Nugent Field was the site of some terrific play October 12, when the Garnets (4-9-0) hosted the Panthers (6-5-2). After a hard-fought battle, the game ended in a scoreless tie.

By Melanie Cane

Nugent Field was the site of some terrific play October 12, when the Garnets (4-9-0) hosted the Panthers (6-5-2). After a hard-fought battle, the game ended in a scoreless tie.
Rye Neck Coach Frank Gizzo and Rye High Coach Jared Small agreed that the teams played evenly and that the game could have gone either way.

The Garnets had eight scoring attempts and six saves. The Panthers had 11 attempts and four saves.

Coach Small said he was pleased with the improvement his team has shown since losing to Rye Neck 1-0 on September 26. He singled out several players in the October 12 matchup.

“Jackson Kligerman played with great poise in the back, winning virtually every 50/50 ball and distributing the ball calmly and decisively. Will Colwell gave us 100 strong minutes in the center of the midfield, going toe to toe with Sho Oikawa in what I thought was the best individual matchup on the field. Our forwards Anthony Castro (senior captain), George Knudsvig, and Michael Stack demonstrated a nice work rate and some effective combination play.”

Coach Gizzo praised his entire team for “playing intense and excellent offense and defense. Credit goes to the whole squad for a positive performance.”

The Garnets lost their last league game against Blind Brook on October 16, knocking them out of the playoffs. They play one more home game against Yonkers on October 20.

Rye Neck defeated Nyack 5-0 on October 16. They play their last league game at home against Alexander Hamilton on October 19. Their seed in the playoffs will be decided next week.