In a rare matchup between neighboring schools that are a mere 2.8 miles apart, Rye got past 2024 Class B state semifinalist Rye Neck 2-1 in front of a vocal Monday evening crowd at Nugent Stadium. With the win, the Garnets wrap up their non-league schedule with a record of 4-1-1.
“Our mentality was much better in the second half and that’s always good to see,” said Rye coach Jared Small. “We were able to quiet some of the stadium noise and really focused ourselves during what turned out to be a game-changing first 25 minutes of the second half. We like where we’re heading as a team as we begin crucial league play later this week.”
Rye took the field with a slightly different look against the Panthers. Missing from the starting lineup was sophomore defensive stalwart Harrison Zimmer, who is recovering from a mild concussion. In his place was the able-bodied senior Owen Wismer. And in goal for the second straight game was sophomore Will Alexander. The fresh lineup paid dividends for Rye.
When senior Thomas McNiff scored Rye Neck’s first goal off a corner kick by senior Rafael Medina 13 minutes before halftime, Rye senior Lex Cox knew it was go time.
“Rye Neck played well in that first half, they’re an excellent team,” said the Garnets midfielder. “But we just decided at halftime that the second half was going to belong to us. We committed to winning every 50-50 ball, being tough down in the corners, and making every set piece count.”
Rye Neck keeper Zach Schaer made six saves in the game, but just four minutes into the second half, sophomore Felix Wismer polished off a corner kick from junior Kasen Scarperi to tie the score at 1-1. At that point, Rye’s intensity swelled.
Senior Will Christiansson Molin came off the bench to give Rye some terrific minutes in the back row. Senior Nico Etinger did the same on the left side. Senior Alex Rojas kicked his speed game into overdrive. Senior Shun Nagata, sophomore Cole Furber, and junior Peter Wilmot went all out.
With just under 19 minutes to go in the contest, Cox scored the winning goal off of a long, high-arching set piece that was unfortunately mishandled by the Rye Neck goalie. Sometimes, even the simplest play can end in disaster. No matter how they happen, goals in soccer are always welcome.
Man of the Match: Rye Goalie Will Alexander
Alexander played his best game of the season Monday, making five saves.
He made one of the defensive plays of the year midway through the second half, turning away a direct kick from just outside the box by McNiff, a Washington University (St. Louis) soccer commit.
“Will had a good game for us in goal the other day against Pearl River,” Small said. “Today, you could feel his confidence growing as the game wore on. I thought his communication was excellent today.”
Rye 2, Rye Neck 1
Rye Neck
1
0
–
1
Rye
0
2
–
2
Rye Goals: Felix Wismer, Lex Cox
Rye Assists: Kasen Scarperi, Alex Rojas
Rye Neck Goal: Rafael Medina
Rye Neck Assist: Thomas McNiff
Rye Record: 4-1-1
Next Game: 5 p.m. Thursday vs. Eastchester at Nugent Stadium
