Unbeaten B-1 champion East Aurora (19-0-1) picked up a nearly insurmountable four-goal lead in the first half on the way to a 5-0 win over the Trojans (18-1-1) to claim the Class B crossover title.

While Southwestern had been able to keep pace defensively with every opposing team this season, the Blue Devils brought something extra to their plate with potent set pieces. Thanks to the throwing prowess of Alex Baase, East Aurora was able to run corner-kick formations on throw-ins from as deep as 30 yards out, while also taking advantage of their size on free kicks.

Six minutes into the opening half, the Blue Devils got one of those opportunities on a free kick from 20 yards out. Josh Bean made the most of that opportunity, banging home a low shot for a 1-0 lead. Three minutes later, Baase showed the crowd what makes the Blue Devils so difficult to defend on set pieces, tossing a perfect throw from long range that was headed just inside the near post by Jonathon Putney.

“We got those first two (goals) off set pieces and that is our strength,” said head coach Kevin Beale. “We knew we had to contain (Chase Stevenson) up top. We haven’t played four in the back for most of the year, just the last few games. My two center backs did a good job on him.”

Southwestern’s Simon Pirrello settles a ball during Tuesday’s Section VI Class B crossover soccer game against East Aurora at Tonawanda High School. Photo by Phil Cammarata

After a record 37-goal campaign, Stevenson was limited to few chances in his final game wearing red and white.

Following the pair of set-piece goals to open up their lead, the Blue Devils showed off their skill from close range as well.

With 12:40 remaining in the opener, Putney was able to sneak by defenders near the six-yard box and bang home a close ball following a feed by Josh Stahlka. Ten minutes later, East Aurora put their outside shooting on display, when Christian Kivari left his defender flat-footed with a nasty cutback before ripping home a try inside the far right post.

“East Aurora is a really good team. They got some really good opportunities,” said Southwestern head coach Jason Deering.”

“We are a little shorter than them, set pieces are tough for us and we knew that was going to be a tough thing for us coming in. None of their shots were cheap. They were all good shots and it is what it is.”

Bean recorded his second of the day and East Aurora’s final on a volley in close following a pass from Baase.

While Southwestern would have liked the opportunity to show its merit in Far West Regional play, there is no doubt that the Trojans put together a season for the ages.

“We probably had the best Southwestern team that has played in a long time. First section title in 21 years,” said Deering. “Obviously we are disappointed, but they know we had a phenomenal season (and) they know what type of team we had on the field and off the field.

“I wish this season could last for a long time. It is a good group of kids.”