IAC BOYS SOCCER: DEFENDING STATE CHAMPION LANSING BLANKS WAVERLY, 4-0 (2019-09-10)

Valley Sports Report
LANSING - Defending state champion Lansing scored three second-half goals to blow open a close game en route to a 4-0 win over Waverly here Tuesday night in IAC crossover boys soccer action.

"It was a much-improved effort," said Waverly coach Eric Ryck. "The boys are starting to gel.

"Even though this one goes in the loss column, the boys gave everything they had, never gave up and have improved immensely already, so I can't ask for more and really couldn't be more proud of them," added Ryck.

Connor Watts put the Bobcats on the board in the 24th minute, and they led 1-0 at the half.

Eight minutes into the second half, Ethan Burt made it 2-0. Lansing tacked on two more goals to secure the win.

Ryck said a line-up change after Waverly's season-opening 6-0 loss to Whitney Point contributed to the Wolverines' improved performance.

"Moving senior Josiah Golden back into his original center-back position really helped to anchor our back four, his consistent communication keeps them organized back there," said Ryck.

"The midfield is starting to come together as well, Nate Ryck along with Brennan Traub, and Austin Ingham really make for a rock solid center field, and Peyton Bowen, Nalen Carling , and Rylan Laforest gave us a lot of speed on the outside and up top," noted Ryck.

"I'm really pleased with our players coming off the bench as well, Caden Hollywood and Davis Croft are getting more and more confident and contributed some really good minutes tonight, as did Oscar Williams, Cole Stanton, and Caleb Ovedovitz.

"The decisions the boys are making and the passes they are trying to put together are a big step in the right direction," added Ryck. "They are staying more unified defending and attacking, and beginning to create opportunities."  

Lansing outshot Waverly, 25-4, and had a 4-0 edge in corner kicks.

Cameron McIsaac recorded 18 saves in net for the Wolverines.

Waverly, now 0-2, returns to action Wednesday when it hosts Newark Valley.