Photo by David Fenner

June 7, 2025: The Bronxville Broncos are Section 1 Class D Champions after an unforgettable 12–11 overtime win over Pleasantville. It marks the program’s first sectional title in four years and a triumphant return to the top for a team that showed relentless grit, heart, and unity.

Down by four goals during the game, the Broncos never wavered. They clawed their way back, tying the game with 1:56 left in the fourth quarter, setting the stage for a dramatic finish. In overtime, a well-timed timeout secured possession, and with composure and purpose, Brian Formato fed Nicholas Martinelli, who buried the game-winner two minutes into OT. The sideline erupted as helmets, gloves, and sticks flew—Bronxville had done it.

Photo by Tara Bacigalupo

This win was a true team effort under the leadership of Head Coach Patrick Henderson supported by Assistant Coaches Andrew Murray and Mark Hallinan. The Broncos trusted each other, played as a cohesive unit, and stayed calm under pressure. Their resilience only grew as the clock ticked down, and it showed in every phase of the game. Head Coach Henderson said this after the game. “This was a complete team win. I am so proud of the way the boys never quit. Losing never even entered their minds. To get a dramatic win like that over a rival is huge for our program. I told the team on day one to dream big and they have really taken that to heart. This is a special group and we have a great opportunity to make some noise in the state tournament.”

Defensively, the team anchored by Freshman goalie Tanner Vaughey with eight key saves. The defense, led by Captain Will Mattson, Captain Brady Dolan, Desi Heathwood, and Fletcher van Tienhoven, delivered constant pressure and critical stops. Mattson even added a goal early in the third quarter to spark the comeback. The defensive midfield—Declan Denning, Jeff Colangelo, and James Halley—brought tenacity and experience, frustrating Pleasantville’s offense all game.

On offense, the Broncos were electric. Nicholas Martinelli: 3 goals, 3 assists (including the OT winner); Captain Thomas Freeman: 2 goals, 1 assist; Captain Brian Formato: 2 goals, 1 assist; Theo McMurray: 1 goal; Chase Bacigalupo: 1 goal; Harry Bacigalupo 1 goal; 1 assist and 8th grader Patrick Plunkett 1 goal.

Now, the Broncos move on to the NYSPHSAA Regional Final this Saturday, June 7, where they’ll take on Cold Spring Harbor at 12:30 p.m. at Yorktown. Let’s pack the stands and show support for this resilient squad as they chase a state title.