Regardless of what players are on the field, a toasty hot Rye girls’ soccer team has found a way to beat most opponents this season. The team’s versatility and blossoming talent has resulted in a 6-1-0 record.
By Melanie Cane
Regardless of what players are on the field, a toasty hot Rye girls’ soccer team has found a way to beat most opponents this season. The team’s versatility and blossoming talent has resulted in a 6-1-0 record.
Racking up a six-game winning streak is news, but accomplishing it minus star players is even more astounding.
Sophomore Christina Benincasa scored the winning goals in the last three games. Freshman Maddie Eck, a star goalie with cat-like reflexes, made many superhuman saves. One is left wondering what parents are packing in the underclassmen’s lunch boxes.
Against Harrison on September 20, the Huskies only goal in the first half came on a questionable handball penalty shot. Rye maintained composure and scored twice in the second half. Junior forward Kate Whiston, the so-called “workhorse” of the team, scored first; Benincasa sealed the deal with the winning goal. Eck was stellar as goalkeeper.
On September 27, the absence of senior tri-captain and top scorer Vania Ludman did not slow Rye down; the Garnets beat a feisty Fox Lane team at home, 2-0 in overtime. Once again, Whiston and Benincasa scored for Rye. Senior tri-captain Audrey Love injured her foot, sidelining her for a week.
Playing without Ludman and Love, Rye managed to top a daunting Ossining team at home Saturday, 3-0. The game began with tremendous defense anchored brilliantly by sophomore Charlotte Tucci and goalkeeper Eck. With the game knotted at 0, Ossining made an outstanding corner kick to a header; their fans started cheering until realizing Eck made a diving save.
After a scoreless half, Benincasa caught fire, scoring all three Rye goals. “Benincasa’s amazing touch and creative moves and runs sparked Rye’s offense,” Coach Rich Savage said.
On Tuesday, RHS gave Byram Hills its first loss of the season, 2-1. It was set to play the ever-formidable Arlington at home October 5.
