BOYS' SOCCER: Lions reach Final Four
CHERRY HILL – Ishmail Boakai was upset with himself.
Boakai, a midfielder for the Cherry Hill West High School boys’ soccer team, had a chance to get on the scoreboard but was stopped at the doorstep by St. Augustine goalie Nick Pilny.
It didn’t stop him from making his mark on the contest.
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Boakai tallied two assists in a 3-0 victory Monday, sending the third-seeded Lions into the semifinals of the South Jersey Soccer Coaches Association Tournament.
West will play Rancocas Valley on Wednesday at Paul VI. RV defeated Mainland 3-0 in another quarterfinal.
Boakai, a senior, had to make adjustments based on how the Hermits were covering him and it opened things up for others.
“During halftime when I came out, coach (Dan Butler) told me during the first half they were double-teaming me,” Boakai said. “He told me not to hold the ball and pass a lot. So when I had the chance, I usually passed the ball.
“I was mad (about the stop), but hey, I just gotta work on the second one and came out with the assists.”
The first assist found the feet of a charging Eric Reyes-Munoz, who slotted it past Pilny for the Lions’ second goal. Boakai then placed a great through ball to the left of the box ,where Brandon Nam collected it and sent it high to Pilny’s left.
Cherry Hill West’s first goal was also off an assist. Dimitri Malliaros came streaking down the sideline and found Elliot Cumba, who fought off a defender in the box.
Butler loved the distribution, but was particularly impressed with Boakai’s assists.
“It’s just letting Ish be Ish,” Butler said. “After he made the nice play and the save happened, most people would be discouraged. He came right back and had two beautiful assists. When the ball is at his feet, his creativity and his skill just take over. The players feed off of that and benefit from that.
“He’s been a truly selfless player where he’s been setting up his teammates. He’s having fun when he’s getting his teammates involved and that builds his confidence. … It’s just pure skill and vision.”
The sixth-seeded Hermits struggled offensively and only managed a handful of chances. Coach Steve Rolando didn’t like the way his team moved the ball offensively, wishing to see more of a group effort going forward.
“Once we were able to clear our midfielders and get the ball up to the forward, we weren’t joining in,” Rolando said. “Our outside backs and our defenders were slow with their hands in their pockets. It’s like an island with two guys versus six on an island. Our chances aren’t very good.
“They made us pay. When they had their opportunities, they hurt (us). And we had some shots at the end that just were not on frame. The game is not hard, you have to make the goalie use his gloves.”
With a boost of confidence, Boakai believes this run will take the Lions all the way.
“We’ve just got to stay focused,” Boakai said. “Wednesday we’re going to see who’s going to come out with the win, but I promise you it’s going to be Cherry Hill West. I’m not being cocky. I just know I have the confidence and think Cherry Hill West will go to the final this year.”
Matt Silva; (856) 563-5322; msilva@gannettnj.com