Stelma's Late Heroics Lift Smithtown West to Suffolk County Championship

The Smithtown West boys soccer team pulled off a thrilling comeback to capture the Suffolk County Class AA championship, defeating top-ranked Huntington 2-1 behind a pair of late goals from junior Tyler Stelma.

With the county title on the line, the Bulls found themselves trailing as the clock continued to wind down. But Stelma had other plans. The Smithtown West junior delivered when his team needed him most, scoring twice in the final 10 minutes to erase the deficit and give the Bulls a dramatic 2-1 victory.

The championship marks Smithtown West's first Suffolk County title since 2023 and caps off another outstanding season for a team that has consistently proven itself among the best in the county.

Smithtown West entered the championship matchup with a 14-3-2 record and faced a tough challenge against a Huntington squad that held the top ranking. Rather than backing down, the Bulls showed tremendous determination, finding a way to overcome the deficit and finish the job when it mattered most.

Stelma's two-goal performance will certainly be remembered as one of the defining moments of the season, but the championship was also a reflection of the team's collective effort and resilience throughout the year.

The celebration, however, may not last long. With Suffolk County's Class AA division receiving an at-large bid to the state tournament this year, Smithtown West has earned the opportunity to continue its postseason run.

The Bulls will now turn their attention to the state regional final, where they will face Vestal High School on Saturday, November 7, at Chenango Forks High School in Binghamton.

After capturing a county championship with a memorable comeback, Smithtown West has another opportunity to make some noise on the state stage.