By JOHN LIKANJE
MIDDLETOWN, N.Y. – The Bath-Haverling Boys’ Soccer team had two goals to achieve on Sunday morning: avenge a 2019 state semifinals loss to Skaneateles (III) and win the program’s first state title since 1996. For 82 minutes, both of those seemed within grasp. But the Lakers got the better of the Rams again, this time in overtime.
DJ Smith scored the team’s lone goal as the Rams suffered their first setback in their final match of the season: a 2-1 defeat to the Lakers in the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) Class B final. It’s only the Rams’ third loss in the last three years, two of which have come to the Lakers. Hill’s squad had amassed 57 victories in that span, including 36 consecutive wins dating back to last season.
“I’m super proud of the guys,” Bath-Haverling head coach Matt Hill said after the game.
Smith’s goal came in the 48th minute courtesy of senior midfielder Brady Dickson. Dickson executed his signature somersault throw-in from the right corner directly into the box. Smith was the first player to leap and immediately directed the ball with his head off a Lakers’ player and into the net.
32:15 remaining in the game. GOALLLLL!!! When a throw-in is like a free kick. Brady Dickson starts it. DJ Smith finishes. @SkanLakers 1 @HaverlingRams 1 pic.twitter.com/1YROEz1GMA
— Paul Gotham (@PickinSplinters) November 14, 2021
This snapped a scoreless stretch in which the Rams had reeled off nine shots via nine free kicks, nine corner throw-ins and two corner kicks. Hill’s squad completed the game with 11 shots, 14 corner throw-ins and 12 free kicks.
“I thought we played well all game long,” Hill said. “Especially in the second half. We had plenty of chances and plenty of balls in front of the goal. I was hopeful that we could get a couple of more. It just wasn’t our day.”
Despite participating in both the state semifinal and the Football Class C sectional final on Saturday, AJ Brotz had his head on a swivel on Sunday morning. The senior goalkeeper accumulated 10 saves, including four crucial stops in the final 12 minutes of regulation.
“AJ’s just great,” Hill said about the four-sport athlete. “He got back to Middletown around 2:30 in the morning. AJ was sharp. It was like he didn’t play a football game and a soccer game yesterday. He was good. Some of those saves kept us right in the game because from where we were standing, it looked like they were going in and then out of nowhere, he’d make those saves. Great athlete and he’s a fantastic goalkeeper for us.”
Big save AJ Brotz pic.twitter.com/axDwL9MwRh
— Paul Gotham (@PickinSplinters) November 14, 2021
For Skaneateles, Jack Phillips nailed the golden goal in the 83rd minute by re-directing an Owen Cheney cross into the top right post of the net.
13:08 remaining in the first overtime: Jack Phillips redirects an Owen Cheney cross for the game winner. @SkanLakers defeats @HaverlingRams 2-1 to claim the 2021 NYS Class B Boys’ Championship pic.twitter.com/OE4w6Jrreo
— Paul Gotham (@PickinSplinters) November 14, 2021
Sean Kerwick scored the first goal of the match in the 15th minute on a rebound which snuck into the left corner of the net.
15’ @SkanLakers strike first. Sean Kerwick connects for a 1-nil lead. pic.twitter.com/dQnnYDkWnc
— Paul Gotham (@PickinSplinters) November 14, 2021
Bath-Haverling completes the 2021 season with a 22-1-0 record, its fourth consecutive sectional title and a Far West Regional championship.
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