Anthony Colaizzi should have been happier about his game-winning goal, but he couldn’t muster the energy.
The Warren senior scored in the 76th minute to give the then-No. 1 Blue Devils (12-1) a 1-0 victory over Lyons in the championship match of the Pepsi Showdown on Saturday at Toyota Park.
Warren’s Cesar Nunez captured a Lyons turnover in the Lions’ middle third.
He sent a perfect ball through the middle to Colaizzi, who went in alone for the score.
“I was so tired at the end,” Colaizzi said.
“It was a long game, a big field. It took every last bit of energy I had [to score]. I’m glad it’s over.”
Chris Nemeth recorded his 11th shutout for Warren.
Then-No. 9 Lyons (6-4) gave its third-seeded opponent a memorable battle.
“Our defense just broke down once and that’s all it took,” said Lions keeper Jon Valenta, one of only two returnees from Lyons’ 2005 Elite Eight qualifier.
“[Colaizzi] slotted it far side. I went down, but not quick enough.”
