Brady Strikes in OT as CBA outlasts St. Augustine

photo by: Parker Smith | coverage by Antonio Morales

When the pressure mounted and the game reached its breaking point, James Brady made sure CBA’s season would live another day.

The senior midfielder delivered the golden goal in overtime, propelling No. 6 Christian Brothers Academy to a thrilling 2–1 victory over St. Augustine in the Non-Public A South semifinals Monday afternoon. The win sends the Colts back to the sectional final, keeping their state title hopes alive in dramatic fashion.

CBA came out energized from the opening whistle, controlling possession and setting the tone early. The breakthrough came midway through the first half when Will Drechsler found the net, putting the Colts up 1–0. Despite a few chances from St. Augustine, CBA’s back line — anchored by Finn McCarthy and company — kept the Hermits off the scoreboard through the first 40 minutes, entering halftime with the one-goal edge.

St. Augustine regrouped in the second half and began to press higher up the field. Their persistence paid off when John Lamanteer buried the equalizer midway through the frame, knotting the score at 1–1. From that point, the match turned into a physical, end-to-end contest, with both sides trading chances. The Hermits looked dangerous in transition, but CBA’s midfield organization and patient buildup kept the home side composed as regulation ticked away.

It took less than a minute of extra time for CBA to find its hero. Off a sharp setup from Finn McCarthy, Brady broke free inside the box and slotted home the game-winner just 12 seconds into overtime, sending the Colts’ bench sprinting onto the field in celebration.

Afterward, Brady reflected on the magnitude of the moment — and what lies ahead. He said "It feels amazing to get the winning goal, especially in my senior year. The feeling is amazing. Im glad we get to practice for another few days and play another game together". 

With the victory, CBA (16–2–4) advances to the Non-Public A South final, where they’ll face No. 2 Pingry for the sectional crown. The Colts are ready for battle and looking to take home some hardware: "as the season continues, the key factor for us clinching the sectional title is through our emotional drive, we are very motivated at the moment and our bringing that to the sectional title, seeing that Pingry is #2 in the state and top 10 in the country we are very motivated to go shock the state!"

For the Colts, the emotional win was more than just a step forward — it was a statement. CBA’s combination of veteran leadership, composure, and relentless energy continues to shine when it matters most.