Boys soccer out in second round of states

FALLS VILLAGE — There is something to be said about a team peaking at the right time of the season. The last three games of the regular season for the Housatonic Valley Regional High School boys soccer team saw the team come together and play the highest level of soccer they had all season. This level of play carried over into the state tournament in both games they played, and if possible they even raised their level of play in these two games.

The first round of the tournament saw the Mountaineers (ranked 20th) travel to Durham to play Coginchaug (ranked 13th). From the first whistle the tempo of the game was fast, with play hard, more so than in regular season play.

The Housatonic team responded to this style of play, and played to a level they hadn’t all season. They matched Coginchaug in intensity and skill level, not giving up in any part of the game as Coginchaug took the first lead of the game.

With consistent offensive pressure and pinpoint passing, Housatonic stormed back to tie, and then take the lead on two goals by Andrew Hoffman, both assisted by Mohamed Elserafy. Josh Allyn scored the third Housatonic goal, with an assist from Reilly Lynch.

Coginchaug scored a second goal late in the second half.

Defensively, the team held strong in the last minutes of the game, led by Reilly Lynch, RJ Thompson, Corey Christensen, Griffin Randall, Steven Wingard and Nick Dignacco. The 3-2 Housatonic win led them to a second-round game.

The second game saw Housatonic travel to Lebanon to take on Lyman Memorial (ranked 4th). Lyman Memorial proved to be a fast team and technically more skilled team than Housatonic had seen all season. Yet again, the Mountaineers raised their level of play in teamwork and intensity, not backing down in a very physical game.

Lyman took the lead in the first half, with Housatonic again not giving in and creating some decent scoring opportunities. Unfortunately, these opportunities could not be converted for a score.

Lyman scored again with about seven minutes left in the game to hold on to a 2-0 win.

Anyone who saw these two games knows that they saw a group of young men from Housatonic represent themselves and their school and community well in their style of play, the intensity they played with, the teamwork they demonstrated and their commitment to good sportsmanship.

With tournament play, they ended the season with an 8-8-2 record.

The team and coaches would like to thank all the people, of which there are many, who supported the team throughout the year. Special thanks go to Bethany Thompson, who put together a team program (thank you, sponsors) for the team and kept time at games, as well as Joan Walker and all the parents who assisted with the food after games, and the parents who took pictures and cheered the team on.

Also thanks to all the people who make, and have made, Berkshire United Soccer happen: You are who continue to make this program successful! The results of this season, as with previous seasons, are a true community effort.

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