DRYDEN –– The Dryden boys soccer team lost its final home game to Trumansburg on Wednesday night by a score of 3-0, extending its losing streak to three games.
“I think (Wednesday) was kind of a letdown after playing really well in our last two games,” Dryden head coach Laszlo Engel said.
The ball didn’t spend much time in the middle third, as both teams pushed into their respective attacking zones early and often. A free kick off the foot of Dryden’s Talen Harrington rattled off the crossbar from nearly 30 yards out. Despite the opportunities, the Lions couldn’t find the back of the net.
Trumansburg, meanwhile, was able to capitalize on its scoring opportunities. After nearly beating Lions keeper Braden Allen on a high-powered shot from outside the box, Leo Schechter sent a corner kick into the box and straight to the forehead of Duncan Gattine, who put the ball through for the Blue Raiders’ first goal of the evening.
Soon after, Elias Parker came up from the defensive end to bury a shot in the top left corner and double Trumansburg’s lead.
“Trumansburg moved the ball pretty well tonight,” Engel said. “We started out strong, but we kind of faded as they got better throughout the game. They made some really good combination plays that created space for them, and that was really the difference.
As the second half began, so did the pouring rain. Despite the rough conditions, the Blue Raiders were still good for one final tally. Jack Linskens had a rebound land in front of his boot and quickly scored before the Allen could recover.
Despite the loss and the rain, Dryden still managed to honor its senior class and their families. The nine upperclassmen have led the Lions to a 7-6 record so far.
“They’ve played really well overall,” Engel said of his senior class. “The seniors have carried the team so far and they’ve done a great job of teaching the younger guys to fit in. We’ve really gelled as a team as a result of that, and we’ve really improved overall. We’re still working on things, a lot of little things that we’ve been working on before we get into sectionals.”
The Section IV playoffs begin October 23rd. The Lions, despite their current losing streak, have plenty of time to right the ship before the postseason begins.
“I want to see us play together and move up and down the field faster,” Engel said. “If we can speed things up, who knows what we can do in sectionals.”
Before the Lions can make noise in the postseason, they’ll finish the regular season at 11 a.m. Saturday at home against Tully.
