Varsity Boys' Soccer Battles Hackley to Draw

Faced with an early 2-0 deficit on September 12 at Hackley, the Masters varsity boys’ soccer squad refused to give in. The Panthers (0-1-1) rallied back to salvage a 3-3 tie in a match that showcased their grit and perseverance.

“I think it took a couple leaders on the field and also our coaches to get us motivated,” senior center back Jacob Vietorisz said. “There was a lot of time left in the game, so it was time for us to wake up.”
 
Vietorisz, Noel Gorodetsky and Daniel Medina tallied one goal apiece to pace Masters, which bounced back after suffering a 2-0 season-opening defeat at Fieldston on Saturday, September 8. All three players were absent from the lineup for the Fieldston match, giving the Panthers an undeniable boost in their return.
 
“They are key pieces that we were happy to have back,” assistant coach Brendon Barrios said.
 
Gorodetsky got Masters on the board midway through the first half, converting a penalty kick after winning a tough 50/50 ball and getting taken down at the edge of the box.
 
“Noel’s effort and goal got me and a lot of the other players going,” Vietorisz said.
 
Vietorisz made it 2-2 right before halftime, finding the back of the net off a corner kick from Gorodetsky. Hackley retook the lead off a set piece early in the second half, however, Medina provided the equalizer shortly thereafter, slipping behind the defense before confidently finishing.
 
It was a step in the right direction for the young Panthers, who were confronted with a smaller-than-usual field for the second straight match.
 
“We knew we were at a disadvantage playing on a smaller field with long grass,” Vietorisz said. “We aren’t such a big and physical team. We prefer to play on a bigger turf field and move the ball faster. That’s how we are going to try and take teams down this season.”
 
Masters — which is breaking in a slew of young talented players — will look to keep progressing in its next match on Saturday, September 15 at Rye Country Day School at noon. The Panthers square off against Trevor Day School in their home opener on Monday, September 17 at 4:30 PM.
 
“We are a young team and have big shoes to fill after the senior class that graduated,” Barrios said. “There are lots of younger guys getting minutes. We are using each game to get experience and grow, but we want to remain competitive.”

GAME NOTES: Masters improved to 3-0-1 in its last four matches against Hackley dating back to 2016. 

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