When the two teams lined up for player introductions before Wednesday’s game, fans could tell Byram Hills would have a physical advantage. The Bobcats’ senior-laden starting 11 were physically more mature than the Garnets’ starting lineup of three seniors and mostly underclassmen.
On the technical front – spacing, head-up passing, and fitness – this Rye boys soccer team can play with anyone. Physically, Rye appeared to be a bit overmatched.
The Garnets exploded off the opening kick and maintained that intensity for much of the first half. Junior Kasen Scarperi and the rest of Rye’s stellar midfield created multiple opportunities early – many from outside the 18-yard line – but none were able to get past Byram Hills’ senior goalie. Legitimate offensive threats were hard to come by for Rye.
With 13 minutes to go in the first half, the Bobcats scored their first goal off a clean takeaway inside the box. Their second goal came with six minutes gone in the second half from a nice corner kick. Their third and final goal was a two-on-one breakaway, scored with only minutes left in the game.
Top Rye performers
Rye’s Midfield
This group is exceptional this season. Seniors Shun Nagata and Lex Cox, junior Peter Wilmot, and Scarperi all played with tremendous conviction Wednesday. Sophomore Cole Furber, Rye’s starting center back, gave his all, showing great poise and leadership. Cox and sophomore defender Harrison Zimmer both left the game in the second half with injuries.
Rye’s Bench
With the game mostly decided by the middle of the second half, coach Jared Small was able to get some extended looks at players like senior Eddy Kehoe, junior Alec Dodge-Terra, junior Gabriel Chared-Sandstrom, and freshman James Hayashi. All of these players competed well.
Byram Hills 3, Rye 0
Byram Hills
1
2
–
3
Rye
0
0
–
0
Rye Record: 2-1-1
Next Game: 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 12 at Pearl River
