SKANEATELES - The defending Section III, Class B champions looked champion-like Wednesday night.
Chet Susslin / The Citizen
Kyle Baier, a Skaneateles senior, drives toward goal with Adirondack's Dylan Lyon defending during Wednesday's playoff game.
Kyle Baier, a Skaneateles senior, drives toward goal with Adirondack's Dylan Lyon defending during Wednesday's playoff game.
The fifth-seeded Skaneateles boys soccer team started its push for a repeat in dominating fashion, completely outplaying No. 12 Adirondack in a 3-0 win at Skaneateles High School.
The Lakers (13-3-1), who advance to play at No. 4 Mount Markham (13-3) Friday, held the Wildcats to just two shots on goal in the one-sided battle.
“We played really well, we were a little upset that we were seeded fifth so we wanted to play a solid game,” Skaneateles senior Kyle Baier said. “We dominated but just didn't put the ball in the net.”
The Lakers didn't capitalize on their 35 shots on goal, but the defense held strong. Though, the Lakers know they'll need to take advantage of more opportunities as the postseason progresses.
“We need to do a better job finishing,” Skaneateles coach Kirk Atwater said. “We did the little things well - possessing the ball, communicating on the field, making shots and the attack worked pretty well but we just need to get that ball in the net, make the shots count.”
Making it even tougher for the Lakers was the play of Adirondack goalie Marty Candee, who racked up 25 saves.
“Their goalie was hot tonight,” Skaneateles goalie Jake Bird said. “Our pace of play was pretty good and we got close to the goal but didn't hit exactly where we should.”
The first Skaneateles goal came from Baier off an assist from Spencer Parker in the first half. Alex Richichi scored about a minute later off a Mark Cannucciari assist.
After the half, Trevor Hinman posted another goal and was assisted by Richichi.
Still not playing as strong as Atwater would like them to, the Lakers are hoping this win will propel them through the playoffs.
Last year, Skaneateles faced Mount Markham in the second round of sectionals and defeated them in a tough 1-0 battle. This year, the players and coaches are prepared for another difficult game.
“I feel confident that we can win this but sometimes you need a little luck too,” Atwater said. “This will be a rematch of last year and they were one of the best teams we faced last year. They have a lot of returning players, just as we do, and we know we will need to come out and do a much better job finishing. We need to work on executing our set plays and just go from there. I'm big on the little things and working together as a unit so that will be our focus as we practice for Mount Markham. This is going to be a completely different game.”
“Mount Markham is a much tougher opponent and it will be a lot better of a test as to just how strong we are,” Bird added. “We know that we have the talent to go all the way, we just have to get out there and do our best and capitalize on every opportunity we get.”
Lakers 3
Wildcats 0
The Lakers (13-3-1), who advance to play at No. 4 Mount Markham (13-3) Friday, held the Wildcats to just two shots on goal in the one-sided battle.
“We played really well, we were a little upset that we were seeded fifth so we wanted to play a solid game,” Skaneateles senior Kyle Baier said. “We dominated but just didn't put the ball in the net.”
The Lakers didn't capitalize on their 35 shots on goal, but the defense held strong. Though, the Lakers know they'll need to take advantage of more opportunities as the postseason progresses.
“We need to do a better job finishing,” Skaneateles coach Kirk Atwater said. “We did the little things well - possessing the ball, communicating on the field, making shots and the attack worked pretty well but we just need to get that ball in the net, make the shots count.”
Making it even tougher for the Lakers was the play of Adirondack goalie Marty Candee, who racked up 25 saves.
“Their goalie was hot tonight,” Skaneateles goalie Jake Bird said. “Our pace of play was pretty good and we got close to the goal but didn't hit exactly where we should.”
The first Skaneateles goal came from Baier off an assist from Spencer Parker in the first half. Alex Richichi scored about a minute later off a Mark Cannucciari assist.
After the half, Trevor Hinman posted another goal and was assisted by Richichi.
Still not playing as strong as Atwater would like them to, the Lakers are hoping this win will propel them through the playoffs.
Last year, Skaneateles faced Mount Markham in the second round of sectionals and defeated them in a tough 1-0 battle. This year, the players and coaches are prepared for another difficult game.
“I feel confident that we can win this but sometimes you need a little luck too,” Atwater said. “This will be a rematch of last year and they were one of the best teams we faced last year. They have a lot of returning players, just as we do, and we know we will need to come out and do a much better job finishing. We need to work on executing our set plays and just go from there. I'm big on the little things and working together as a unit so that will be our focus as we practice for Mount Markham. This is going to be a completely different game.”
“Mount Markham is a much tougher opponent and it will be a lot better of a test as to just how strong we are,” Bird added. “We know that we have the talent to go all the way, we just have to get out there and do our best and capitalize on every opportunity we get.”
Lakers 3
Wildcats 0
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