Boys Varsity Soccer Pays a Toll to Tappan Zee

Rye Boys Varsity Soccer paid a toll to Tappan Zee on Tuesday. The Garnets fell short, losing the away game 0 – 3 to the Flying Dutchmen toll collectors.

“There was a lot to be pleased with tonight,” said Rye Boys Varsity Soccer Coach Jared Small.

“We weathered some early pressure in the first 15 minutes, and I think we had a really strong 15th-60th minutes. While we were at times reliant on the heroics of our goalkeeper to keep the game level at 0-0, we were also unfortunate not to convert on a couple fantastic opportunities in this span. As good teams do, the opponent eventually turned a momentary lapse on our part into what proved to be the game winning goal in the 62nd minute. All in all, we walk away knowing we have the best goalkeeper in Section 1 and learning that several of our players can really perform under pressure. All great lessons for the squad as we head into a stretch of 11 matches in 24 days.”

Tappan Zee started on the front foot as the all-State/all-Region striking duo of Brady Jacobs and Army West Point recruit Jack Kryger generated several scoring opportunities. Rye goalkeeper Max Crothall made the first of 6 one-on-one saves in the 4th minute and never looked back, putting in a highlight reel performance from start to finish.

With the game level at 0-0 midway through the first half, the tide started to shift. Rye began to attack with purpose up the left flank, with Kaden Zion generating multiple opportunities and two strong shots on goal. Rye’s Shun Nagata also found himself in the box, and after cutting through the opponent’s center back, took a left footed shot that was ultimately saved by the goalkeeper.

After a scoreless first half for both teams, the Garnets kept the momentum going with several sequences that resulted in near misses. Tommy Broderick sent a sizzler just past the left post, and later in the half Ollie Lincoln hit a free kick that scooted inches past that same post. Tappan Zee’s threat never dissipated, as even without the ball they were continually able to generate strong counter attacks with their two target men and a supporting crew that was committed to delivering them the ball. Rye’s ultimate undoing came in the 62nd when Tappan Zee won a series of 50/50 balls and then drew a foul. A quick restart from Kryger caught the Garnets in a split-second lapse, and his ball to Jacobs was deftly received on the chest and converted into a 10 yards near post strike. Jacobs then converted a penalty only minutes later to the put the match on ice.

Watch the replay. Tappan Zee has now won 25 of it last 26 matches dating back to ’22, while the Garnets fall to 3-1 on the season and begin league play at Ardsley with a 4:30pm game Wednesday (watch it).