Photos: Dutch Outlast Shen In Penalty Kicks To Take AAA Title
Last Thursday, Oct. 30, the fourth-seeded Guilderland Dutchmen battled third-seeded Shenendehowa for the Section 2, Class AAA title at Bethlehem High School on a windy and rainy evening. The Dutch yielded the first goal but battled in the second half to tie it up at 1. Both Shen and Guilderland are co-champions but the Dutch won the title in penalty kicks, 9-8.
The Enterprise — Michael Koff
As the rain pelts down on Guilderland’s Nathan Skellie as he brings the ball behind his head to throw the ball back in during the first half.
The Enterprise — Michael Koff
Eyes locked: Guilderland’s Loughlin Rizzo and Shen’s George Ali both stare at the bouncing ball in hopes to gain control of it.
The Enterprise — Michael Koff
Clearing it: Guilderland’s Mahir Surti runs towards the ball to kick the ball away from the oncoming Shen player.
The Enterprise — Michael Koff
Nope, that’s mine: Guilderland’s Loughlin Rizzo uses his left arm to shield two Shen players from getting the loose ball that’s bouncing down the sideline.
The Enterprise — Michael Koff
Playing the angles: Guilderland’s Langston Threatte and a Shen player both look at the bouncing ball as they both fight for it.
The Enterprise — Michael Koff
Forward momentum: Guilderland’s Ryan Neale traps the ball with his chest as he runs towards the Shen goal in the second half.
The Enterprise — Michael Koff
Getting the equalizer: Guilderland’s Carem Moncur avoids the outstretched right foot of the Shen player as he dribbles towards goal. Moncur scored the lone goal for the Dutch.
The Enterprise — Michael Koff
Slippery object: Guilderland’s Colin Chapman gets his hands on the ball from a Shen player in the second half to make a save.
The Enterprise — Michael Koff
Gaining control: Guilderland’s Carem Moncur brings the ball down with his right foot as he looks to make a move on the oncoming Shen’s Carter Quinn.
The Enterprise — Michael Koff
Feeling the mist: Guilderland’s Jack Wasserbach leaps up to head the ball back towards a teammate as water flies off his head.
The Enterprise — Michael Koff
Double kick: Guilderland’s Brendan Neale and Shen’s Homawoo Kanny both lift their legs up high in an attempt to stop the ball that went sailing past them
The Enterprise — Michael Koff
Grabbing one another: Guilderland’s Jackson Eberz and Shen’s Homawoo Kanny both latch onto one another as they both fight for the loose ball.
The Enterprise — Michael Koff
Ignoring the noise: Guilderland’s Oscar Colbert plants his feet into the turf as he prepares to launch a throw back into play as the Shen fans yell.
The Enterprise — Michael Koff
Gentle nudge: Guilderland’s Jackson Eberz uses his left hand to push away Shen’s Zahn Gabe away as Eberz looks to send the ball close to goal.
The Enterprise — Michael Koff
Calling game: Guilderland’s Ryan Neale throws his jersey in the air next to his Guilderland classmates as his teammates race towards him after Neale scores the game winning penalty kick.
The Enterprise — Michael Koff
Screamstastic time: Guilderland captain Jackson Eberz yells of joy as he brings the championship plaque back to his team before they all hold it in the air.
The Enterprise — Michael Koff
Extra wet: Guilderland’s Oscar Colbert and Colin Chapman douse their head coach with ice water after his interview with a news station.