The idea of Wayne Hills hosting the Passaic County tournament trophy in boys' soccer this fall seemed far-fetched earlier this season -- even to the Patriots themselves.

But that unexpected scenario became a reality Saturday as fifth-seeded Wayne Hills knocked off defending champion Clifton 2-0 in the final. It's the first county championship for the Patriots since 1995.

Erik Thomas scored two minutes before halftime off a free kick, and Tyler Kulcsar doubled the lead midway through the second half. The Patriots had the better of play for much of the contest and ended up with nine shots on goal to five for the second-seeded Mustangs. The game was definitely impacted by a strong wind blowing at Wayne Valley High School.

Grant Kelly made five saves for Wayne Hills in posting the shutout. Clifton goalkeeper Mark Glodava had seven stops.

Wayne Hills, which hadn't even been in the county final since 2002, improves to 11-4-2 on the season. It's the school's sixth county title overall, with most of the previous ones coming in the early years of the tournament.

For sports video highlights of this Passaic County boys' soccer championship match, click play in the box at left.