Riders Defeat Sabres 2-0 to Win Back to Back Section 2 Class B Titles
“Unfinished Business” has been the motto for this Ichabod Crane Boys Varsity soccer squad, as they look to finish what they couldn’t last year, and they just got one step closer to that goal on Saturday. The Riders traveled to Colonie high school to take on the Schalmont Sabres in a Colonial Council rivalry matchup for the Section 2 Class B championship.
The first half was pretty even, both teams having some opportunities, but it just looked as though Ichabod had the edge in possession and shots. Logan Groat, Kevin Winglosky, Nick Johnston, Gio Gomez, and Anthony Carlucci were all very close to scoring in the first half, but Schalmont keeper Justin Bush was diving all over. The score was 0-0 at the half.
In the second half the Riders put more pressure on the Sabres defense. Nine minutes into the half a pass sent Parker Groat through and he put it away for a goal, but it was called off due to a questionable offsides call. Two minutes later, Gio Gomez passed to the left side where Kevin Winglosky was wide open and the senior buried it to put the Riders up 1-0. The Sabres almost tied it up twice, but the Riders defense was just in time for both of those shots. With about six minutes left Logan Groat had a shot on goal that was deflected, and Winglosky flew in once again and buried it in the nets to give the Riders a 2-0 cushion.
As good as this offense for the Riders is, you have to give some major props to the defense of Matt Ragosta, Nick Gallo, and Jack Kirby. The Riders didn’t allow a single goal in their sectional run, and outscored opponents 12-0 in three games.
The Riders will take on the winner of Ogdensburg Free Academy (Section 10) and Saranac (Section 7) on Saturday, November 4th at 1 PM at Colonie high school in the New York State Regional.
Ogdensburg Free Academy and Saranac will play on Wednesday, November 1st at Plattsburgh high school to determine who will play the Riders in the Regional round.
