Blind Brook boys’ varsity soccer: Recapping an exciting 10-5-2 season

The Blind Brook boys’ soccer season ended on Monday, Oct. 23 after a 3-0 loss to the Briarcliff Bears in the second round of the playoffs. Despite this disappointing loss, the Trojans had a great 2023 season and made tons of memories. The soccer team created a family that will continue to grow and welcome new players next year.

The Trojans started their season off at home against Putnam Valley in late September and got the opening day win by a 3-0 score. Fast forward three games to the home match against Croton-Harmon, which was tied 2-2 in overtime and the Trojans won the thriller on a goal from Eli Zimmerman. The boys then defeated Valhalla under the lights in front of a huge Vikings crowd by one goal just days later. A little over a week later the entire district packed the Blind Brook bleachers to watch their Trojans kill Scarsdale-B by an 8-1 score, featuring a hat trick from senior Zimmerman, two goals from senior captain Martin Otero and a penalty kick save from star goalie Luka Cuk. Two days later they beat Woodlands High School 8-0, and with that confidence they closed out the season and headed to the first round of the playoffs, where junior Nico Palacios won the game on an overtime header to advance the Trojans.

That brings us back to the Briarcliff game, where the seniors finished their soccer careers. Seniors Seth Low, Hudson McRedmond, Michael Berman Annunziata, Tomo Yamano, Joaco Otero, Martin Otero, Eli Zimmerman and Ethan Leland were terrific athletes who played under coach Eric Brand on varsity for years. They now look down to the juniors who will continue the varsity soccer family and welcome more players next year.

“Players learn to rely on each other because soccer is not a sport of individuals or playmakers like basketball or tennis, but it’s more of a sport that unifies players into a cohesive working machine, as the goalie needs the defensive line just as much as the defense needs to trust a goalie’s commands. The offense relies on the success of the defense and vice versa,” said sophomore Tyler Taerstein when reflecting on the importance of the family the sport creates. “The soccer team is very special and a great environment to be around, not just due to the fun we have in practice screwing around with each other and bonding by playing the game, but also the social scheme of it is amazing. Everyone gasping for air together in extremely hot, 2-a-day practices in late August to start off the season and going to get food after. All of it is a special experience that makes everyone feel like they are a part of one big family.”

The Trojans finished the year with a record of 10-5-2.