Jesuit celebrates soccer state championship victory

METAIRIE – John Ryan Stadium opened in 2012, largely financed and supported by former Jesuit pitcher John Ryan. The facility is well known as the home of Blue Jay baseball.

It is also the home of Jesuit soccer, arguably the best program at the school with a rich sports history.

On Tuesday evening, Jesuit honored its 2018 state soccer championship, won by the 15th-seeded Blue Jays in a thrilling 2-1 overtime victory over four-time defending Division I state champion St. Paul’s at Lafayette on Feb. 24. Chris Tadros scored a dramatic goal in stoppage time to force overtime and sophomore Gabe Gordon scored a golden goal to give Jesuit the victory.

The championship was the 12th in school history for the Blue Jays and the eighth overall for legendary head coach Hubie Collins.

“What an honor and a privilege it is to be a member of the coaching staff here at Jesuit,” Collins said. “At the end of the playoffs last year which we departed early, I think the group made a pact with their faith, their will power to become better. They sacrificed a lot and worked with each other, for each other to become champions. I am very proud of what they accomplished.”

Jesuit and St. Paul’s have combined to win the last 10 state championships in Division I. There is no reason to believe that both sides won’t be there again in 2019.