Academy 2 - 3 Catskill

On a beautiful morning for soccer, the Catskill Cats hosted the Albany Academy Cadets for a Patroon vs Colonial season opening match for both teams. Quality soccer was on display from the opening whistle and play was back and forth. 10 minutes into the game Catskill had the first quality chance, but the shot hit the crossbar. The first 30 minutes was scoreless. Then Catskill's Carlos Lemus scored assisted by Josue Tubon. A few minutes later the Cadets answered with a beautiful shot over the keeper from Mike Malatino assisted on a beautiful cross from defender David Choma. The second half was more back and forth action until 20 minutes to go when the Cats earned a corner kick which was headed into the goal by Devin Fitzmaurice assisted by Dom Lanuto. Again, just a few minutes later the Cadets answered with their own corner kick header scored by Kyah Lah Hsee assisted by Theo Haworth. With just a few minutes to go and as the game looked like it could go to OT, the Cats were able to score the game winner from Charlie Bertelle. Corners: Cadets 4 Cats 3. Saves: Cadets 11 Catskill 9. The game felt at times more like a hockey game as all body checking seemed to be condoned. Academy looked rusty at times and brilliant at times. Sophomore Amos Stack seems poised to be a breakout candidate as he earns himself grade A scoring chances time and time again. So far he hasn't buried any, but it seems just a matter of time. The ball movement from everyone in the backfield and midfield should be a strength of the Cadets. At least one penalty should have been called for senior captain Haroon Pasha, but it was not to be. All in all the officiating was frustrating for Academy, but they still had many chances to put the game away in what was a very well fought and entertaining first match of the year. The Cats seem ready for another deep run into the playoffs this year - and the Cadets hope to do the same as their team has come into their own with a nice mix of core veterans and upcoming talent. 

Academy Goals:
Mike Malatino (1) from David Choma (1) 
Kyah Lah Hsee (1) from Theo Haworth (1)