The Patchogue-Medford Raiders boys varsity soccer team won its opening game of the season against Bellport, 2-0.
The Raiders started the season on a good note after a dissapointing record of 3-11-2 last year. Bellport opens the season with a loss after placing third in its division with a record of 7-6-1 last season.
Goals by forwards Garrett Smith and Robert Cranon, and solid overall play by Raiders' midfielder Jesse Rosales, who had four shots, helped lead the local team to an opening victory.
Following his goal was a strong play by Cranon at 18:12 to chip the ball past two defenders and score the Raiders' second and final goal, but that would be all they would need.
Raiders' goalkeeper Zachary Roselle held the fort for the 12 attempted shots by Bellport - only three on goal - to record his first shutout of the season. The Raiders outshot Bellport 20-12 with eight shots on net.
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The Raiders played sound defense all game, limiting Bellport to only three shots on goal. They also had the ball the majority of the game, dominating possession, and came out firing with two shots in the first minute of the second half. Perhaps Bellport's best scoring opportunity was at 26:28 of the second off, a header that went off the goalpost.
The Raiders, now 1-0, continue their season at 6 p.m. on Thursday against Centereach at Patchogue-Medford High School.
