by Doug La Rocque and Jen Burhans
On Friday October 2, the Berlin Boys Soccer team lost a close one to Doane Stuart in Rensselaer by a score of 1-0. This was the Mountaineers first league loss this season, and drops them into a tie with Loudonville Christian, whom they beat earlier this year. Berlin’s only other loss was in the New Lebanon tournament to Mt. Everett HS in Mass.
[private]
Coach Art Schmich says the loss was a combination of several things. Twice in the second half they left the ball on the goal line unable to get it in. Schmich also credited Doane Stuart’s defense with playing an excellent game, shuting down Berlin’s best players. Schmich said his players played the ball in the air too much, instead of playing a control game, keeping the ball on the ground. He felt his team panic a little when they got down 1-0. They are not used to being behind in games. He also felt the size of the field at Doane Stuart hindered them a bit. While legal, it is smaller than most, and his team plays well in a larger space.
The Berlin varsity boys soccer team is doing well at the end of the first half of the season. They are tied for the lead in the CHVL with 6 wins.
The team has 16 members but is heavy with senior players. Several of this years starters have been playing together since Kindergarten. At the September 28th home game against New Lebanon (which Berlin won) the senior players were recognized and honored by their coach Art Schmich.[/private]