Updated: Knights Win; In Finals Tomorrow

RFH 2010, Cover Stories

Sat, Nov 20, 2010

For the second time in three years, HCS boys soccer Coach Brian Latella leads the Emerald Knights into the Class D state finals. They make the trip tomorrow morning thanks to a 2-0 win over Northstar Christian today in Middletown.

Captains Dan Kraynak and Drew Thompson each scored in the second half and the Knight's tight-fisted defense kept yet another powerful opponent off the scoreboard.

HCS faces Chazy, which beat Fort Ann 5-0 today. Sunday's game will be on the main turf field at Middletown High School; start time is 10 a.m.

Hamilton's first goal came on a penalty kick. Thompson had a clear break away when he was taken down inside the box. Kraynak took the penalty kick and stuffed it low and to the left. Before the shot, Northstar Christian tried to ice Kraynak by switching goalies, a gambit that failed.

Shortly after that goal, Thompson once again used his speed to outrun NCA and pushed it past the goalie.

Celebrating the goal, Thompson and the Knights ran to the sidelines where they embraced several soccer alumni, including Dan Meeks, Jack Sullivan and Jake Smith.

Hamilton and NCA played about even in the first half. HCS had several scoring opportunities that fell a tad short.

Once again, Latelle praised the defense for limiting NCA's chances at the goal. He said Lucas Rhyde shut down NCA's Jankin Tang, who had 24 goals during the regular season.

Hamilton plays at 10 a.m. Sunday.

NOTE: bring your wallet; it costs $5 to park and admission is $8 per person.

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