Sports Archives — The Altamont Enterprise, September 15, 2011
A fresh new start for Lady Dutch soccer team
By Jordan J. Michael
ROTTERDAM –– A losing streak can only last so long between two rivals. The Guilderland girls’ soccer team lost so many emotional games to Bethlehem that it was time for a change.
Curtis Snyder, who was an assistant under long-time coach Barbara Newton in 2010, was named head coach during the off-season. After many letdowns to the Eagles under Newton, the Lady Dutch finally turned the tide, beating the team at home on Friday, 4 to 1.
It wasn’t just a win. It was a celebration.
“These girls wanted to show everyone that they can play soccer, and play it well,” Snyder said after a 5-to-0 win at Mohonasen on Tuesday afternoon. “Beating Bethlehem set a tone for the kind of season we want.”
Snyder told The Enterprise that, during the pre-season, Guilderland went to a three-day team camp in Massachusetts. It was something different, and the players gelled together nicely, while working hard on their game.
“They want to play for each other and be there for each other,” said Snyder of the Lady Dutch players. “They’re really pumped.”
On Tuesday, Guilderland got off to a quick start against the Warriors, going up 2 to 0 in the first half off goals by junior Laurie Knapp and senior Karah Lizotte. In the second half, Lauren Kogelmann, Jessica Capone, and Jenna Walsh punched in goals. The Lady Dutch had its way with Mohonasen.
Guilderland senior Captain Jackie Brassard, who is in her fourth season, is excited about the new direction of the team, as well as finally beating Bethlehem. “It really boosts our spirit because they’ve been great for so long,” she said of the Eagles. “It’s a great feeling for everybody, but it’s different for us older girls.”
The six years between wins over Bethlehem saw some tight and physical matches. Sometimes Guilderland lost to Bethlehem three times in a single season. The heartbreak was piling up.
“We don’t want to think we’re the greatest,” Brassard said, knowing how hard the Suburban Council is for soccer. “We just want to play as hard as we can.”
Snyder believes that Guilderland has enough talent to be in contention, and it’s worked in the teams favor so far. Besides Brassard, the Dutch get further leadership from seniors Marissa Cubillos and Kim Weinberg, who have each been on the team for at least three years.
“Our goal is to win lots of games, but always playing at a high level is hard to do,” Snyder said.
Even though there was controversy with Newton’s replacement, as many of her players objected, Snyder said that Guilderland is looking forward. However, does the current team still carry on Newton’s influences?
“Players are influenced by a lot of different coaches,” said Snyder. “We kept some ideas and got rid of others. We’re not looking back.”