That phrase, " what a beautiful day" was repeated over and over by Portledge players, coaches and fans all throughout this tremendous fall afternoon. The sky was bright blue, there was a slight chill to the air, and a generally steady breeze made "football" playing conditions challenging but also perfect at the same time. As always, there was gracious hospitality extended by the LWA community as the Portledge community was invited to participate in the LWA Homecoming by sampling some of the amazing international cooking that was available, and by sharing a cup of postgame hot chocolate with some of the LWA players. The competition was excellent, as both LWA teams were determined to play strong games on their home turf. In the end, everything combined to produce some incredible soccer wrapped in the tremendous atmosphere of autumm on Long Island.
What Happened in the Girls Game?
This contest between the LWA Tigers and the Portledge Lady Panthers was not for the faint of heart. It was a physical game loaded with hard challenges and rough play. The LWA was desperate to beat a top team and Portledge was the last quality side on their schedule. The Portledge team was attempting to rebuild their momentum after a tough loss the week before at BC and was committed to plaing a great game. The play went back and forth with both teams throwing themselves into the attack. Twice, during the first part of the first half, the LWA girls jumped out to a one goal lead, but both times their marks were answered by the strong right foot of Sophomore winger Ashley Wade. Wade's first response came off of an Alex Siwiec cross that feisty winger banged home from about ten yards out. Wade's second goal, that evened the score at two, was a right footed blast from about twenty five yards out that just caught the top corner of the net. On this play Wade was set free by a beautiful pass from Junior midfielder Claudia Rogers. Rogers was a fantastic player all day for the blue & white as she dominated the midfield with great tackles before moving back to sweeper to close out the game. Sometimes lost in the noteriety extended to the main goal scorers Claudia Rogers is the heart and soul of the Portledge girls soccer team. She plays wherever Coach Coope needs her to play and always gives an incredible effort. She is also tough as nails. Afact that was proved went she limped off the field afgter the last whistle because of the huge bruise on her leg. Yet as time had wound down, you would never have known she was injured in any way. LWA continued to assert themselves and eventually took a 3-2 lead into half time. In the second frme the Portledge girls came raoring back with goals by Junior Striker Addie Reilly and Senior captain Alex Siwiec. Then, with Rogers sweeping up in the back and some great goaltending by Junior Chelsea Estevez, the Lady Panthers held off one Tigers charge after another to secure an extremely hard fought 4-3 win. Second place and home field in the play offs is on the line when the Portledge girls next play on Wed, Oct 22nd v. Staten Island Academy @ HOME (4:00PM).
How Was the Match b/w the Portledge and LWA Varsity Boys Soccer Teams?
This match was one of speed and generally less physical tham the earlier Varsity Girls game. Twice during the first half Portledge's amazing Senior striker Trevor Wolfson took off on incredibly fast runs down the right side. The first of these ended with a little slip pass to a wide open Nic Leask in front of the LWA goal, which the calm,cool Sophmore midfielder easily deposited in the Tiger's net for a 1-0 Panther lead. Wolfson's second daring dash down the right came in the half's closing minute and culminated with a right footed blast the found the far side lower corner of the LWA goal and gave Portledge a 2-0 half time lead. The many Portledge fans in attendance saw more of the same in the second half as once again Wolfson freed himself with a freshly paced run down the right wing. This time the Senior captain's beautiful cross found left side midfielder Ashwin Chinchwadkar charging the far post and the result was Chichwadkar volley that made the score Portledge 3 and LWA 0. Thhe sides traded attacks over the last 3o minutes with each team netting one strike for a final score of 4-1 in the Panther's favor. This was a big win that built great momentum going into a hige week that would see the Portledge Varsity Boys Soccer team secure first place during IPPSAL regular season play and win the Portledge Invitational Soccer Tournament for the first time in over a decade.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Answer Regarding Question About Portledge v. Friends Soccer Game
The soccer game played b/w Portledge School and Friends Academy on Monday, Oct 6th was scheduled as a Varsity Boys Soccer match. It was scheduled by the Athletic Directors of both schools and counted as a regular season game that should be accounted for in the teams final overall records. I have no knowledge of who is a starter, and who is not a starter on the Friends Academy Varsity Boys Soccer team. All I know is that the team that came to Portledge that day was NOT the Friends Academy JV Boys Soccer team. Before the game, the Friends Academy Varsity coach did say that he would be playing his reserves more than usual, and, of course, that is his right and perogative to do so. Still, the game was scheduled, considered and reported as a Varsity match, as it should.
The tradition of this blog is that all comments be signed so as to make sure that all statements remain accurate and in the positive nature of independent school sports. That being said, I would ask whoever 27 is, to refrian from posting anything that has a contentious or adversarial tone. A simple congratulations Varsity Boys Soccer would be fine.
The tradition of this blog is that all comments be signed so as to make sure that all statements remain accurate and in the positive nature of independent school sports. That being said, I would ask whoever 27 is, to refrian from posting anything that has a contentious or adversarial tone. A simple congratulations Varsity Boys Soccer would be fine.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Rollin..Rollin...Rollin/ Varsity Boys Soccer Ups Overall Record to 7-1-3 with Impressive Tie v. UNIS and Victories Over SSDS and Friends Academy
The Portledge Varsity Boys Soccer team is on a roll. Their play of late is incredibly well balanced as this consistent side has mixed complicated attacking play with some good old fashioned hard nosed defense to boost their season record to a very lofty place. The Panthers have only been beaten once in ten games and currently stand at 7 wins, one loss and three ties. The latest draw came against ACIS powerhouse The United Nations School. The UNIS team boasted a fine record of their own, having only lost to Packer Collegiate, while playing the first half of a very challenging ACIS schedule. The Panthers trailed in this one by a score of 2-0 before thundering back with two second half goals to even the score. Even more impressive was the fact that it was the Panthers who were carrying the play in the final minutes as darkness slowly enveloped the "pitch". Junior keeper Daniel Leask was asked, however, to make an outstanding diving save as a last minute UNIS counter attack produced a dangerous chance to gain the result. The final horn sounded as both teams could barely see each other in the darkness, but knowing they had all played an excellent match of"football".
Obviously boosted by the UNIS result, the Panthers went on a two game tear last week beating last year's IPPSAL champs, SSDS, by a score of 7-0 and then handing our Duck Pond Road neighbors, Friends Academy, a 3-0 defeat. In their last five games ( LWA, Columbia Prep, SSDS, UNIS and Friends Academy ) the Panthers have scored 17 goals and given up only two. The fine overall play of a now healthy Mark Dourmashkin in midfield, and the tremendous consistency of the back four ( Seniors Aaron Lee and Mike McCloskey, Junior MJ Shin and Sophomore Vishal Chichwadkar ) have made this incredible play possible. Keep it up guys...we are all pulling for an IPPSALChampionship and a NYSAISAA berth in your future!!!
Obviously boosted by the UNIS result, the Panthers went on a two game tear last week beating last year's IPPSAL champs, SSDS, by a score of 7-0 and then handing our Duck Pond Road neighbors, Friends Academy, a 3-0 defeat. In their last five games ( LWA, Columbia Prep, SSDS, UNIS and Friends Academy ) the Panthers have scored 17 goals and given up only two. The fine overall play of a now healthy Mark Dourmashkin in midfield, and the tremendous consistency of the back four ( Seniors Aaron Lee and Mike McCloskey, Junior MJ Shin and Sophomore Vishal Chichwadkar ) have made this incredible play possible. Keep it up guys...we are all pulling for an IPPSALChampionship and a NYSAISAA berth in your future!!!
Cold Diplomacy Followed By a Bit of a Flame Out/ Varsity Girls Soccer Slams The United Nations School Before Losing to Defending League Champs BC
The last two games for the Varsity Girls Soccer team can certainly be considered as feast and famine. On Friday, Oct 3rd with the Varsity Girls and Boys teams from the United Nations School visiting beautiful Portledge, our Lady Panthers played some of their best soccer in defeating the UNIS girls 4-0. Junior striker Addie Reilly opened the scoring with an incredible left footed strike from just outside the penalty area as the Portledge girls carried the early play. Super sub Alex Devivo made it 2-0 when her right footed blast blew past the helpless UNIS keeper. As the game went on the Lady Panthers displayed some exquisite "football" as midfielders Claudia Rogers and Alex Siwiec controlled the ball and sent crisp passes through to a darting Monique Kelly on the right flank. In the second half 8th grader Ceci Mulry tacked down a Kelly cross and slipped a perfect pass to Siwiec at the top of the box. The Senior captain then sent a right footed rocket past the UNIS keeper making a huge bulge in the back of the ol' onion bag and Portledge led 3-0. Reilly added another as she maintains her remarkable scoring pace, and the Portledge faithful were all smiles on this afternoon.
Unfortunately, those smiles turned to frowns four days later as a confident Portledge Lady Panther team visited the Brooklyn Parade Grounds for a match against defending PSAA League champs Berkeley Carroll. The BC girls have had the Portledge girls number recently, winning two straight at the end of last year, after an early season 2-2 draw between these two quality sides. Things played out much the same this crisp fall day as BC scored mid way through the first frame, and then twice again in the second half to hand the Portledge girls only their second loss of the season. According to Head Coach Mr. Michael Coope, Portledge had some strong ball control, but could not generate any really good scoring opportunities as attack after attack sputtered just outside the BC penalty area. No woories though, hopefully the Lady Panthers will get another shot at the BC girls in either the PSAA playoffs, or possibly the NYSAISAA Championships, if their final record is strong enough to qualify.
The Portledge girls will be at HOME this coming Thursday v. Brooklyn Friends @4:30, before taking on PSAA rival LWA in a non league game at LWA's Homecoming on Saturday, Oct 18th. Kickoff at LWA will be @ 12:00. If this team sticks together, they have the potential to finish the season with some incredible accomplishments. Good luck girls....your fans are behind you all the way !!!
Unfortunately, those smiles turned to frowns four days later as a confident Portledge Lady Panther team visited the Brooklyn Parade Grounds for a match against defending PSAA League champs Berkeley Carroll. The BC girls have had the Portledge girls number recently, winning two straight at the end of last year, after an early season 2-2 draw between these two quality sides. Things played out much the same this crisp fall day as BC scored mid way through the first frame, and then twice again in the second half to hand the Portledge girls only their second loss of the season. According to Head Coach Mr. Michael Coope, Portledge had some strong ball control, but could not generate any really good scoring opportunities as attack after attack sputtered just outside the BC penalty area. No woories though, hopefully the Lady Panthers will get another shot at the BC girls in either the PSAA playoffs, or possibly the NYSAISAA Championships, if their final record is strong enough to qualify.
The Portledge girls will be at HOME this coming Thursday v. Brooklyn Friends @4:30, before taking on PSAA rival LWA in a non league game at LWA's Homecoming on Saturday, Oct 18th. Kickoff at LWA will be @ 12:00. If this team sticks together, they have the potential to finish the season with some incredible accomplishments. Good luck girls....your fans are behind you all the way !!!
Even Steven With Much Work To Do/ Varsity Girls Tennis Stands at 3 and 3 and Will Play 7 Times Over 14 Days
The Portledge Varsity Girls Tennis team has played well overall, and is looking very good in IPPSAL Girls Tennis competition. While they have not beaten any of their tough non league opponents, they have been very competitive against teams such as Trinity and Rye Country Day. At the same time, the girls are unbeaten in IPPSAL play. Senior Siena Falino is currently playing #1 singles and is usually followed by Junior Elizabeth Girgenti as the #2. Several players, including Freshman Lisa Dourmashkin and Senior Robyn Worrall have alternated as the # 3 player with the doubles combinations being made up from a pool of players that include Lianna Starrantino, Rachael Scheinmann, Stehphanie Hegarty, Michelle Kerwick , Hannah Fortgang, Ali James and Tori Phillips. With so many quality players Head Coach Mr. Henry Stay always has a strong pool to chose from when he makes out his line up sheet. As stated in the title of the post, this team has a great deal of work ahead. Primarily because of some early season bad weather, the Portledge Lady Panther Swatters will play 7 times from Wednesday, Oct 15th through Tuesday, Oct 27th. Hopefully after all these matches they will be in position to play for the IPPSAL Girls Tennis Championship, which will be held here at Portledge on Thursday, Oct 30th @3:00pm. Please come out and see a tennis match and cheer our girls onto a possible sixth IPPSALChampionship in seven years. The next home match will be v. Dwight on Monday, Oct 20th @ 4:00pm.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Running Like the Wind/Varsity Cross Country Takes to the Course in First IPPSAL Meet of the Season
Perfect conditions prevailed for the first IPPSAL Varsity X-Country meet of the season. Portledge hosted this initial run, and the meet was contested over a new course laid out by the Head Coach, Dr. David Sarles, and yours truly. The new "track" is much more visible to fans, and is based on a wide series of winding turns that take advantage of the natural topography of the campus. Over 75 runners started the race with some 60 boys and 12 girls competing.
How Did the Portledge Runners Do?
The Portledge girls continued their strong performances from last fall by having two of the top three finishers. Freshman Isabella Muratore was second overall and Sophomore Millie Stallings was right behind her in third. If the girls can maintain these types of strong showings, Portledge might be able to challenge Martin Luther for the overall IPPSAL Championship.
The Portledge male runners also put in a strong showing by placing 2 competitors in the top twenty with Sophomore Alan Phipps finishing 12th overall and Junior Bryce Behar placing 19th among the 60 or so male runners. Eddie Huai, George Gage, and Henry Stallings also all ran well.
The Portledge runners finished 3rd overall out of seven schools, and will be looking to move into the top two at the next IPPSAL meet, which will also be held at Portledge on Tuesday, Oct 7th @4:15pm. Come on out to watch a great race and cheer our athletes on!
How Did the Portledge Runners Do?
The Portledge girls continued their strong performances from last fall by having two of the top three finishers. Freshman Isabella Muratore was second overall and Sophomore Millie Stallings was right behind her in third. If the girls can maintain these types of strong showings, Portledge might be able to challenge Martin Luther for the overall IPPSAL Championship.
The Portledge male runners also put in a strong showing by placing 2 competitors in the top twenty with Sophomore Alan Phipps finishing 12th overall and Junior Bryce Behar placing 19th among the 60 or so male runners. Eddie Huai, George Gage, and Henry Stallings also all ran well.
The Portledge runners finished 3rd overall out of seven schools, and will be looking to move into the top two at the next IPPSAL meet, which will also be held at Portledge on Tuesday, Oct 7th @4:15pm. Come on out to watch a great race and cheer our athletes on!
Monday, September 29, 2008
A Long and Winding Road/Portledge Soccer Teams of All Levels Are Victorious During Long Week of Play
Portledge School Played a total of 14 soccer games last week. Each of the Varsity teams played twice, as did all the Middle School teams, and there were midweek games on Wednesday featuring our improving JV programs.
What Kind of Week Did the Varsity Girls Soccer Team Have After Their Beautiful Play on Founder's Day?
The VGS team had a challenging week after competing three times the week before. First came a critical PSAA league game @ Home v. LuHi and that was followed by another home tussle against the always tough girls side from Columbia Prep. The game with LuHi was an incredible exhibition of soccer from both teams. Throughout the first half the sides traded attacks with both teams threatening to break through for an initial tally. Near the end of the first stanza LuHi appeared to have taken a 1-0 lead when an accurate cross was driven into the net by the Crusader striker, only to have the goal disallowed due to an offsides whistle. As the teams set up for the second half everyone in attendance knew they would be seeing a wild half of "football". The Portledge girls really pressed the issue with at least 15 minutes of relentless action around the LuHi penalty area. One corner kick after another had the black shirted defenders scrambling to deny the Portledge attempts on goal. Finally, Sophmore wing-half Ashley Wade's cross was defleted into the LuHi goal by Junior striker Monique Kelly and the pro Portledge crowd erupted into celebration. Soon after, Senior captain Alex Siwiec was off on one of her patented runs down the right side. Siwiec's eventual cross found an unmarked Alex Devivo in front of the LuHi net and the score was Lady Panthers 2 and Lady Crusaders 0. The girls from Old Brookville were not dead though, as they mounted a furious comeback that resulted in two Crusader tallies during the last ten minutes. The Portledge girls were shocked to see their lead evaporate, however, this tie might have taught them something about how to keep your composure and close out a game against a tough foe because two days later v. Columbia Prep the Lady Panthers found themselves in virtually the same situation. An Addie Reilly first half goal was the only mark on the scoreboard as the Portledge girls were clinging to a 1-0 lead with time winding down in the second half. This time though, great midfield play and ball control from the duo of Siwiec and Junior Claudia Rogers kept the ball away from the powder blue clad attackers and the home side went on to secure the positive 1-0 result. This will be a quiet week for the Lady Panthers with just one game, at Home v. United Nations School on Friday @ 4:15pm.
How Does the Varsity Boys Soccer Team Look Half Way Through Their Season?
Well, with eight regular season games played and eight remaining, the VBS team looks pretty good. They currently have a record 5 wins, 1 loss, and 2 ties. They are in second spot in IPPSAL Boys Soccer, trailing only the undefeated Waldorf side that still has to go to both LWA and LuHi, as well as host our own Panthers during the second part of the season. Thus, an opportunity for an automatic bid to the NYSAISAA Tournament still is a possibility, but they probably must run the table in their four remaining IPPSAL games, plus get some help from either LWA or LuHi v. Waldorf. The great thing is that the team is playing some of the best boys soccer we have seen around here since the 04' team swept their IPPSAL opponents on the way to NYSAISAA participation. Last week saw the Panthers register back to back 4-0 wins over LuHi and Columbia Prep in what some are calling the best week of Portledge Boys Soccer ever. Senior striker Trevor Wolfson continues to lead the offensive way. Wolfson scored a combined five goals in the two games and assisted on some of the other tallies. Sophomore Chris McCloskey added a real touch of class in the LuHi game when he drilled a 45 yard shot past the Crusader keeper to stake Portledge to a 2-0 halftime lead. Portledge went on to add two second half goals, one each by Wolfson and McCloskey, to create the final 4-0 advantage. Against Columbia Prep, the game hung in the balance as the teams battled to a 0-0 halftime draw before Portledge exploded for four second half goals. Three came via the tremendous power and speed of Wolfson, and one from a Mike McCloskey header. The Panthers are really rolling as they enter a difficult stretch of games with an AWAY game SSDS on Thursday followed by a tough non league game with UNIS on Friday. Then, on Monday, October 6th, there will be a little bit of history made as Portledge Boys Soccer will take on the Varsity Boys team from Friends Academy in what will be the first Varsity Boys meeting of any kind between the schools in at least a decade. It's great to see this old rivalry reborn as a brand new "Locust Valley Darby". This little piece of local athletic history will be played at Portledge on Monday, Oct 6th at 4:30pm.
How Are the Portledge JV Soccer Teams Doing?
Although their combined record stands at 1 win and 5 losses, the play of the JV Girls and Boys Soccer teams is much improved from last year. Gone are the blowout defeats that have instead been replaced by some great soccer games in which our younger players can really develop. The JV Girls have lost all three of their games against Chapin, Waldorf (Varsity) and Poly Prep, respectively, but they have put up a strong fight in each. An excellent and well organized defense and great goaltending from Alyssa Parke have kept this young squad in every game so far. If their offense can come around and put a few bulges in the back of the ol' onion bag this team has the ability to win a few games down the stretch.
Over with the JV Boys things are really looking up. After hard fought losses to the JV Boys sides of Friends Seminary and Columbia Prep, the Portledge JV Boys team registered their first win of the year. The victory came against the Varsity side of Martin Luther High School. This was a quality side from the 2nd Division of the IPPSAL Varsity Boys Soccer League and the Portledge boys had to play a whale of a game to get the win. Freshman Matt Crockett was great throughout as he, with help from Freshman Ben Fortgang, controlled the midfield. The big goal scorer was another Freshman with a bright soccer future, Zach Hescheles. The "Zach Attack" connected twice in the 4-3 Portledge win. Another player who has demonstrated some scoring ability on the Portledge side is Sophomore Matteo Trentini. It was Trentini's header that was the difference in the game. The JV Boys next go home and home v. the Knox Varsity in what should be some excellent soccer games.
What's Up With the Middle School Soccer Teams?
Well the hottest Middle School soccer team right now is the 7/8 Boys. After a tough 3-0 opening game loss to LuHi, the 7/8 Boys have won two straight in convincing fashion. They turned in an incredible 3-0 domination of the Greenvale 7/8/9 team that was a joy to watch. 7th grade keeper Patrick Byrnes was solid in the net and the Portledge offense put consistent pressure on the Blue and Gold opponents. The boys followed this strong showing up with an equally impressive and very well balanced display of soccer v. the Holy Child 7/8 Boys. Portlegde clearly had the stronger side and Coach Arceri gave everyone quality minutes in the 2-1 win. Games with LWA and East Woods are in the near future for this strong team.
Both the 5/6 Girls and 5/6 Boys were also victorious over the opponents from Holy Child on this day that saw Portledge teams win a total of 5 out of 6 soccer contests. The 5/6 teams are well organized and seem poised for some solid seasons. Matches with the Buckley "A's" and return contests with Holy Child are coming up for these young sides.
Please check the Fall Season Schedule or just hit the Calendar tab on the home page of the website to get all the information concerning the when and where of Portledge Athletics. Also remember that on game days you can get up to the minute game info by calling the Athletic Hotline @ (516) 750 3162. Thanks for supporting our teams and we'll see you at "the pitch".
What Kind of Week Did the Varsity Girls Soccer Team Have After Their Beautiful Play on Founder's Day?
The VGS team had a challenging week after competing three times the week before. First came a critical PSAA league game @ Home v. LuHi and that was followed by another home tussle against the always tough girls side from Columbia Prep. The game with LuHi was an incredible exhibition of soccer from both teams. Throughout the first half the sides traded attacks with both teams threatening to break through for an initial tally. Near the end of the first stanza LuHi appeared to have taken a 1-0 lead when an accurate cross was driven into the net by the Crusader striker, only to have the goal disallowed due to an offsides whistle. As the teams set up for the second half everyone in attendance knew they would be seeing a wild half of "football". The Portledge girls really pressed the issue with at least 15 minutes of relentless action around the LuHi penalty area. One corner kick after another had the black shirted defenders scrambling to deny the Portledge attempts on goal. Finally, Sophmore wing-half Ashley Wade's cross was defleted into the LuHi goal by Junior striker Monique Kelly and the pro Portledge crowd erupted into celebration. Soon after, Senior captain Alex Siwiec was off on one of her patented runs down the right side. Siwiec's eventual cross found an unmarked Alex Devivo in front of the LuHi net and the score was Lady Panthers 2 and Lady Crusaders 0. The girls from Old Brookville were not dead though, as they mounted a furious comeback that resulted in two Crusader tallies during the last ten minutes. The Portledge girls were shocked to see their lead evaporate, however, this tie might have taught them something about how to keep your composure and close out a game against a tough foe because two days later v. Columbia Prep the Lady Panthers found themselves in virtually the same situation. An Addie Reilly first half goal was the only mark on the scoreboard as the Portledge girls were clinging to a 1-0 lead with time winding down in the second half. This time though, great midfield play and ball control from the duo of Siwiec and Junior Claudia Rogers kept the ball away from the powder blue clad attackers and the home side went on to secure the positive 1-0 result. This will be a quiet week for the Lady Panthers with just one game, at Home v. United Nations School on Friday @ 4:15pm.
How Does the Varsity Boys Soccer Team Look Half Way Through Their Season?
Well, with eight regular season games played and eight remaining, the VBS team looks pretty good. They currently have a record 5 wins, 1 loss, and 2 ties. They are in second spot in IPPSAL Boys Soccer, trailing only the undefeated Waldorf side that still has to go to both LWA and LuHi, as well as host our own Panthers during the second part of the season. Thus, an opportunity for an automatic bid to the NYSAISAA Tournament still is a possibility, but they probably must run the table in their four remaining IPPSAL games, plus get some help from either LWA or LuHi v. Waldorf. The great thing is that the team is playing some of the best boys soccer we have seen around here since the 04' team swept their IPPSAL opponents on the way to NYSAISAA participation. Last week saw the Panthers register back to back 4-0 wins over LuHi and Columbia Prep in what some are calling the best week of Portledge Boys Soccer ever. Senior striker Trevor Wolfson continues to lead the offensive way. Wolfson scored a combined five goals in the two games and assisted on some of the other tallies. Sophomore Chris McCloskey added a real touch of class in the LuHi game when he drilled a 45 yard shot past the Crusader keeper to stake Portledge to a 2-0 halftime lead. Portledge went on to add two second half goals, one each by Wolfson and McCloskey, to create the final 4-0 advantage. Against Columbia Prep, the game hung in the balance as the teams battled to a 0-0 halftime draw before Portledge exploded for four second half goals. Three came via the tremendous power and speed of Wolfson, and one from a Mike McCloskey header. The Panthers are really rolling as they enter a difficult stretch of games with an AWAY game SSDS on Thursday followed by a tough non league game with UNIS on Friday. Then, on Monday, October 6th, there will be a little bit of history made as Portledge Boys Soccer will take on the Varsity Boys team from Friends Academy in what will be the first Varsity Boys meeting of any kind between the schools in at least a decade. It's great to see this old rivalry reborn as a brand new "Locust Valley Darby". This little piece of local athletic history will be played at Portledge on Monday, Oct 6th at 4:30pm.
How Are the Portledge JV Soccer Teams Doing?
Although their combined record stands at 1 win and 5 losses, the play of the JV Girls and Boys Soccer teams is much improved from last year. Gone are the blowout defeats that have instead been replaced by some great soccer games in which our younger players can really develop. The JV Girls have lost all three of their games against Chapin, Waldorf (Varsity) and Poly Prep, respectively, but they have put up a strong fight in each. An excellent and well organized defense and great goaltending from Alyssa Parke have kept this young squad in every game so far. If their offense can come around and put a few bulges in the back of the ol' onion bag this team has the ability to win a few games down the stretch.
Over with the JV Boys things are really looking up. After hard fought losses to the JV Boys sides of Friends Seminary and Columbia Prep, the Portledge JV Boys team registered their first win of the year. The victory came against the Varsity side of Martin Luther High School. This was a quality side from the 2nd Division of the IPPSAL Varsity Boys Soccer League and the Portledge boys had to play a whale of a game to get the win. Freshman Matt Crockett was great throughout as he, with help from Freshman Ben Fortgang, controlled the midfield. The big goal scorer was another Freshman with a bright soccer future, Zach Hescheles. The "Zach Attack" connected twice in the 4-3 Portledge win. Another player who has demonstrated some scoring ability on the Portledge side is Sophomore Matteo Trentini. It was Trentini's header that was the difference in the game. The JV Boys next go home and home v. the Knox Varsity in what should be some excellent soccer games.
What's Up With the Middle School Soccer Teams?
Well the hottest Middle School soccer team right now is the 7/8 Boys. After a tough 3-0 opening game loss to LuHi, the 7/8 Boys have won two straight in convincing fashion. They turned in an incredible 3-0 domination of the Greenvale 7/8/9 team that was a joy to watch. 7th grade keeper Patrick Byrnes was solid in the net and the Portledge offense put consistent pressure on the Blue and Gold opponents. The boys followed this strong showing up with an equally impressive and very well balanced display of soccer v. the Holy Child 7/8 Boys. Portlegde clearly had the stronger side and Coach Arceri gave everyone quality minutes in the 2-1 win. Games with LWA and East Woods are in the near future for this strong team.
Both the 5/6 Girls and 5/6 Boys were also victorious over the opponents from Holy Child on this day that saw Portledge teams win a total of 5 out of 6 soccer contests. The 5/6 teams are well organized and seem poised for some solid seasons. Matches with the Buckley "A's" and return contests with Holy Child are coming up for these young sides.
Please check the Fall Season Schedule or just hit the Calendar tab on the home page of the website to get all the information concerning the when and where of Portledge Athletics. Also remember that on game days you can get up to the minute game info by calling the Athletic Hotline @ (516) 750 3162. Thanks for supporting our teams and we'll see you at "the pitch".
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