GOSHEN - There was a chorus of gasps and then groans from the sideline, an audible description of the excitement and anticipation that built up, and then the disappointment.
Following a throw in, Byram Hills worked the ball across the box, eventually setting up a point-blank attempt in front of the goal. But the shot sailed a bit, clanging off the crossbar with 14:17 remaining.
That would’ve been the winning goal, giving the Bobcats reason to celebrate after an intense late-evening match in the October chill, one that almost mimicked the atmosphere of the playoffs.
“Is there a level of disappointment? A little,” Byram Hills coach Matty Allen said on Oct. 12, following the scoreless tie with Goshen. “But overall, I thought our team played really
well.”
They did. That the Bobcats withstood a first-half barrage and were in position to win the game was encouraging. Because this matchup served as a pre-postseason test, facing the 12th-ranked team in the state, and one that challenged for a state title two years ago.
Theirs was the nightcap of the Section 1 vs. Section 9 Challenge, a boys soccer tournament in its 12th year that pairs some of the better teams from the neighboring regions for a day of competition. Goshen High School hosted the event, which also serves as a fundraiser for Miles of Hope, a Hudson Valley-based charity that funds support services for people affected by breast cancer.
“I’ve had family members battle cancer and I’ve got a friend whose brother had leukemia,” Byram Hills goalie Carter Rice said. “I think most people are in a similar situation, where you have people you care about who’ve dealt with it. So, events like these are important, and the soccer is a bonus.”
Five games were featured and the sections, coincidentally, got an even split. Rye beat Cornwall and John Jay-East Fishkill routed Kingston for two Section 1 victories. Section 9 got theirs with Beacon beating Lakeland and Monroe-Woodbury topping Arlington. The proverbial “rubber match” was the draw.
“Being part of a showcase like this is great because it’s not like your regular match day,” Rye coach Jared Small said. “You’re traveling, it’s a venue you’re not used to and you’re seeing different opponents who might introduce your team to a different playing style. It’s definitely a benefit.”
It sets up as quasi playoff prep course. Goshen, previously, has hosted state tournament games and some of the teams involved have advanced to that level in recent years. Not to mention, Section 1 does typically face Section 9 in the regional rounds.
The Garnets were the Class A state runner-up last fall, while Cornwall narrowly fell short of a Class AA state title. Theirs was probably the marquee matchup of the event.
Rye affirmed its standing as a championship favorite, beating an elite team in a larger classification. They shook off what they described as a sub-standard first half and dominated late. Felix Wismer had a goal and an assist, Connor Dehmer and Cole Furber each scored once, and Kasen Scarperi and Peter Wilmot each had an assist.
“I think the confidence comes from not being at our best early on but finding ways to stay in the game against a tough team, then finding solutions to the problems,” said Small, whose team improved to 14-0.
“We’re getting there, but not yet,” he continued, talking about his team’s progress as the playoffs begin next week. “We’re still learning, gathering information about our team, trying to make some final decisions about who plays where. But that’s a good thing; it means we’re still searching for that extra 1% to improve.”
Morale and a moral victory within a tie
Byram Hills has had an up-and-down season to this point, almost perfectly illustrated in its 5-4-5 record. But there is a belief within the group, and among observers, that this team is better than its record suggests, and better than it has performed thus far.
A stout defense and excellent goalie play often keeps them in games, even when it seems they’re overwhelmed. Their win over Tappan Zee is an example, and even the ties with Fox Lane and Somers. And, obviously, with Goshen.
“It’s a little frustrating,” defender Driart Lokaj said of the five ties, “but I think it’s a sign that we’re not far off. A play here or there can make the difference in a win. But we’re right there with these teams, and we can compete with anyone.”
Goshen (10-2-1) controlled possession and created several scoring chances – including a few close calls – in the first half, particularly in the opening 20 minutes. But the Bobcats staved them off and survived that surge before adjusting and turning the tide in the second half.
Byram Hills applied heavy pressure in the latter part of the second half, getting off eight shots, the last of which was saved with 1:22 remaining. The Bobcats not only gave themselves a chance to win, but they probably should have.
“We probably should have,” Lokaj said, “but in the end, we held off a good team. We can be proud of some things we did.”
That doesn’t impact the standings, but it does add to their confidence and issues a reminder that, regardless of the record and what likely will be a middling seed in Class A, this team is dangerous.
“It’s not so much about how we’re playing right now, but if we can turn it up when it counts,” said Rice, who made 11 saves. “All it takes is four great games to win the section and I think we’re capable. We have the talent and the work ethic, and we believe we can do it.”
Kicking it for a cause
The Section 1 vs. Section 9 Challenge raised more than $3,000 for Miles of Hope. Each of the teams wore pink warmup shirts with the foundation’s pink ribbon logo emblazoned, and Rye played in pink kits, while has been its October tradition since 2008, promoting breast cancer awareness.
“They do this for us every year and we’re incredibly grateful,” said Pari Forood, the executive director of Miles for Hope, who was in attendance. “(Goshen coach) Mike Kelly and his wife organize it and it’s always an amazing event. Our mission is to find support services, education and outreach for people throughout the Hudson Valley, so for 10 local schools to get involved and support it us in this way, we’re overwhelmed with gratitude.”
“The result didn’t matter as much as the event and what it was for,” said Allen, whose team has participated in the tournament eight times. “I got to coach against one of my best friends (Kelly) while helping to raise money for a great cause. That’s a win all around.”
Stephen Haynes covers sports for The Journal News/lohud.
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: What stood out for Rye, Byram Hills in Section 1 vs. Section 9 tourney
