Baldwin Shuts Out Kennedy Boys Soccer, 2-0

Before the boys soccer match-up at Kennedy High School on Saturday, both teams joined together in a moment of silence to remember those lost nine years ago on Sept. 11.

Afterwards, it was a hard fought game that saw the Baldwin Bruins pull away a shutout victory over the Kennedy Cougars.

Despite the loss, Kennedy head coach Jason Elias said he was proud of his team.

"It was a well-played game on both sides," Elias said. "There is nothing to be ashamed of after that game".

With the wind at their back, Baldwin was able to keep the ball in Kennedy's zone for the majority of the first half. The game remained scoreless until Baldwin senior Chris Walsh scored off of a corner kick with nine minutes remaining in the first half.

Kennedy dominated ball control in the second half, but was never able to find the net. They missed several opportunities, sailing shots high and wide throughout the game.

"We need to learn how to finish," team captain Drew Satnick said.

Baldwin put the game away with a second goal by Walsh with two minutes remaining to make it 2-0. 

The goal was scored by a throw in by senior Stephan Tang to senior Terrell Chapman who passed it to Walsh for the finish.

"It was a great pass by Terrell that let me score the second goal," Walsh said. "The team had great communication and ball movement throughout the game."

Baldwin's head coach Michael Palumbo gave a lot of credit to the younger players on his team.

"We have a lot of young, energetic talent," Palumbo said. "We want to show everyone it was not just the seniors who carried us last year."

Baldwin finished last season undefeated before losing in the quarterfinals of the playoffs.

The young movement included goalie freshman Peter Smyth-Rafferty, who did not allow ball to get past him on Saturday.

"He was very impressive," Palumbo of Smyth-Rafferty.

The game was a non-league victory for Baldwin, who will play in Conference II this year. Kennedy will play its season in Conference III.