B.B. boys’ varsity soccer team emerges victorious in first game
September 13, 2023 at 11:24 p.m.
After two games were postponed, the Blind Brook boys’ varsity soccer team was finally able to open their season on Wednesday, Sept. 6 against the Tigers of Putnam Valley High School. The game began at 4:30 p.m. and the boys were playing in front of a nice home crowd at Blind Brook High School.
Coach Eric Brand and the Trojans were anxious to open the season after three weeks of practicing and preparation. The boys team finished last season with 7 wins and 9 losses, and they are hoping for better results going into the 2023 season.
Wednesday’s game started strongly for Blind Brook. Through the first 15 minutes, the Trojans applied lots of pressure, and while the game was tied, they kept the ball mostly in the offensive zone. The defense, held and directed by captain Joaco Otero, held up well and prevented the Tigers from getting anywhere close to the goal.
Finally, in the 33rd minute of the game, senior Ethan Leland broke through and scored to give the Trojans a 1-0 lead. The first goal of the 2023 soccer season for Blind Brook gave them the adrenaline they needed, and they continued to play with intensity throughout the half.
Going into halftime with a 1-0 lead was satisfying but not enough. The Trojans knew they needed more to shut out the Tigers and realize an opening game win. Four minutes into the second half, captain Tomo Yamano put the ball into the bottom left corner of the net from about 17 yards out to extend the Trojans’ lead to 2 goals to 0.
The boys kept up the same intensity and style of play all game—continued pressure from the defense and keeping the ball in the Tigers’ half, preventing them from getting anywhere close. It also helped Blind Brook that when Putnam Valley got near the net, sophomore goalie Luka Cuk shut it down and prevented the Tigers from scoring.
Finally, with about 10 minutes left, senior Eli Zimmerman scored to cap off the game and shut the Tigers down 3-0. The Blind Brook boys’ varsity soccer team started the season 1-0 with a complete game shutout from Cuk and assists from senior captain Martin Otero and junior Nico Palacios.
“People in the last few years have adopted the concept to ‘always remember your why’ based on Simon Senek’s work. I have coached since I was 16 with a few years off every now and then. And I have always coached…[because] I want to help kids realize their potential,” Coach Brand said after the game. “Sometimes that means I push them harder than they want to be pushed. The good ones take that and get better, but the great ones want it! Good and great there doesn’t only mean skill level. The ones who want to be pushed are great in all they do.”
This work ethic Coach Brand puts on the players helps push them to their limits and become the best players they can be on game days.
After their game scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 9 at Tuckahoe High School was cancelled, the Trojans were scheduled to host Briarcliff after press time on Wednesday, Sept. 13 and Croton-Harmon on Thursday, Sept. 14, both at 4:30 p.m. They will then play Valhalla away on Tuesday, Sept. 19 at 6 p.m. before returning home on Thursday, Sept. 21 for a 4:30 p.m. contest against Rye Neck.
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