Reynolds named to Record second team all-stars

Brewer makes second team

By RICHARD A. ROSS

NARROWSBURG, NY — Sullivan West soccer coach Debbie Owen refers to Jonathan Reynolds as the team’s true soccer player. “He can do amazing things with the ball,” she noted at the team’s soccer banquet on December 11. Borrowing assistant coach Ron Bernhardt’s analogy to describe Jonathan’s shot, she said, “It is like a laser.”

Reynolds did not go unnoticed by The Times Herald Record in their selection of 2005 all-stars. Reynolds was chosen to the second-team squad, though many coaches and players in Sullivan County wouldn’t have been at all surprised to see him named to the first team. Reynolds was described by The Record as “Offensive MVP who had a great shot.”

“Jonathan has great field vision,” Owen said. He scored 18 goals this season and had 10 assists. A one-man advertisement for the glitz of the sport, Reynolds said Owens shows that “soccer players are cool.” This year’s team made a great run, including a double-overtime win over Highland in this year’s sectional tournament.

Kevin Brewer was named to the third- team all-stars. Brewer had 12 goals, 10 assists and 4 penalty kicks. He and Reynolds combined for 14 goals as the duo learned to anticipate each other’s moves. Brewer’s description next to his selection read, “Team captain, strong in the air.”

Owen noted that Brewer kept up the team morale and showed guts, persistence and determination. “He’s a leader in every sense of the word,” she said.

The team will also miss the play of its other seniors, including Chris Franke, who Owen said “played with sheer intensity.” David Lundgren will long be remembered for his famous “bouncing play” against John S. Burke Catholic. Owen cited keeper Joe Layman as “a small player with a lot of heart. He stepped up when we needed a keeper and referred to the goal as his house.” Layman recorded 167 saves.

Brandon Redmond rejoined the team and had to overcome a great deal of adversity to play. He had to provide his own transportation and pay for his own cleats. But, according to Owen, “Brandon persevered and made great strides. He’s a wonderful person,” she said.

Will O’Brien will also be sorely missed. Personable and hard working, O’Brien was a strong contributor to the team’s staunch defense.

Though these players were not recognized by The Times Herald Record, their efforts, along with the team’s younger players, were duly noted at the team’s banquet.

Thanks to the effort of this year’s team, their coaches past and present, including Joe Ebeling, soccer at Sullivan West has a bright and promising future.