by Jen Burhans
Berlin boys varsity soccer finished the regular season undefeated and were CHVL champions. They went into Class C sectionals ranked 5th with a first round bye, guaranteed a home game.
After days of much needed rain the field conditions were not ideal. Coach Schmich and his players spent Friday before game time brooming off wet spots and filling in mud puddles. Adding to the wet conditions it was foggy and cold, ideal conditions for a Berlin soccer game. After weeks of hot weather games the guys were happy to finally get some chillier weather. Knit caps and blankets came out, and the Berlin supporters were treated to a great game.
Coach Schmich’s game plan was to come out and dominate Middleburg the first 10 minutes and shut down their two scorers by winning the ball at midfield and keeping the ball down in Middleburg’s defensive half. That was exactly what Berlin did, scoring in the first 4 minutes of play and adding a second goal before the half. The Middleburg players were denied the chance to move freely through the midfield and any time they got into Berlin’s defensive half Danny Bentley, Seiji Akera, Matt Rokjer and Calvin Mars shut them down. Berlin’s midfield was clicking, too, and fed the ball up to the 3 strikers who took it wide and looped in crossing shots that were just missing scoring. Middleburg went into the halftime break with shocked looks on their faces. Coach Schmich’s teams have had a hard time beating them in their last three outings.
In the second half Berlin was not as sharp and was unable to score. Jackson Burhans was able to hold onto another shutout, and Middleburg could never overcome their first half troubles despite some spirited runs and rough play.
Coach Schmich was “happy” with his players efforts and sportsmanship. Berlin came out of the locker room and used their home field advantage and showed that they deserved their seeding position. Next Berlin would face Lake George at LG on October 27.