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Monroe-Woodbury falls to Newburgh Free Academy 1-0

Central Valley. The two teams appear to be on a collision course for a possible post-season match up with section title on the line.

Central Valley /
| 23 Oct 2019 | 04:18
    Senior captain Jesse Schwartz clears the ball out of the Crusaders defensive zone.
    Senior captain Jesse Schwartz clears the ball out of the Crusaders defensive zone. ( Photos by William Dimmit)
    Senior captain Petro Klish calls for a pass late in the second half.
    Senior captain Petro Klish calls for a pass late in the second half.
    Senior goalie Paddy Gillen makes another big save to keep the Crusaders in the game.
    Senior goalie Paddy Gillen makes another big save to keep the Crusaders in the game.
    Crusader Seniors. From left to right: Alex Lopez, David Ansah, Christen Walker, Petro Klish, Paddy Gillen, Jesse Schwartz, Michael McNamee, Kyle Christman and Tyler Koblish.
    Crusader Seniors. From left to right: Alex Lopez, David Ansah, Christen Walker, Petro Klish, Paddy Gillen, Jesse Schwartz, Michael McNamee, Kyle Christman and Tyler Koblish.

On a sunny Monday afternoon, Oct. 21, the Crusaders hosted the Goldbacks of Newburgh Free Academy with first-place in the OCIAA Division 1 on the line.

The Crusaders entered the game with a 9-2-3 overall record with a 3-0-2 in league play. The Goldbacks had a 9-4-2 record on the season, with a 3-0-2 in league play. When the two teams met earlier in the season at Newburgh, they battled to a very exciting 2-2 tie.

In the first half the two teams took turns controlling the play until the Goldbacks were awarded a penalty kick with 15:06 left in the half. That’s when Javier Rodriguez stepped up and drove the ball into the corner of the Crusaders’ goal to give the Goldbacks a 1-0 lead.

Again, with 4:02 left in the half, the Goldbacks were awarded a penalty kick but this time Crusader goalie Paddy Gillen came up with a diving save to keep the score at 1-0.

The second half of the game was a very physical, defensive battle with neither team able to score. The Crusaders defense turned in another outstanding performance led by goalie Gillen’s 10 saves.

The Crusaders 1-0 loss knocks them into second place in the division as the league meets to place the teams for the upcoming Section 9 playoffs.

The two teams appear to be on a collision course for a possible post-season match up with section title on the line.

After the game the Crusaders held a ceremony to honor this year’s seniors and their parents.

- William Dimmit