After spending the first three weeks of the young season on the road, Rye remains unbeaten through five games.
Harrison was the latest victim in an authoritative 3-0 win for the Garnets on Friday.
Save for a tie with county rival Albertus Magnus, these Rye girls (4-0-1) are quietly doing what the entirety of New York Class A fears most: they’re getting better.
“This was like a home game compared to where we’ve been for the last three weeks,” said coach Rich Savage. “We’ve had lots of bus rides, lots of bonding time as we’ve traversed the state. We’re definitely looking forward to playing at home next week. The girls are excited. So am I. We’re starting to play some good soccer.”
Midway through the first half at Harrison, Shira Rand sent a soaring left foot cross into the box in traffic. Her fellow senior captain, Charlotte Keenan, headed the ball effortlessly into the net for a 1-0 Rye lead.
The same duo collaborated in the same fashion on Rye’s third goal. Senior Jill DeSanto netted Rye’s second score seven minutes into the second half.
It was a full afternoon’s work for Rand. She took eight of nine Rye corner kicks and finished with three assists.
“I actually needed the corner kick practice,” she said. “I think my kicks got a little better as the game wore on. I also think our team chemistry has improved with each game, particularly between our defense and midfield. And our next game is at home, which I love.”
Fellow senior captain Julia Carballo couldn’t agree more.
“We have a bunch of pre-game traditions that we only do at home,” said the Rye center midfielder. “And we’re excited to get back in front of our fans.”
After five straight road games, the Garnets host Pelham in their home-opener Tuesday.
“It’s been tough to play so many games on the road,” Carballo said. “But with our front-loaded schedule, it’s brought our team together, and our constant rotations have helped us learn each other’s strengths. That’s all going to help down the road this season.”
