By SPENCER BATES
batesoleanstar@gmail.com
SALAMANCA — The New York and Pennsylvania Boys Gold Teams were level for all of 56 seconds before the Empire State established control over an affair that would end in a lopsided result.
All starting with what very well may have been the quickest goal in the 10-year history of the Corporate Cup, New York swiped a 5-0 result over their opposition from the other side of the state line.
A conglomeration of players suiting up together for the first and only time, looked as if they had been teammates their whole lives. Successfully moving the ball through the midfield, setting one another up for chances and ultimately celebrating together when those opportunities were finished off, the New York Boys Gold Team were a well-oiled machine.
And according to co-head coach JJ McIntosh of Portville, that came as a result of he and his staff stepping aside and letting nature run its course.
“We’ve joked about it so many times, but our job, as coaches, is to stay out of the way,” McIntosh said. “ These guys are talented enough. They’ve been around the game for long enough. They know what to do. And as the game went on, they gelled, they scored together, especially by connecting through the middle. They didn’t waver, they stayed with it and kept their foot on the gas for the majority of the game. There were a few dips in possession, but PA has a good team over there.”
Jamestown’s Beckett Lumia (11) battles for possession with DuBois’ Jacob Alberts (10). Lumia scored a goal for New York in their shutout win over Pennsylvania. (Spencer Bates)
Hinsdale’s Robert Childs was the first of five players to find the back of the net for New York. His possible record-setting goal was a header into an empty net after Pennsylvania’s goalkeeper bobbled a ball sent in from a free kick.
But despite being put behind the 8-ball so early, PA did not drop their heads and attacked NY in search of an equalizer. Aside from the goal against it, Pennsylvania controlled the majority of the first half hour of action, showing a level of chemistry that surprised even head coach David Reitz.
“It is strange watching a bunch of guys who, really, shouldn’t know each other, but when we show up, everyone’s high-fiving, they’re walking over and talking to each other,” Reitz said. “I guess that’s because of social media. Everybody knows everybody now and everybody’s friends. When I was a kid that wasn’t the case. But, it seems that they gelled really well.”
Unfortunately, despite their strong response to the early goal, PA conceded a second before the intermission. It was another set piece goal that provided the brace, this time coming from a direct strike off the boot of Allegany-Limestone’s Cooper Wilczewski.
The second half is when New York really separated itself. Randolph’s Cody Slade found the back of the net in the 55th, Jamestown’s Beckett Lumia scored in the 63rd and Belfast’s Wyatt Weaver netted the fifth and final goal in the 88th.
Mixed in with the goals was a stellar penalty save from Westfield goalkeeper Nolan Anderson, which kept the clean sheet intact.
Westfield’s Nolan Anderson (00) saves a penalty from DuBois’ Jacob Alberts (10). Anderson’s save helped New York keep a clean sheet. (Spencer Bates)
Aside from the game itself, McIntosh took the time to praise the Corporate Cup and its organizers Kris Linderman and Dave Talbot, who he noted have done a superb job at putting local soccer talent on display.
“I think the event speaks for itself,” McIntosh said. “When you’re here and you see all the other people here, and all the fans that come out just to enjoy a night of local soccer. It just embodies what they’ve been able to accomplish over the years. Kris and Dave have put this on over the years and it’s just a great event.”
Reitz echoed McIntosh’s appreciation.
“This event’s awesome,” Reitz said. “It’s really well run. It’s well put together. The work Dave and Kris do for the game in our area is incredible. I mean, we get to bring a bunch of guys from District 9 and some guys from District 10 to come play in New York. It’s absolutely wonderful. And it does bring soccer to light in a big game, like football has.”
Salamanca’s Andrew McCormick (99) looks to send a pass upfield while under pressure from Bradford’s Ewan Bell (2). (Spencer Bates)
The boys silver match was ultimately decided from the penalty spot.
After a scoreless first half, which was largely controlled by the New York squad, three goals in the second half from Pennsylvania saw them emerge victorious.
There were three penalties called throughout the second 45 minutes. The first of which was won by North Clarion’s Liam Bish, who promptly fired home to put Pennsylvania’s noses in front. However, that lead was put in jeopardy as New York was awarded a penalty of its own in the 66th minute.
Andover’s Colton Calladine stepped up to the spot with ambitions of pulling the scores back level, but PA goalkeeper Merrick Leckey from St. Mary’s was equal to it and successfully kept NY off the board.
Pennsylvania secured a brace in the 82nd minute with the third penalty of the game, this time won and scored by Brockway’s Dominic Durle. DuBois’ Liam McLaughlin put the game on ice with a third goal for PA in the 88th, scoring via a header from a well-placed corner kick.
Leckey was named the Pennsylvania team MVP after a stellar performance in net.
Ellicottville’s Holden Basher was named the New York MVP.
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