PITTSFORD, N.Y. — A year ago Thomas Kwon occupied an outside back spot on a Pittsford Sutherland squad that advanced to the New York State Class A Far West Regionals. Those Knights limited opponents to nearly a half-goal per game.
Kwon’s play during the off-season earned him a spot on the Sutherland frontline.
Early returns indicate the position change has been a success.
Kwon’s team-leading sixth goal proved to be the game winner as host Sutherland defeated Greece Arcadia, 2-0 Thursday night at Ordiway Field.
“TK has been doing that so far for us this year,” Sutherland head coach Sean Hopkins said. “The goalie made a save. It bounced to TK and got it in the back of the net. It was huge.”
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Kwon broke a scoreless tie in the 45th minute with an assist from teammate Maksud Gedemenli.
“All off-season, I was hearing how he was playing outside attack. Left attack. He wants to play left attack. I figured let’s give it a shot this year and see. We kinda move him around up there, and he’s getting results. It’s working.”
The senior has scored in each of the past four games.
“We came into the season talking about how it’s going to be more of a team effort this year,” Hopkins explained. “The goals will be spread out. We’re not relying on that one guy that we have in the past few years. He’s really stepped up, and he’s found ways to carry us right now and it’s been great.”
The win was the fourth straight shutout for Sutherland (5-1-0) after falling 3-1 to Brighton on September 3rd.
“It was an eye-opener for us,” Hopkins said of the loss. “We haven’t really changed anything. We’re just getting better. We always are trying to be a solid defensive team every year. Giving up three goals in a game, we’re not happy with that. We’re getting a little stingier on defense. Guys want that clean sheet.”
Seth Rozen made four saves for the shutout.
Early test for Seth Rozen passed. pic.twitter.com/o4qA9VlHkS
— Paul Gotham (@PickinSplinters) September 15, 2022
Hopkins credited his backline of Henry Goldstein, Andre Gilbertson, Ronak Bansal and Cameron Wachob. Bansal denied Arcadia of a sure goal with a sliding save along the goal line.
“Having four seniors in the back is a good thing,” he said while also noting the contributions of sophomore Sam Fagan.
Gedemenli added an insurance goal in the 80th minute to secure the win.
The offense came after a half that saw both teams limiting each other’s chances.
Sutherland finished the game with eight shots.
“I felt like we were doing a good job,” Hopkins said of the first-half effort. “I felt like we had possession. We were getting chances in the first half, and it was just a matter of someone getting to the ball and getting it on frame.”
Arcadia (4-1-0) had shut out its last three opponents. The Titans travel to play at Greece Olympia next Wednesday.
Sutherland hosts Churchville-Chili on Saturday for a 5 p.m. start.
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