The Arrows (U-13) and Knights (U-14) both claimed WYSL championships in soccer action this past Sunday at the St. Basil Academy field. Both teams were in need of victories over archrival Rye, and both came through in quality fashion - posting shutout wins.
The Knights took to the pitch first to play the same Rye Blast team that handed the Knights their only loss of last season. From the start, the Knights controlled play, putting together crisp passes and playing suffocating defense. Despite the strong play, the Knights could not get on the scoreboard, and the first half whistle brought a scoreless tie. In the second half, the Knights’ conditioning and passionate play took over. Kate broke the scoreless tie 15 minutes in with a right-footed blast, and Emma C. notched her first of the season 10 minutes later. Goalkeeper Cali made a couple of key diving stops to help preserve the lead before Kate's second of the game put the contest away. The 3-0 victory over their previously unbeaten foe secured the team's first championship. Samantha, Jordan and Isabel anchored the strong defensive effort, and Georgia and Natalie had strong games in the midfield for the Knights.
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With the Knights’ victory in hand, the Arrows took the field for their match against the Rye Black Mustangs, with the winner set to claim the division title. In a physical match, the Arrows used a Spencer tally, and a sensational Garret save to secure the title, 1-0. The tense match was scoreless with about ten minutes left when Garret made a diving stop on a low shot, ticketed for the corner, to keep the teams even. With less than five minutes remaining, Peter H. started the winning sequence by arcing a beautiful cross into the box. Kaan collected the ball and fed Spencer, who outraced the Rye keeper and a defender to the ball and deftly placed the ball into the back of the net for the game's lone score. The entire Arrows defense played a strong game and kept the Rye attack away from Garret the remainder of the way, securing the title.
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In other action, the U-11 Dragons ended their season on a 6-game unbeaten streak, thrashing the Edgemont Sharks. Alzy and Hanah scored two goals apiece, and Milly added a tally as the Dragons finished 4-2-2 on the season. The team received a strong defensive effort from Lila, Ava, Katy, and Sara in the nets.
The U-10 Dynamos lost a tough 3-2 decision to Ardsley. The Dynamos fell behind 2-0 at the half, but two second-half goals by Saoirse pulled the team even. Ardsley managed the winner late in the game to thwart the comeback. Saoirse 's two tallies gave her a club-high 12 for the season. The Dynamos finished their inaugural season with a 3-4-1 record.
