By GIUSEPPE UNGARO
Managing Editor
LINWOOD — Matthew Stellitano was more spectator than participant for most of Monday afternoon’s playoff game. However, the Mainland High School keeper came up huge when called upon, playing the hero’s role in the Mustangs’ 3-0 penalty shootout win.
Stellitano stopped all three shots he faced in the shootout, and teammate Ayden Nino scored the deciding goal, as No. 3 Mainland ousted No. 7 Central Regional to advance to the South Jersey Group 3 championship game.
“I have faith in our players putting them in and they have faith in me saving them, and today we both did our jobs,” Stellitano said.
“It feels awesome,” Nino said. “It’s a great thing, to be part of this program right now.”
The Mustangs will host No. 8 Hammonton on Thursday at 2 p.m. for the sectional championship. The Blue Devils topped No. 4 Cherry Hill West in overtime in the other semifinal on Monday.
Stellitano was rarely tested during regulation and the two overtime periods, only making three stops, which he matched in the shootout. The Mustangs junior registered his fourth consecutive shutout by diving low and to his right for all three Golden Eagles’ attempts in the shootout.
“It’s like coming off the bench,” Stellitano said. “I was ready for it. I stayed in the game. They are a good team.”
“He came up big. Those were good shots right at the corners and he got to them,” Mainland coach John Napoli said.
Stellitano admitted that Mainland scoring first in the shootout relieved some pressure. Victor Figueroa and Jack Sarkos scored on the Mustangs’ first two attempts, both scoring in the lower left-hand corner.
Nino followed with the clinching goal, to the lower right, causing the Mustangs and fans to celebrate.
“It was a great, great feeling,” Nino said. “I couldn’t let the nerves get to me. I did what I always do. I kept my head down, I didn’t look at the keeper. I didn’t want to psyche myself out. I stayed calm. I pictured it like practice. We have been practicing them since the playoffs started.”
Mainland dominated tempo and play throughout regulation and the overtime periods, but couldn’t find the back of the net.
Central Regional keeper Tom Ruscitti had several quality saves among his 11 stops, however, the Mustangs hit the post once and shot wide a few times, keeping the Golden Eagles in the game.
However, there was little doubt that the Mustangs were the better team. They had more shots, scoring chances and possession and it wasn’t close in any of the three categories.
Mainland’s effort for the day was rewarded in the shootout, and the Mustangs now will play for the sectional championship.
“I’m proud of my boys,” Napoli said.
Contact Giuseppe Ungaro: gungaro@acglorydays.com; on Twitter @GDgisepu