IAC BOYS SOCCER: DEFENSE SHUTS DOWN O-M, WAVERLY NOTCHES FIRST WIN OF SEASON (23 PHOTOS) (2019-09-26)
Valley Sports ReportWAVERLY "” Peyton Bowen connected on a long shot early in the first half, and the Waverly defense made it stand up until a pair of insurance goals in the second half ensured the Wolverines of their first win of the season - a 3-0 decision over O-M here Thursday evening in IAC boys soccer action at Memorial Stadium.
"It's a huge win for us," said Waverly coach Eric Ryck. "This is exactly what these boys needed.
"All the boys played really well," he said. "The pieces came together for us tonight. Our midfield was able to press them and win balls high in their end of the field and allowed us to keep attacking.
"Our striker Rylan Laforest was all over the field and kept their defenders busy," added Ryck. "He was a real workhorse for us tonight creating opportunities all over the field."
Peyton Bowen dribbled down the middle of the field in the 14th minute and fired a shot from 30 yards out that rolled inside the post to give the Wolverines a 1-0 lead.
"Peyton's early goal gave us the the extra boost of confidence we needed," said Ryck.
The Wolverine defense played its best game of the year as well, limiting O-M to just seven shots - all of which were stopped by Waverly's sophomore keeper Cameron McIsaac.
"We were able to close (O-M) down pretty good, they weren't able to get many good shots off at all tonight," said Ryck.
"Rather than having to make 25 saves, we were able to keep it in single digits," joked Ryck. "We kind of gave Cameron (McIsaac) a night off."
About 6 1/2 minutes after the intermission, junior Nate Ryck launched a free kick from near midfield, and junior Nick VanHouten was able to re-direct it into the goal to give Waverly a 2-0 lead.
With 5 minutes remaining, Ryck was credited with a goal when he launched another free kick from midfield and it was inadvertently headed into the goal by an O-M defender.
O-M outshot Waverly 7-3, and had a 4-3 edge in corner kicks.
Waverly, now 1-6, returns to action Saturday afternoon at Elmira. Game time is 1 p.m.
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IN PHOTO: Waverly's Nate Ryck. ... PHOTOS BY TIM BIRNEY.
