BY CONOR DUNLEAVY
Both the boys’ and girls’ varsity soccer teams have had great seasons this year. The boys’ soccer team has won double the number of games they’ve lost, all with the help of coaches Rich Becker and David Warren and captains Josh Kriss ‘13, Fabi Chaparro ‘12 and Jeffrey Coronel ‘12. The team’s success has been nothing short of spectacular. Emmet Gaffney ‘14 said, “Our success feels great. Our great coaches mixed with our impeccable talent have the team clicking on all cylinders.”
The selflessness of all players, great passing and ball movement have been the key components in the Tigers’ goal scoring. This was shown no better than in a home game against New Rochelle, in which the Tigers won 2-1 in overtime. The players were truly excited at this feat. “Beating New Rochelle at home for the first time in four years was an amazing triumph, something we have been working towards each and every year,” said Maximo Vazquez ‘14.
Even with a few recent bumps in the road, the boys’ team has had an impressive season and hopes to continue their success in sectionals.
On the girls’ team, head coach Ronald Blain along with captains Abby Baigelman ‘12, Anima Banks ‘12 and Charlotte Alimanestianu ‘12 have led their team through an exceptional season with an 8-3-1 record so far. According to lead scorer Baigelman, the team’s success has derived from a few factors. “We have good chemistry on and off the field,” she said. “We know how to communicate and look for each other which has led us to win.”
Chemistry is surely something the Tigers thriveupon, as the majority of the team is seniors who have played with each other for years. Coming into the season, many thought that it would be challenging for the older girls to blend with the younger team members, but the team has proven critics wrong not only by coming together, but also by emerging with great success.
“Two games stick out in my mind,” said Baigelman. “One was against Monroe-Woodbury in double overtime, and the other was when we beat Scarsdale, our rivals. Both of these games were on the new turf under the lights, which made for an exciting atmosphere. This was due to the amazing fans who have been supportive all season.” The girls are looking forward to their final games and to sectionals afterward.
For both teams this season, winning has been the norm. Neither team has disappointed. At every game both the girls’ and boys’ varsity soccer teams came out playing hard to make Mamaroneck proud. Both teams’ seniors are happy to end on a high note and are looking forward to making many more memories at sectionals.
