The Christian Brothers Academy soccer program could not have asked for a better Saturday.

On the first Keane Cup day, the CBA soccer team beat rival Don Bosco Prep, 2-1, with a 79th minute goal by senior Matt Thorsheim.

The Colts and Ironmen displayed why they will be two contenders for the Non-Public A State Championship, with a physical, low scoring affair. CBA gained an early lead when Thorsheim assisted on a Matt Mawson gaol in the first half.

The Colts had chances throughout the first half, keeping the ball in the opponent's zone for most of the first 40 minutes.

Don Bosco scored in the 65th minute to tie the score, leading up to Thorsheim's clutch goal.

"An early result at this time of year shows up at the end of the season," head coach Tom Mulligan told reporters after the win. "Seasons can be made sometimes in September. You get a couple of close wins, we had a close win against Marlboro in overtime and this one came down to the closing minutes, and these are the kind of momentum boosts that keep moving us in the right direction."

Prior to the big Colts victory, Coach Mulligan hosted the first Keane Cup alumni game, with players from across five decades returning to the Academy.

With Coach Dan Keane on the bench, the camaraderie and passion for CBA Soccer was surely on display as the alums battled out a highly-contested game, with a 2-1 final score.

After posing for a group shot with Coach Keane, the alumni were then treated to a family-style BBQ organized by the CBA Student Council. The CBA pipes & drums band and the alumni in attendance led the current group of CBA players on to the field before the Don Bosco game.

But, it was Coach Mulligan's message to the alumni after the game that truly demonstrated what CBA Athletics stands for.

"I want to show our current guys that they are not just a part of something special right now, but a part of a family for decades to come," Mulligan said.

CBA Soccer next hosts Freehold Township on Monday afternoon.