SKANEATELES - When the Skaneateles boys soccer team took the field against Solvay on Thursday, it was clear that a brotherhood had been formed between its veteran players over the years. All of the Lakers' goals were scored by upper classmen in the 8-0 victory over the Bearcats at Skaneateles High School.
Chet Susslin / The Citizen
Skaneateles senior Brian Stokes-Cawley shoots past Solvay defender Paul Matsyuk for the Lakers' first goal in a home game on Thursday.
Skaneateles senior Brian Stokes-Cawley shoots past Solvay defender Paul Matsyuk for the Lakers' first goal in a home game on Thursday.
“These guys have been playing together for a while,” said Lakers head coach Kirk Atwater, “This is the third year for most of these guys playing together.”
Using a lot of verbal communication, Skaneateles moved the ball well as a team, as each ball-handler seemed to know where his teammate would be at all times.
And after returning the majority of its roster from last year's Section III, Class B championship team, the Lakers had the depth to keep fresh legs on the field throughout the game.
Overall, they were a much faster, more aggressive team than the young Bearcats players.
Atwater said his team executed on little things like passes, rebounds and getting to the ball, and that's how they pulled off the shutout.
“Little things make a difference,” he said, “That's what I preach to my kids, the little things, the fundamentals, that's what really makes a difference.”
The little things amounted to a big score in the long run.
Leading the Lakers with a hat trick was junior Ryan Farrell, and chipping in was senior Bryan Stokes-Cawley with two goals and one assist. Spencer Parker, Trevor Hinman and Mark Cannucciari each did their part with one goal each.
The Lakers used two goaltenders.
Jake Bird started the game and played the first half, while Paul O'Donnell took over at the start of the second half.
Neither goalie saw a ball go past them.
The ball was mostly controlled by Skaneateles, especially in the second half when Solvay was only able to put two shots on goal.
Solvay's inability to control the ball in the Lakers' zone could be attributed to the fact that as soon as a Bearcats player touched the ball, at least two Lakers would immediately attack.
Atwater said, “Our defense played outstanding. We get to the ball first. We try to outwork the other team. From team defense to team offense, it's 11 guys gelling on the field.”
Despite another win for Atwater and his players, he says his team will continue to work hard and try to win.
With a couple of tough league games ahead, one away at Westhill and one at home against Cazenovia, the Lakers' coach knows the season is still early.
The team will also face tough competition in a Hall of Fame tournament in Oneonta Sept. 19 and 20.
“This is a good start,” he said.
“We're still hungry, and it's still early. We have a lot of games left.”
The Lakers (2-0-1) will head to Westhill at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday.
Lakers 8
Bearcats 0
Using a lot of verbal communication, Skaneateles moved the ball well as a team, as each ball-handler seemed to know where his teammate would be at all times.
And after returning the majority of its roster from last year's Section III, Class B championship team, the Lakers had the depth to keep fresh legs on the field throughout the game.
Overall, they were a much faster, more aggressive team than the young Bearcats players.
Atwater said his team executed on little things like passes, rebounds and getting to the ball, and that's how they pulled off the shutout.
“Little things make a difference,” he said, “That's what I preach to my kids, the little things, the fundamentals, that's what really makes a difference.”
The little things amounted to a big score in the long run.
Leading the Lakers with a hat trick was junior Ryan Farrell, and chipping in was senior Bryan Stokes-Cawley with two goals and one assist. Spencer Parker, Trevor Hinman and Mark Cannucciari each did their part with one goal each.
The Lakers used two goaltenders.
Jake Bird started the game and played the first half, while Paul O'Donnell took over at the start of the second half.
Neither goalie saw a ball go past them.
The ball was mostly controlled by Skaneateles, especially in the second half when Solvay was only able to put two shots on goal.
Solvay's inability to control the ball in the Lakers' zone could be attributed to the fact that as soon as a Bearcats player touched the ball, at least two Lakers would immediately attack.
Atwater said, “Our defense played outstanding. We get to the ball first. We try to outwork the other team. From team defense to team offense, it's 11 guys gelling on the field.”
Despite another win for Atwater and his players, he says his team will continue to work hard and try to win.
With a couple of tough league games ahead, one away at Westhill and one at home against Cazenovia, the Lakers' coach knows the season is still early.
The team will also face tough competition in a Hall of Fame tournament in Oneonta Sept. 19 and 20.
“This is a good start,” he said.
“We're still hungry, and it's still early. We have a lot of games left.”
The Lakers (2-0-1) will head to Westhill at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday.
Lakers 8
Bearcats 0
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