Wismer’s Clutch Goal Fuels Boys Soccer to Comeback Win vs Eastchester

Fatigue did not get the best of the Rye Boys Soccer Team on Thursday evening, despite the Garnets playing their fourth game in six days – all on the road. Goals from Kaden Zion and Felix Wismer lifted Rye to the comeback 2-1 victory over the Eastchester Eagles. It’s the end of the hardest week of the regular season, and it concluded triumphantly: Rye went 3-1 across their four game road trip, only suffering a loss to Tappan Zee on Tuesday, to move to 6-1 on the season. Thursday’s win was also game one of league play, meaning the Garnets are off to a 1-0 start where it matters most.

“This was a phenomenal performance from the group,” Head Coach Jared Small told MyRye.com after the game. “After an immensely challenging previous match and playing for the 4th time in 6 days, our guys showed tremendous resolve and commitment to each other.”

The Game

Eastchester jumped out to a 1-0 lead at about the midway point of the first half on a penalty kick. Despite the deficit, Rye had been pressing before the goal, and continued to after. Before the first 40 minutes had concluded, Kaden Zion tied the game off his potent right foot on an assist from Lex Cox.

The Garnets continued to cut the field in half in the second 40, generating numerous quality chances. Finally, Felix Wismer broke the tie with a clutch finish in the 78th minute off a cross from Zion. The timely goal was Wismer’s second of the year (both of which have been game-winning tallies) and brought Rye’s sideline into hysterics. The final two minutes rolled off the clock without any drama to end the match at 2-1.

Key Performers

“The game had many heroes,” Small said of his team, which included both offensive, defensive, and coaching standouts. Here are some quotes from his postgame report:

“Kaden Zion was outstanding with a goal and an assist.”
“It was awesome to see Felix Wismer make a back post run for the match winning goal in the 78th minute.”
“Lex Cox was tremendous defensively and in the attacking phase.”
“Alex van der Voort put in his best match of the season to solidify the center of the park.”
“Cole Furber stepped up big in the center back role, and along with Zac Ramsey and Rei Nagata did a great job to neutralize a strong Eastchester attack.”
“Guys like Louis Koide and Tino MacKinnon – both tremendously skilled players – gave valuable high leverage minutes.”
“Goalkeepers Aydan Breen and Martin Fields both put in brave performances.”
“I want to particularly praise our assistant coach Jon Tuttle for putting in a masterful performance over the past 48 hours – helping our guys enter a huge league match with remarkable physical and emotional strength after a grueling run of games. Coach Tuttle’s contribution to this win cannot be overstated.”

What’s Next

Rye (6-1, 1-0) gets the weekend off to rest, recover, and bask in their first league victory of the 2024 season before playing host to two home games next week. The Garnets welcome Irvington and Byram Hills into Nugent Stadium on Tuesday 9/24 and Wednesday 9/25, respectively. Both games are scheduled for a 5:00pm kickoff and are streamed on LocalLive (see below).

Tuesday vs Irvington
Wednesday vs Byram Hills