ONE LAST RIDE FOR WIZARD SOCCER

By DEVIN LEWIS

On Monday evening, the Washingtonville  boys’ soccer team hosted Valley Central in a game that meant much more than just the final score.  This was the most emotional game of the year, not because it was a big divisional game, but because it was senior night.  

Traditionally on senior night, senior players are celebrated for their hard work and devotion to the  Washingtonville soccer program.  This is a moment these seniors have been looking forward to for years and one they will remember and cherish forever.

DEVIN LEWIS FOR THE WIZARD WEEKLY

Washingtonville students and volunteers put in a tremendous amount of work to create a memorable day for the boys.  As fans walked up the hill towards the game, cut out soccer balls with the names of each player were displayed with blue and gold balloons attached.   There were also posters made by the girls’ team  which were held up in the student section.

The scoring started early as junior, Liam McDermott, put on a show for Wizard Nation.   McDermott ended up with a hat trick, but he was not the only producer offensively.  Senior captains, Dylan Turcott and James Maltes, each had one goal a piece in route to a 5-3 victory over the Vikings.

Dylan Turcott expressed his feelings on his senior game.  “Sadly it was one of the last times to play on our home field. It's definitely been a great season and ending with a game like that, nothing is better.”  Turcott scored a clutch goal with the clock ticking down to put the Wizards up two goals which ultimately sealed the game.  Dylan has been a key asset to this team with his skill on the field, along with having a lot of responsibility off the field.

The Wizards promoted their new head coach this year who has been coaching them since their freshman year.  Turcott believes that having coach Lubrano as a part of this team really played an essential role in the team’s chemistry and success.

Another impact player for the Wizards has been senior captain James Maltes.  Maltes is one of the most talented players in the section and produces big numbers year after year.  After the game, Maltes noted, “When all the seniors were on the field performing in front of all our fans, we felt very confident in our ability to control the game.”

James has been a significant player for the team.  There are also many upcoming Wizards in the program and he expressed how they should handle next year and beyond.  “Continue working on their own as well as with their club teams and other kids that will be joining the team next year. Just keep up the effort and just practice and play as much as possible.”  Maltes has 16 goals this season and will look to be a key contributor to the team’s success down the road in the playoffs.

The team’s success on senior night didn't just come offensively, the Wizard’s defense held their own and played a great game.  A big part of their success on Monday and the season as a whole, stems from senior starter, Brendan Hogan.  In Hogan's career as a varsity member, he asserts that his favorite memory was beating Monroe for the first time in seven years his junior year.  As for the future varsity players, Hogan gave advice from his own experience as a soccer player. “If you aren't playing as much as you want, keep your head up and work hard to earn your minutes.”  Hogan will be missed greatly by the rest of the team along with the seven other members of the team.

As the seniors finished the game, they were greeted by the rest of the team on the sidelines and each senior was given a speech by another teammate.  The Wizards are 10-5-1 on the season and will look to make some serious noise in the playoffs behind their seniors.