Zengwei Tong dribbles the ball away from two rams
Hot off a win against Wagner, boys’ varsity soccer headed out to scrimmage against Marshall on Friday, Jan. 6 with anticipation. They were without teammates Victor Rivas and Nate Ralph, who the team lost over winter break due to confiscation of Rivas’s student visa and Ralph’s reinjury Friday morning after being cleared to play.
“We need to have a lot of ball movement, a lot of shots on goal, and a solid defense,” senior Zach Royston said.
Senior Brandon “Pinky” Pinkerton contributed to this solidarity from his goalkeeper position. After all-star Matthew Cardone graduated last year, the team knew there would be big shoes to fill for the next keeper, literally. Pinkerton willingly stepped out of his comfort zone and into the goal, proving both his all-around atheleticism and commitment to the team. Though there were some close calls, Pinkerton made every stop and held his own.
“Pinky has really stepped it up this year,” senior captain Patrick Moore said about his teammate. “His aggression is exactly what we need in a goalkeeper.”
On the other end of the field, the rams experienced similar intensity from the offense. There were several formidable but unsuccessful shots on goal earlier in the game, and during the second half sophomore Jon McCleod scored what would be the only point of the night. Players on both the bench and the field took time to celebrate, but the team quickly got back in gear and prevented the Rams from tying it up.
With an ending score that mirrored their 1 – 0 win over Wagner, the varsity boys are now focusing all their attention on the North East Tournament to take place at the Blossom Athletic Center Jan. 13-14.