the Catholic Church in the United States.

Ambassador Francis and Mrs. Kathleen Rooney spoke about their personal fulfillment in helping the College to flourish in its mission of priestly formation and joy of having witnessed so many fine young priests who had been trained in Rome.

We thank you again for joining us and look forward to seeing you on May 5, 2011 at the nineteenth annual Rector’s Dinner!

Arrivederci e alla prossima!!

Please feel free to download and share the photos of the 2010 Rector’s Dinner found on these pages (click here to view the full selection of photos).

We also encourage you to access our benefactors’ web links found at the bottom of this page.

Accademia di Lingua Italiana di Assisi

Acton Institute

Capturator S.r.l.

Cathedral Candle Company

Catholic Daughters of the Americas

Church of St. Mary

English Martyrs Parish

EWTN

Fourth Dimension Italy

Grassinibus a.r.l.

Great Lakes Advisors, Inc.

Green Line Tours

Hotel Invest Italiana S.p.A.

International Tours Centre S.r.l.

Marymount International School

Ristorante La Vittoria

Ristorante Cecilia Metella

Ristorante Rinaldi al Quirinale

Ristorante XII Apostoli

Ristorante Venerina al Mascherino

Rohn & Associates Design, Inc.

Seven Hills Travel

St. Philip Neri House

Suprema Appalti S.r.l.

Timeaway di Travelwise S.r.l.

Trianon Residence Borgo Pio

Vincenzo Serpone S.r.l.

William H. Sadlier, Inc.

In its final contest before the Easter break, the Martyrs defeated Collegio Sant’Anselmo a 1-0 slugfest. No stranger to hard-fought, physical play, the American squad engaged an opponent willing to match its aggression. The clash of force led to a stuttering gameplay, as the familiar whistle of referee D’Arienzo halted play for free kicks forty-four times in the sixty-minute match. While the flow was marked by sharp edges, the consistent performance by the Martyrs earned it a well-deserved victory.

Playing once again on the diminutive Field B, the Martyrs had its share of chances and challenges in the early going. With free kicks aplenty, the attacking zone became all the more dangerous. Neither side, however, could offer a true threat until player/coach David Santos ‘12 (Newark) found midfielder John Gibson ‘13 (Milwaukee) in the 19^th minute. Gibson, who has shown an ability to deliver on scoring opportunities in his first Clericus Cup campaign, saw his header lurch wide of the goal.

The 0-0 tie was challenged ten minutes later in the 29^th minute, as another free kick from Santos created problems for Sant’Anselmo. The low attempt found its way under a defenseman and onto the foot of right-winger Nick Nelson ‘13 (Duluth). Cutting his way from the goal, Nelson’s strike emerged from under the opposing goal keeper’s legs, only to be kicked out of bounds as it neared the goal line. Later in the action, after Martyrs keeper Dan Gallagher ‘13 (Pittsburgh) skillfully punched away a crossing corner, the first half concluded, with both teams scoreless.

Known as a team with skill at the striker position, Sant’Anselmo nearly converted the first opportunity of the second half, as a free kick from just outside of the box narrowly missed both the top post and Gallagher’s hands. With sustained offense nearly impossible due to the regular stoppages of play, the Martyrs began to revert to the offense of its past: a long kick followed by a scramble to the ball. In the 39^th minute veteran Deacon Daniel O’Mullane ‘10 (Patterson) corralled such a kick, discovering a sliver of daylight between two defenders. After sending a shot off the mark to the right, O’Mullane was sandwiched by the defending teammates. Though D’Arienzo uncharacteristically kept his whistle in his pocket, the exchange was a precursor to the offensive attack to come.

Before the Martyrs had another significant offensive attempt, however, the match was thrown into added controversy. In the 42^nd minute, as Sant’Anselmo sent a corner kick into the goalie box, Sašo Celeski reached up and grabbed the high attempt with his hand. Normally such an intended act would merit a red card – and expulsion from the match. Showing remarkable charity, D’Arienzo decided a yellow card was the appropriate penalty, meaning Celeski could remain in the match unless he received a second yellow card later.

Gallagher’s kick following the penalty once again found O’Mullane on the other end of the field. As the Martyrs forward gathered the ball, he moved across the field to his left, spinning to free himself from a defender. Taking advantage of his newly created lane, O’Mullane fired low and hard, with the sprawling keeper reacting just quickly enough to save the attempt. As the ball rolled free in the box, Deacon James Morrison ‘10 (Mobile) moved to score on the rebound. Sant’Anselmo was a step closer, however, clearing the ball as Morrison approached to strike it.

The next attempt of the “punt-and-run” offense proved pivotal. In the 46^th minute, Gallagher and O’Mullane again connected deep in Sant’Anselmo territory. Unlike his previous attempts, O’Mullane found himself with only one defender – the yellow card-carrying Celeski – assigned to him. Gaining the slimmest of steps on Celeski, O’Mullane appeared to have a free attempt on the goal, until the defender’s challenge from behind brought O’Mullane to the turf. D’Arienzo removed another yellow card from his pocket, forcing Celeski to depart from the contest and Sant’Anselmo to play down a man for the remainder of the match.

The breakthrough would come in the 52^nd minute, as O’Mullane definitively stamped his image on the match. With a member of Sant’Anselmo’s back line being harassed by an energetic Morrison, O’Mullane retrieved an errant pass not far from the goalie box. Using his now-patented spin move to create the necessary space, the forward placed his curving shot in the far corner of the goal. The goal was O’Mullane’s second in as many games and gave the Martyrs its long-sought advantage.

With eight minutes and stoppage time to play, Sant’Anselmo fought to find an equalizer. Thanks in large part to the tough play of keeper Gallagher and the stout back line in front of him, the Martyrs would hold on to the 1-0 margin, earning its 12^th point of the Clericus Cup season in five matches.

The first game following the Easter recess will pit the Martyrs against Redemptoris Mater, the Neo-Catechumenal Seminary in Rome. The familiar foe has escorted the Martyrs to the offseason in each year of competition, including a 1-0 defeat of the the Americans in last year’s final. In addition, the victor will move into 1^st place in Group A, controlling its playoff seeding (something fairly significant given Oratorio di San Pietro’s drastically different fields). The match will take place on Saturday, 17 April at 10 a.m. on Field A.

In a rough and tumble match, the Martyrs returned to their winning ways, defeating Anglo-Celtic Colleges United (ACCU) 2-0. The opponents – a composite of English, Irish, and Scottish seminarians – joined the Martyrs in creating a physical contest, with the exchange characterized by hard, aggressive, and sometimes legal play. While the Martyrs found their closest comparison in terms of effort, the American side skillfully converted their force into moments of finesse, sustaining attacks and controlling most facets of the game.

The action began predictably – if inauspiciously – for the Martyrs. In an opening exchange that foretold the hard play to follow, Jeff Eirvin ‘12 (Portland in Oregon) was the first to find himself on the turf. The left-footed Eirvin, a mainstay on the Martyrs midfield since his New Man year, had his right ankle slid into after making a pass in the 2^nd minute. Eirvin stayed down for some time before hobbling to the sideline for medical care.

Finding themselves playing a man down as Eirvin’s status was evaluated, the Martyrs moved their 4-4-2 positioning into a 4-3-2, forcing their remaining players to cover additional space on Oratorio di San Pietro’s roomy Field A. When a gimpy but gritty Eirvin returned five minutes later, it was already clear the Martyrs were on the cusp of a breakthrough. It would come two minutes later. After Eirvin received another questionable challenge to his ankles, the ACCU gathered the ball on their back line. With pressure arriving, an ACCU defender looked behind to his deepest positioned teammate. The pass, however, would never reach its intended destination, as forward Deacon Daniel O’Mullane ‘10 (Patterson) sprinted to intercept it. O’Mullane answered any outstanding questions on his health as he spun around one defender and cut inside another before forcefully striking a ball low and to the near post. This ball would find its target, giving the Martyrs a 1-0 lead in the 8^th minute.

While the aggressive play continued in front of him, goalie Daniel Gallagher ‘13 (Pittsburgh) remained comfortably insulated from any threats, on his way to his second “clean sheet” of the tournament. The ACCU keeper Antony Fionda, however, was not as fortunate. The skilled Scot who trained with the youth team of Scottish Premier League’s Dundee United was regularly on guard. Fionda, though, capably cleaned up whatever found its way in front of him, keeping the match a close 1-0 at halftime.

For the Martyrs to win the match, they could not afford an early second half lull, not with Fionda eliminating goalie errors, not with the ACCU continuing its hard play. The focus missing the previous week was apparent this week, as the Martyrs sustained their effort level. Though marred at times by a poor pass or shifted spacing, the squad’s effort was impressive. In the 43^rd minute the Martyrs’ hard work was rewarded again. Striking a cross sent through by Nick Nelson ‘13 (Duluth), fellow New Man Chris Seiler ‘13 (St. Louis) finished the day’s scoring, tucking his shot nicely into the far, top corner of the goal.

The hard-earned 2-0 victory returned the Martyrs to 2^nd place in Group A, three points behind defending champion Redemptoris Mater. The team closes out its pre-Easter schedule against a dangerous and skilled Collegio Sant’Anselmo on Saturday, March 20^th at 9 a.m. on Field B.

In sports there is a thin line between ecstasy and agony – a state usually measured by the latest statement of the scoreboard. In a match that seemed to move between those two extremes, the Martyrs fell to the Istituto Polacco in its most recent contest. Settling a 3-3 tie in regulation, the commanding 4-2 shootout win by the Poles offered a teachable moment to the aspiring Martyrs in the young season.

It was a tale of two halves. The Martyrs entered the suffocatingly small Field B of the Oratorio di San Pietro with a measure of calm. The squad employed its 4-3-3 alignment, flanking recently recovered striker Deacon Daniel O’Mullane ‘10 (Patterson) with veteran Deacon James Morrison ‘10 (Mobile) and newcomer Chris Seiler ‘13 (St. Louis). The lineup also included the insertion of New Man Eli Gieske ‘13 (Duluth), a move that seemingly gave witness to the Martyrs’ unprecedented depth of personnel.

The roster adjustments did little to disorient the team in the early going, as the Martyrs controlled the action, expanding the tight pitch with good spacing and passing. After a number of unrewarded advances, the squad accepted a gift from Rafal Mosior, the Polish keeper. Continuing his strong play from the left midfield, Jeff Eirvin ‘12 (Portland in Oregon) sent a well-struck ball across the box. Diving forward Mosior grasped the ball momentarily, only to see it squirt free onto the awaiting foot of Morrison. The 20^th minute tap-in put the Martyrs in front 1-0, a lead it would take into halftime.

Buoyed by its largest cheering section to date – one that included Most Rev. Thomas Rodi, archbishop of Mobile – the Martyrs seemed poised to pull away from a Polish team that had allowed ten goals in its first two matches. As the second half began, however, two new teams emerged on the pitch. Credit Polish forward Giovanni Filoni for the first breath of new life on the opposing side. Intercepting a pass from Gieske in the opening moments of the restart, Filoni knifed to the left past Martyrs’ Captain Victor Ingalls ‘12 (Mobile) and found a slight opening in the back line. The left-footed, fifteen-meter shot could not be considered well-struck, but what it lacked in velocity it exceeded in placement, tucking itself into the goal’s far corner, past a sprawling Daniel Gallagher ‘13 (Pittsburgh). And before the halftime tailgaters returned to the stands, the scoreboard read 1-1.

What was surprise soon turned into shock. Moments after their equalizer, the Poles again took possession deep in Martyrs’ territory. While it could be said the Martyrs had entered sleep-walking mode, the same could not be said for the referee. After an outwardly clean challenge from player-coach David Santos ‘12 (Newark), play stopped to award the dispossessed Pole a free kick from just outside the goalie box. Krzysztof Cisek made sure his team benefited from the referee’s decision, sending a beautifully kicked ball floating into the high, left corner of the goal. Gallagher could merely wave at the free kick masterpiece. Five minutes into the second half the Martyrs suddenly trailed 2-1, their first deficit of the season.

As the Martyrs righted themselves and the Poles clawed for their first points of the season, the match increased in intensity, if not skill. In the 20^th minute of the second half, a moment of redemption finally came from a familiar hero. Attacking a ball powerfully thrown in by O’Mullane, first-year midfielder John Gibson ‘13 (Milwaukee) again made his presence felt. His header caromed off keeper Moisor’s hands, only to be swiped out just before clearing the goal line. As the Polish defenders looked on, another New Man pounced. Nick Nelson ‘13 (Duluth) sent the ball in on the rebound, leveling the score at 2-2.

As before, however, the tie would not last long. Five minutes later the Polish squad sent a midfield free kick into the box. As the ball landed over the head of Deacon Fernando Saenz ‘10 (Santa Fe), a free offensive player darted in to collect it. Martyrs’ keeper Gallagher moved in too late to field the ball cleanly, but in time to challenge for possession. As the two players collided the ball rolled out of bounds, untouched. On a good day, this would have been a goal kick for the Martyrs. This was not a good day. The Polish pleading was again rewarded, positioning themselves a penalty kick away from another lead. Filoni converted the chance as Gallagher guessed the other way. With five minutes to play, the Martyrs found themselves looking up at a 3-2 Polish lead.

Refusing to go quietly, the Martyrs again took to the offensive. After a few hopeful chances were turned back, the opportunity to salvage the match seemed unlikely. That is, until Morrison decided the team had another goal left. Sending a header into the back line of the Polish defense, Morrison forced a desperation kick from a defender that went straight into the veteran forward’s chest. With one touch, Morrison floated the ball over both the disoriented defender and the misplaced goalie. A shootout awaited to decide the 3-3 tie.

After the initial Polish attempt went wide and O’Mullane converted his, it appeared the Martyrs would incredibly find themselves victorious. This 1-0 advantage, however, was the only lead the team would own, as the Poles struck solidly on their remaining four attempts, while only Morrison could continue his heroics for the Martyrs. The 4-2 defeat in penalty kicks was the Martyrs’ first regular season defeat in two seasons, offering the team important perspective shift.

The story of the Martyrs’ season continues Saturday at 9:00 a.m. against Anglo-Celtic Colleges United.

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Istituto Polacco

Archbishop Rodi reminded the acolytes of the contemporary challenges to faith, as well as the central role of personal witness and authenticity in the exercise of priestly ministry.  He encouraged them to take up the challenge “to bring Christ to others and others to Christ.”   The ritual for the installation of acolytes includes the prayer: “Take this vessel of bread for the celebration of the Eucharist. Make your lives worthy of your service at the table of the Lord and of his Church.”

Photos from the installation