Pin It
soccer_10wp_palladino_120
The Lansing boys varsity soccer team will play for the IAC Championship on Saturday at 7:30pm at Ithaca High School.  This game will only be streamed on 1160ESPN.com (due to the world series) starting at 7:15pm.
The number 1 ranked team in New York State Class C division visited Whitney Point on a beautiful afternoon for soccer on Monday, looking to close out their regular season with an undefeated record and their top ranking intact. Flashing their “retro jerseys” and “70s” shorts, the Lansing soccer machine kept rolling by posting an 8-1 result with a well-balanced and relentless offensive attack and a solid defense.

Led by senior tri-captain Sean Streb and sophomore midfielder Benji Geisler with 3 goals apiece, and junior Ellington Hopkins’ 4 assists, the Bobcats dominated the game with 36 shots, 21 of them on frame, and forcing the Whitney Point keeper into making 14 saves.
soccer_10wp_hopkinsJunior winger Ellington Hopkins watches his cross sail into the offensive box at Whitney Point on Monday. (Shown at top) Sophomore defender Jake Palladino follows through on his clearance during the Bobcats’ 15th consecutive victory.

Senior winger Taylor Schuster (1 G) and junior striker Ethan Kutler (1 G, 3 A) also factored into the balanced attack for the Bobcats, while the defensive unit of sophomores Jake Palladino and Spencer Warkenton, and junior Timmy Arleo coordinated with senior keeper, Benji Parkes to allow Whitney Point only 4 shots and 1 corner kick on the day. 

Junior midfielder Cobi Byrne was very active throughout the day as well, denying Whitney Point space or time in the midfield to organize their attack and triggering the Bobcat offense on many occasions. Senior wingers Troy Hradisky, Taylor Schuster and Andrew Barber were also very active on the day exploiting the wings and corners of the Eagle defense, creating multiple scoring chances for the Bobcat attack.

soccer_10wp_herzogSophomore defender Clinton Herzog looks up field for an opening in the Whitney Point defense during the Bobcats 8-1 victory.

Up only 3-0 at the half, Lansing Head Coach Adam Heck wasn’t impressed with the Bobcats focus and energy in the first half, and challenged his team to play like the #1 team in the state during the 2nd half.  Once gain, Coach Heck’s locker room talk seemed to do the trick, as it only took the reenergized Bobcats 8 minutes in the 2nd half to push the score to 6-0. Pleased with his team’s overall effort, Coach Heck was happy to get valuable playing time for some of his younger players, particularly that of sophomores Andy Parkes and Clinton Herzog who continue to make the most of their playing time by displaying the poise and decision making skills needed for future play.

Having completed the regular season undefeated, the Bobcats return to the pitch tomorrow night (Saturday) at 7:30 p.m. to battle Elmira Notre Dame for the IAC Large School championship at Ithaca High School.

Photos courtesy of Richard Warkentin

v7i41
Pin It