The Boys Varsity Soccer team played an amazing game against Schenectady on 9/26 with a 3-0 win under the lights! This was the third home game of the season. The first being a 6-2 win against Ballston Spa, and the second an unfortunate loss against Shaker, 1-2. The Falcons were thoroughly supported, with friends and family members in the crowd, cheering loud, including the Varsity Girls Soccer team who won their game 3-0 over the Schenectady girls.
The first major move of the game was an amazing attempt at a goal by #25, Caleb Westin, which left the crowd groaning and clapping. Westin came back stronger though, because at minute 9, he slipped a goal in, right past the Schenectady goalkeeper, Isaac Nova, putting the Falcons up by one. The stands were ablaze, cheering and clapping. At 22:50, Albany goalkeeper, Logan Farro, #1, made an amazing save. Then at 20:30, #6, Christian Bermejo, made an amazing attempt at a goal, however, Nova made an amazing save, leaving the away stands cheering. At 12:32, #14, Nathan Kendall made an amazing goal, so amazing that Nova unfortunately fell over trying to get it. This was followed by an amazing save by him at 8:16. In the last 10 seconds of the first half, Nova made another great save.
After some intense moments of strategy from both teams, the second half kicked off. The theme of the game was blackout, and as the night turned dark, the falcons stood out against the metallic bleachers. At 36:26, #16, Gavin Fitzpatrick showed some amazing defense of the goal, really controlling the ball. At 25:59, or the 14th minute, Albany’s, #23, Hameed Zadran, made another amazing goal, bringing Albany to a 3-0 over Schenectady. A minute later, at the 15th minute, Farro made an amazing save against Schenectady. This was followed by sub ins, more great saves, and finally, it was down to the last 10 minutes of the game. Albany was up by 3 and had practically already won, but as anything can happen, the boys carried their A game to the last second. 3 minutes left, there was a super close attempt at a goal that left the falcon side groaning. Finally, the buzzer rang through the field signifying the end of the game, and an Albany win.
Throughout the game, Albany had much greater communication through passes and throw-ins, where this was a weakness for Schenectady. Albany caught most of Schenectady’s throw ins and kick ins. This ultimately led to Schenectady’s demise, as they were unable to keep control of the ball. Overall, every single player that stepped onto the field and on the bench showed amazing communication, talent, and above all else, amazing sportsmanship. Defender Nathan Kendall, #14, Senior, and Midfielder Christian Bermejo, #6, Junior, are this season’s team co-captains.
When asked to quote the game, Head Coach Mr. Weiss, history teacher at Albany High, said it was, “An opportunity for different players to gain valuable experience and minutes at the varsity level.”
