Skip Navigation

RFH 2010, Cover Stories, HCS Boys Soccer

Knights Beat Poland 3-1; Advance to Sectional Semifianls

Fri, Oct 28, 2011

Knights Beat Poland 3-1; Advance to Sectional Semifianls

The HCS boys soccer team scored its first goal within the first three minutes of play against Poland tonight, added another 12 minutes later and went on to defeat Poland 3-1 in Section III Class D play.

They now await the outcome of Saturday's Alexandria Bay vs. Immaculate Heart Central game tl learn who they will play, when and where.

Just as Coach Brian Latella wanted, his team came out firing. Devin Askew scored the Emerald Knights first goal at 37:14 in the first half.

The Knights continue to play aggressive offense and it paid off at 25:48. Sam Hale scored on an assist from Sam Owens.

But a brief lapse on defense tighten things up. Poland's Ross Agen scored at 11:56 and the half ended 2-1.

Hamilton added an insurance goal at 17:51. Drew Thompson scored on an assist from Sam Owens.

What doesn't show up in the box scores are the two monster saves HCS goalie John Kerber made in the late going of the second half. At the 15:01 mark, Kerber showed his leaping ability and tipped a high shot that would have gone in had he not gotten his fingers on the ball to send it sailing over the net. About nine minutes later he made another diving hand save to keep Hamilton's margin of victory safe.

"Kerber was huge," said Latella after the game. "Huge."

He also praised the defensive play of seniors Sam Reilly, Devin Askew and Alan Schut. Latella said they got to every ball to help keep Poland in check.

And, as for playing Poland in the sectionals after not facing them in the regular season?

"It was a typical Poland-Hamilton game," said Latella. "They play fast, the play well together and they made us earn it tonight."

Please login to post your comments.