Boys’ soccer

Liberty’s wavering intensity yields Port its first win

Indians need 80 minutes of consistency to take the next step

By RICHARD A. ROSS

LIBERTY, NY — When the Liberty boys’ soccer team plays its ‘A’ game, they model the formidable skills of great passing, good ball control and fine goaltending. At the outset of its matches, like the one versus Port Jervis on September 22, the team plays an inspired version of soccer. So when Liberty’s Mac Isseks drove in the first goal of the game in the latter part of the first half, the team exulted.

But a familiar pattern soon resurfaced.

Liberty’s level of intensity wavers during the course its games, most notably following goals. Just such a let-down afforded Port Jervis, a talented group of guys who have been together since modified, a chance to implement things—like relentless hustle—that Coach Jan Starks stresses during practice.

With Liberty taking pressure off the ball, Port Jervis’ Marcos Valiente drove a laser shot past goalie Scott Hamlin, beating him in the left-hand corner of the goal. Just like that the score was tied.

Liberty took the lead again after the teams rested up at half time when Jeff Simpson fired a shot in from the left corner just outside the box. Liberty had little time to celebrate. Within seconds Port had worked itself back to a 2-2 tie when Chris Keefer blasted an indirect kick into the right-hand corner of the goal.

Deft passing and winning balls enabled Port Jervis to set up a goal by Kyle Koeper. The 3-2 win was the first victory of the season for Port Jervis who recently tied Monticello 2-2.

Valiente and Dan Audovan provided assists for Port Jervis. Hamlin recorded nine saves while Kyle Gillette stopped 17 shots. Port’s record improved to 1-6-1, while Liberty’s fell to 2-5.

“We settled the ball well and played hard,” said Liberty’s coach Hazel Yaun.

Starks also praised his team. “I’ve got a super bunch of kids. They never stop from the first whistle to the end. They work hard in practice. We’ve had a rough week with an undue amount of hardships,” Stark noted, referring to injuries and the psychological effects of a serious accident suffered by a Port Jervis student.

Port Jervis plays a tough ‘A’ schedule that recently included a trip across the river to Beacon. Upcoming matches against the likes of Washingtonville and Goshen will be tough for the Red Raiders but watching them play from behind twice during the game and working hard for the comeback, this writer sees a lot of potential in them.

As for Liberty, the team knows that to be successful they will have to carry their early game intensity throughout 80 minutes to make any headway in the brutal world of Class B boys’ soccer.

For additional photos visit riverreportersports.com.

Liberty battles but loses to Burke

By MAC ISSEKS, LIBERTY HIGH SCHOOL

GOSHEN, NY — There’s something about a Burke versus Liberty boys’ soccer match that brings out the best in both teams. Liberty likes to call it a rivalry. Burke thinks of it as more of an “un-civil” war. However, one thing is certain when you come to Indians-Eagles soccer match: you get your money’s worth.

Liberty traveled to Burke on Tuesday, September 20, with high expectations of pulling off another upset, just as the Indians did last season.

In the first half, things certainly seemed that way. With stellar defense and nifty goal keeping, Liberty kept the game scoreless for the first 20 minutes of play. Then, Burke penetrated Liberty’s defense and scored. However, two minutes later, Liberty came storming down the field, and Peter Talerico answered back with a goal of his own. With the clock winding down to the half, the game looked to be deadlocked at one. But with literally one second left on the clock, Burke scored again as the teams rested for halftime.

Liberty kept its defensive intensity up during the second half but could not provide a steady offensive attack. Two more goals would ultimately score before the game ended in a 4-1 Burke win.

Liberty players walked away from the field heavily bruised (due to the incredibly physical style of soccer played) and with a bad taste in their mouths. The Indians will have to wait until the last game of the season for revenge.

Eric Shurbert, Patrick Rourke, Raul Sanchez and Jon Small scored Burke goals. Assists were provided by David Edwards, Rourke and Sanchez. Burke’s goalie Tyler Locatelli recorded three saves, while Liberty’s Scott Hamlin stopped 15 shots. Burke’s record improved to 4-0 (1-0 OCIAA), while Liberty’s mark fell to 2-4 (0-2 OCIAA).