Blind Brook boys’ soccer team loses 3-0 in 2nd round of sectionals
October 25, 2023 at 11:37 p.m.
The Blind Brook boys’ varsity soccer team had their first playoff game in front of a home crowd at 3 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 20. The Trojans had a great season and were excited for all their hard work to hopefully pay off as they left school midday to prepare for the visiting Albertus Magnus squad in the first round.
The cold, rainy day did not hold back the Blind Brook crowd, and they showed up in pink to support breast cancer awareness, matching the pink socks of the players. Some Trojan players had been here before, and some were making their playoff debut, but experience was not a problem for the Trojans in this game. They played tough and opened the game strong.
The entire game was very even, and despite multiple close chances for both teams to score, neither capitalized. Blind Brook’s defense, consisting of junior Henrique Almeida, senior Ethan Leland, senior Hudson McRedmond, and senior captain Joaco Otero, was locked down and did a great job holding the offsides line, catching various Albertus Magnus players beyond the line and ultimately keeping the ball in the offensive zone. Halftime came and went with neither side scoring and the eager Blind Brook crowd continued to wait for a score from their home team.
The second half was no different than the first, with aggressive play and multiple chances with no score, and shortly afterward, overtime came. The first half of overtime slowly went by, and finally the fans received what they had been waiting for all game in the 114th minute of play. Senior captain Martin Otero lined up for a free kick about 35 yards out, with multiple Trojans waiting in the box. As Otero was setting up his kick, Blind Brook coach Eric Brand turned to his bench and said, “The game ends here.” He turned back around as Otero struck the ball straight into the box where junior striker Nico Palacios placed the header of his lifetime on the ball and into the net to win the playoff game for the Trojans. The bench mobbed Palacios and fell into a pile as the Blind Brook crowd went insane.
The Trojans got a day off the following day and a practice on Sunday morning in preparation for a matchup against the reigning section champions, Briarcliff. The Trojans were sent home last year at Briarcliff and returned on Monday, Oct. 23 for revenge. The windy but beautiful day brought many Briarcliff fans into the seats to watch the Bears and Trojans clash.
A goal in the first half for the Bears gave them a confidence boost going into halftime with a lead. The Trojans were dominating possession of the ball but having trouble finding their striker and scoring. Two late goals by the Bears in the second half iced the cake and finished the Trojans’ season.
Despite this crushing loss, the Trojans had a terrific season and sent the seniors off with wonderful memories and a Trojan family they will forever remember. Seniors Seth Low, Hudson McRedmond, Michael Berman Annunziata, Tomo Yamano, Juaco Otero, Martin Otero, Eli Zimmerman and Ethan Leland were big contributors to the Blind Brook varsity team for years and were celebrated following the game. While it was not the result the Trojans were looking for, Blind Brook celebrated a memorable season with tons of high points.
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