Hackley Boys Soccer Defeats Riverdale

Hackley was the early beneficiary of a mistake in the Riverdale defense when sophomore JB Rosenthal scoped up a errant goalie distribution and placed the ball in the back of the Riverdale goal just four minutes into the game. Six minutes later senior Matt Braver made no mistake when he curled a low free kick from the top of the box into the short-side corner for a 2-0 Hackley lead just 10 minutes into the game. A shaken Riverdale squad was clearly not prepared to be in this position and it showed as their frustration became more visible and vocal.

Riverdale finally broke through when they burst past the right side of the Hackley defense creating a 4 on 3 down the wing. As they approached the goal a Riverdale player was taken down in the box and a penalty kick was awarded with less than 5 minutes left in the half. The Falcons converted and the half ended 2-1.

Both teams were geared up for the final 40 minutes knowing how much this game meant. The Hornets did an excellent job of challenging for head-balls and getting stuck-in on every tackle making it difficult for Riverdale to sustain long-term pressure on the Hackley defense.

Matt Braver continued to be dangerous including a clean volley that struck the crossbar flush 25 minutes into the half. Unfortunately it was Riverdale who got the equalizer with 17 minutes left when the Hackley defense got out muscled down on the Hornet goal-line. Less than five minutes later Matt put the Hornets back on top after a perfectly taken long free-kick from sophomore Samson Bennett was headed back across the penalty area by sophomore Charlie Rosenblum. Matt volleyed the ball near-post for the 3-2 lead.

With time running down, several players on both teams fell to injuries, as the toll of the match came to bear. But in the end, the Hornet defense held and the celebration began. Players could not contain their joy as recognition of their accomplishment sank in.

It was truly a historic win and a statement that the Hornets have now found some of the magic they hoped would match their high expectations going into the season. The mountain is no less high to climb due to this victory as injuries need mending and other strong opponents await. Nevertheless is was a great team win that should certainly create some momentum and confidence.