Sleepy Hollow Football Club Finishes Fall Season, Eagles Join Warriors and Mustangs as Champions

WarriorsOn Sunday November 16th four Sleepy Hollow Football Club teams had one more game left to play in the fall season and all four were victorious. The other 7 teams had already finished their season one week earlier. This brings the club’s fall record to 59 wins, 29 losses, and 16 ties for its first season. Three teams were champions of their division, two teams came in second place and one in third place while 8 out of 11 finished in the first half of their division. Five of the teams will by advancing to higher divisions in the spring. This was a phenomenal success story for the club in its inaugural season. Below are the game reports provided by the all-volunteer coaches.

In the final league contest of the fall season the under age 9 girls Magic narrowly got past the Transylvania Red Storm 2-1. Both halves were dominated by solid defensive efforts and strong goalkeeping. Nicolette Cioffi put the Magic on the board with a weaving scoring strike late in the first half, which sent the game into halftime at 1-0. As the second half got underway the Red Storm pressed on several breakaway chances, but were turned away each time by co-captain goalies Christine Kern and then Sophia McLaurin. The Magic went up 2-0 after an intense offensive charge was capped by a goal by Anastasia Mazon midway through the second half. The Red Storm made a comeback with a strike soon after, and then pressed for the tying goal late in the game. However, the Magic held on thanks to a great team effort and tenacious play by many players including Katie Andruss and Talia Lieberman. All of the girls had a terrific season – Natalie Rypka, Emily Rypka, Caitlyn O’Hanlon, Shea Bertolacci, Amy Torres and Emily Orellana, as well as those mentioned above. The Magic finish the fall season in second place with a record of 7-3 against very strong competition. They will be advancing to the third “Blue” division in the spring. This report contributed by coach Tom Andruss.

The under age 9 boys Warriors finished their season one week ago in first place with an undefeated record. . The Warriors will be advancing to the fourth “Gold” division in the spring.

The under age 9 boys Sentinels finished their successful season last week. They will next take action in the Somers Fall Classic Tournament on November 22nd against Ossining, Pleasantville, and two teams from Croton

The under age 10 girls Red Angels captained this week by Isabella Levine and Ajsa Orban played a terrific game to close out the Fall season winning 6-0, displaying great team play. Isabelle Murphy demonstrated impressive field positioning and finishing skills, scoring three first half goals. Thalia Tsilibes continued to distribute the ball terrifically, contributing to a couple of goals and scoring one. Julia Schroeder scored on a blast from the 18-yard mark and delivered a great pass to Emma Behrens who finished with a terrific shot and goal. The Red Angels finished in third place in their division. Unfortunately the U10 girls’ division in the Somers Fall Classic Tournament was cancelled, so the team will begin their winter practice season early and prepare for the spring schedule. This report contributed by coach Mike Levine.

The under age 10 boys Legends finished their season in 4th place one week ago and prepare for the Somers Fall Classic Tournament. There they will face Mt Pleasant, New Fairfield, Ossining, and the Rivertowns.

The under age 11 boys Tornadoes prepare to defend their Somers Fall Classic Tournament championship next Saturday with matches against Croton, Greenburgh, Mt Pleasant, Rivertowns, and Somers.

The under age 12 girls Mustangs finished in first place of their division one week ago with a perfect record. They will be advancing to the elite second division in the spring. They also participate in the Chelsea Piers Connecticut indoor winter league and defeated New Canaan 9-1 on Saturday. Goals were scored by Sophie Sylves-Berry(2), Maddy Navin(2), Talia Fante(2), Julia Costa(1), Annie Dineen(1), and Lily Rodriguez(1). They next participate in the Somers Fall Classic Tournament against New Fairfield, Mt Kisco, Mt Pleasant, Pleasantville, and Somers on Saturday.

The under age 13 girls Horsemen finished off their inaugural season in the Westchester Youth Soccer league in style with a 2-0 victory over the Chappaqua Hurricane at Springhurst School yesterday. Continuing their excellent run of team soccer, the Horsemen scored a late first half goal off an excellent attack by Jordan Lis who’s initial shot was saved and the resulting rebound was tucked home by Margaret “Marge” Ruhland Maus. Despite several good attempts on goal in the second half, including a breakaway by Jordan Lis and several long distance efforts, the Hurricane kept the Horsemen off the score sheet until Avery Schumacher capped off the scoring by calmly slotting home after forcing a turnover at midfield and holding off a defender on her way to goal. The Horsemen ended up securing second place in their division with a record of 5 wins, four losses and one tie and a plus three-goal differential. They will advance to the third division in the spring. This report provided by coach Tom Schumacher.

The girls under age 14 Eagles are Division 2 Champions and Sportsmanship Award winners! It was to be a truly magical day with snow flurries and a 39-degree game time temperature. The Downtown United Soccer Club Strikers came to town with a 5 game winning streak. Even with their size and speed, the Strikers seemed surprised at the pressure they were under right from the start. They couldn’t move the ball past the Eagles defenders that waited at midfield. The Downtown coach barked her displeasure as the Eagles midfielders and forwards kept the ball in play on the Strikers offensive end. In the 15th minute, during one of the Strikers brief possessions in the Eagles end, a strong shot passed wide of the keeper and into the net, giving the Strikers a confidence building 1-0 lead. The Eagles persisted, getting to the ball first and managed to maintain their composure. The Strikers never saw what was coming next. In the 22nd minute, Grace Hille unleashed a screaming throw-in that reached inside the six-yard box to the waiting knee of forward Taylor Burnett. The ball shot off Burnett’s knee and right through the open wickets of the unsuspecting Strikers keeper to tie the match. In the second half, the tie was broken in the 5th minute on a crisp corner kick from Burnett to midfielder Julia Friedman, whose foot met the ball in the air, redirecting it to the back of the Strikers net. The Strikers were undeterred as they continued to find their chances in the second half. Then, in the 20th minute, the ball was loose within a fray at the Strikers six-yard box. The ball played off Taylor Burnett out to waiting midfielder Molly Greenholz who sent an arching shot into the goal. With the Eagles up 3-1, the match reached a fevered pitch with the Strikers taking many desperate runs at the goal. Several stops by keeper Emily Jeris and excellent defensive work by Isabelle Ripin, Jessica Pordy, Grace Hille and Fiona Wozniak brought the match to its close with an Eagles victory. This win coupled with the loss of the Westside Red Bulls to Port Chester clinched the championship for the Eagles. The Eagles will now be moving up to the ultimate first division in the spring. This report provided by coach Paul Jeris.