1 week Ago By By Michael Mawson, Bennington Banner
HOOSICK, N.Y. — Low numbers within the program forced Hoosick Falls boys soccer to withdraw from varsity competition the past two seasons, instead playing modified as well as at the junior varsity level.
The Panthers made their return to the pitch in a varsity game for the first time since 2021 Monday afternoon at the George Helft Soccer Complex, and while the result didn’t go their way, there were signs of encouragement throughout their 3-1 loss to Tamarac. “It’s been a rebuilding process the last couple of years,” said coach Tyler Rondeau, who coached the Panthers during that stretch and continues with the team this fall. At the top of the list in that rebuilding phase has been building the interest of the sport within the school community once again.
With a roster of 19 student-athletes, the Panthers have accomplished just that. The return to a varsity schedule couldn’t have started better in the early minutes of Monday’s game, as sophomore forward Troy Brown ran down a long pass into the Tamarac side of the field and used his speed to separate from his defender. Once he was clear of his man, Brown sent a solid strike into the back of the net just eight minutes into play to give the Panthers a 1-0 advantage.
Hoosick Falls fired seven shots on goal against the Bengals, none better than that early look. Rondeau hopes to utilize the team’s speed to their advantage as the season progresses. “We’ve got a couple fast guys up top that hopefully we can keep playing the ball and creating opportunities,” he said.
“That’s all we can do, is create opportunities and make the best of it.” The opportunities favored Tamarac heavily over the final 70-plus minutes, however. The visitors totaled 17 shots on goal, keeping Hoosick Falls keeper Luke Nicholas (14 saves) busy all afternoon.
The pressure was constant from the visitors, who were knocking on the door for more than 20 minutes before finally netting the equalizer with under 10 minutes remaining in the half. Nicholas somehow managed to keep Tamarac off the board a few minutes prior, despite two fantastic scoring chances. He deflected a rocket that would have tucked inside the right post with 13 minutes remaining in the half and Hoosick Falls clinging to its 1-0 lead, but could not cover the ball.
It ricocheted in the air near the goal, and a Bengals player had an open look at the net. His header attempt was off the mark, however, and Hoosick Falls survived the dangerous play. They wouldn’t be so lucky on the next opportunity.
Owen Blakesley played a corner off his body in traffic, turned to his left while maintaining possession and one-touched his shot into the left corner of the net past a diving Nicholas to even the score at one. Nicholas had to make three more saves in the final nine minutes of the half to maintain the score. but Tamarac would break through early in the second.
Rondeau was impressed with what he saw out of Nicholas on Monday. “He’s our leader back there,” he said. “He definitely keeps us in games.
” Despite the goalie’s best efforts, Tamarac’s pressure proved too much to handle in the second half. Anthony Garner was credited with the game-winner six minutes into the half. He received a pass in front of the net and tapped in the chance to give Tamarac a lead it would not relinquish.
The visitors added a third score in the final five minutes, as Blakesley struck again for a brace. The Panthers (0-1) play at Saratoga Central Catholic on Wednesday, looking for their first win. Rondeau views Monday’s showing as a great learning opportunity for the team, especially the younger players getting their first taste of varsity soccer.
“The pace of play is obviously a lot different, the communication aspect,” he said. “Just taking this experience and having that game one under their belts and carrying it forward. We went up 1-0, unfortunately we couldn’t keep the pressure on, but lots to look forward to.
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