Rye Boys Varsity Soccer is the league champion after its 2 – 0 win over Edgemont at Nugent Stadium Saturday.
“Winning a league championship is always special, particularly this season when we are in the same league as an opponent who is 14-1 and top ranked in the state in Class AA,” said Rye Boys Varsity Soccer Coach Jared Small. “Our group showed great spirit this evening and finished the job we set out to accomplish.”
The first half was an even affair, with the teams even in possession. Tommy Broderick opened the scoring when he drew a penalty in the 20th minute and converted the ensuing kick. Although limited to only 25 minutes on the evening after missing the previous two matches with an injury, Broderick made the most of his time on the field.
The Garnets added a second goal five minutes into the second half when a Tyler Triolo throw-in skidded along the wet turf and wound up in the net. Kaden Zion was credited with the goal, and from there the Garnets never looked back. As the game opened up, Rye created four or five premium scoring opportunities, with Joe Chai and Zion each coming inches away from extending the lead.
Rye’s defending was strong throughout the evening. Led by goalkeeper Max Crothall and the backline of Jack Gilroy, Sjef Smits, and Lex Cox, the squad held Edgemont to only a few quality chances on the evening. Mauro Flores, Tilman Oberbannscheidt, Chase Pepper, and Alex Lee added strength, speed, and commitment at the wingback positions.
After a fairly even start to the match in the center of the midfield, the Garnets eventually won control of this crucial segment of the field. Triolo, Kieran Traynor, Shun Nagata, and Takumi Otani took over the game in the second half and were dominant in winning 50-50 balls.
The Garnets finish the regular season with a 12-3 record and 7-1 record in the league. Watch the replay of Saturday’s game.
They have earned the #2 seed in the fourteen-team Section 1 Class A playoffs and will be back in action on Monday, October 23 when they host the winner of #10 Edgemont and #7 Lakeland in the quarterfinals.
