Monday, November 2, 2026
Babylon's boys soccer team captured the Suffolk Class B championship with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Southampton, overcoming a late push by the Mariners to secure the program's seventh county title.
“It was a team effort and it just feels great to get it done,” Babylon’s Brendan McCarthy said. “It was a battle all afternoon long.”
Babylon, which entered last Friday’s matchup at Harborfields High School with a 12-4 record as the No. 3 seed, handed the Mariners their lone conference loss in 13 games as well.
Southampton controlled much of the opening half, applying pressure and keeping Babylon’s defense busy. However, the Panthers eventually found their opportunity to strike.
With 14:08 remaining in the first half, the ball bounced around inside the Southampton box before senior captain Danny Murphy buried it into the net to give Babylon a 1-0 advantage. Senior Carter Palmieri provided the assist on the opening goal.
“It meant a lot to score the first goal,” Murphy said. “We were able to play with confidence and I’m glad I was able to help the team get the win.”
Southampton made one final push before halftime, earning a corner kick with just 20 seconds remaining. However, the Mariners were unable to capitalize, allowing Babylon to carry its one-goal lead into the break.
The Panthers continued to apply pressure throughout the first 15 minutes of the second half, creating multiple opportunities to extend their advantage. Junior midfielders Edwin Orellana and McCarthy, along with senior captain midfielder Christian Peña, helped Babylon maintain its offensive presence.
The Panthers eventually found the insurance goal with 13:22 remaining. A costly turnover by the Southampton goalkeeper allowed McCarthy to take possession before maneuvering around the keeper and tapping the ball into an open net to make it 2-0.
Southampton refused to go quietly, making a final push in the closing minutes. Babylon’s defense stood firm, limiting the Mariners’ opportunities and protecting the two-goal advantage.
With just six seconds remaining, Southampton finally found the back of the net to break the shutout. However, the late goal was not enough to change the outcome as Babylon held on for the victory. Sophomore goalkeeper Jack Fifield continued his strong season making a pair of key saves.
Coach Dennis McGovern credited the team’s preparation and adjustments from its previous meeting with Southampton.
“We learned from the first meeting where to attack them from the outside,” McGovern said. “They're very strong up the middle. We have a lot of good young players so playing them the first time helped us for sure, but they're a quality team.”
For McGovern, the championship carried additional significance after Babylon entered the Class B playoffs as the third seed.
“This is our seventh county title now, but we've usually been the number one seed,” McGovern said. “So, yeah, it was a little different being the three seed this time, but it still feels great.”
McCarthy echoed that sentiment, describing the championship as another milestone for a successful Babylon program.
“We’ve built a dynasty here, but this one feels a little bit sweeter,” McCarthy said.
With a county championship secured, the Panthers have added another chapter to their storied program. They’ll take on either Carle Place or Oyster Bay for the Long Island Class B crown.
