When CBA Soccer won their 12th Shore Conference title three weeks ago, the Colts were certainly playing at a high level.

They took it to an even higher level in the Non-Public A State Tournament.

CBA did not allow a single goal in four state games, culminating with the eighth state championship in program history on November 12.

Christian Brothers bested Seton Hall Prep, 1-0, in a fiercely-contested game of two state powerhouses. The score remained deadlocked at zero until senior Will Thygeson cemented his name in CBA Soccer lore.

As CBA cleared a Seton Hall corner kick, junior Dimitry Corba got the ball ahead to Thygeson, who used his speed to get a step on the Pirates' defender. His nifty footwork gave him a window to shoot and he delivered in the 76th minute of action.

"In such competitive games, one opportunity can make or break a game, so we knew that capitalizing on our chances was going to be important," Thygeson said. "On that particular play, all I was thinking about was making sure I didn’t waste the opportunity that my team had provided me with."

The late-game heroics netted the Colts' third state title in the past seven years, and avenged a state championship game loss to Seton Hall Prep in 2021.

The Colts beat St. John Vianney (4-0), Pingry (2-0) and St. Peter's Prep (1-0) before the championship game against Seton Hall Prep.

"Last year's season-ending loss and number two state ranking served as the impetus for this senior class to get back to the state final and return CBA soccer to the number one ranking," said head coach Tom Mulligan '83. "This team's commitment represents so many of the CBA soccer alumni who have all contributed to our tradition of excellence."

After dropping the season opener to Marlboro, CBA did not lose another game, rattling off 19 consecutive wins. They defeated two defending state champions during the regular season in Delran and Gill St. Bernard's, as well as winning regional matchups with Lasalle (PA) and Chaminade (NY).

They were, of course, the A North Division Champions before ultimately winning the Shore Conference.

Thygeson led CBA in total points with 31, while being tied by junior Dylan Millevoi in goals with 11. Senior Jack D'Elletto was tied for team lead in assists (10) with Corba, second in points (30), and second in goals (10).

"Losing the first game of the season was a wake-up call, but after that humbling experience, our coaches led us to one of the best seasons in CBA history," Thygeson said. "To cap it off with a victory against Seton Hall Prep after losing to them last year, it was almost like a fairytale ending. Sharing that win with my teammates and my coaches was one of the best feelings in the world."