Johnston completes undefeated season with a long-awaited first title

PROVIDENCE – Make that one less boys soccer program in the state waiting for a first championship. Johnston is off the list after completing an undefeated season Sunday night, November 8, a coronation in Division III at Rhode Island College. Darrell Acosta gave the Panthers a lead early in the second half and Jayden Corrales iced the result with a brilliant free kick late. Johnston eased to a 2-0 win over Ponaganset, one that finally delivered the school a long-awaited crown. The Panthers debuted in 1973, didn't field a team from 1985-89 and counted just four winning seasons until 2018. Johnston closed with finals defeats in 2020 and 2024 before this breakthrough, rolling through 21 league matches without suffering a loss. Central, Cumberland and Woonsocket are now a trio after the Panthers escaped some unwanted territory. "We were fully aware coming into the season that we needed to get this," Johnston captain Andre Amato said. "We needed to make history, and we just did. I'm so proud of our team." Johnston had a couple good chances in the opening half but still was locked in a 0-0 draw at the break. The Panthers needed less than two minutes after the restart to take command, and it was Acosta producing some trademark brilliance. He took possession in his own half, slipped his way past three defenders and fired a deflected shot that crawled its way over the line to make it 1-0. "Darrell is such a special player," Amato said. "We were so happy to have him on the team once he joined two years ago. I think everyone thanks him for the season as well." Pedro Saucedo parried a shot over the crossbar in the 54th minute, denying the Chieftains what turned out to be their best chance to draw level. Johnston eventually put away some insurance when Corrales took aim with a free kick from the left side in the 79th minute. His curling right-footed shot ripped into the top corner, and the Panthers were able to start the celebration early. "The best goal I've ever scored," Corrales said. "The best goal I've ever scored in my career." Watch RI games on NFHS Network!Ponaganset (13-4-4) was looking to add just a second championship to the Division II crown it secured in 1982. The Chieftains took care of Blackstone Valley Prep in the quarterfinals and beat Exeter-West Greenwich, 3-1, in the semifinals. The Scarlet Knights and Johnston were the last two unbeatens in the league standings – that result raised an eyebrow or two. The Panthers (18-0-3) eased past Woonsocket in the quarterfinals before some trouble in their own semifinal. Acosta scored twice and dished out an assist in a 3-1 win, but a fight with 5:18 left cost Johnston four players and coach Yevegen Fedorchuk for this title round. Assistant coach Kyle Lavoie took charge for the Panthers on this perfect fall night, and their team finished its impressive journey to a trophy. "You know your group," Amato said. "You know the competition you're going against. You know when you have a good, solid team together. "That's what we came into this year with."PONAGANSET (0): No scoring. JOHNSTON (2): Darrell Acosta, Jayden Corrales. Halftime – 0-0. Saves – Noah Sackal, P, 5; Pedro Saucedo, J, 4. bkoch@providencejournal.com On X: @BillKoch25 This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Johnston completes undefeated season with a long-awaited first titleOur editors independently choose our recommendations. Some content is produced with paid support from a third party, however our editorial decisions remain independent. If you buy through our links, the USA TODAY Network may earn a commission. Prices and availability may change.