The Press Republican

Sports

Bobcats defend Class C title

By JOHN CORYER
Staff Writer
Published: November 4, 2009

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PLATTSBURGH — The Northern Adirondack boys' soccer team successfully defended its Section VII Class C championship Wednesday night at Plattsburgh High School.

The Bobcats' 1-0 win over Seton Catholic, however, was nothing like their 8-0 and 4-0 wins over the Knights during the regular season.

Tyler LaValley's goal with 4:10 left in the first half gave the Bobcats the victory.

"They say it's tough to beat a team three times," said Northern Adirondack coach Pete Kowalowski. "We had a good week of practice, but you have to give Seton Catholic a lot of credit.

"No doubt, we had the territorial edge and I was happy with that. But it would have been a lot more relaxing to get a couple of more goals."

Spencer Ferguson assisted on Tyler LaValley's game-winner at the 35:50 mark of the opening half.

"Actually, Ferguson made a good hustling play to set up the goal," Kowalowski said. "Their keeper came out to try and get the ball and Tyler, who was on the left side of the net, had an open net from about six yards out.

"It's always important to get that first goal. I thought getting it just before the end of the half like we did would hopefully relax us a little bit."

The Bobcats (12-4) held a 23-6 advantage in shots, with Gabe Hynes making four saves for the shutout. Sabby Barie posted 13 saves for the Knights.

"Barie did a good job cutting down crosses," Kowalowski said. "The pace of the game was a little slow. We dictated play, but we weren't that crisp. Seton played very good defense and did what they had to do.

"We had a hard time in the offensive end getting good chances. They had an extra man or two in the box. And I felt we attacked the middle too much."

"We wanted to win the game and the kids had the right attitude going in," said Seton Catholic coach Mike Eppler. "Defense wins championships, and we got a great team effort tonight. The kids played their hearts out.

"Sabby Barie was great in goal and we got strong defensive play from J.B. Park, Tyler Fragassi, J.B. Park and Mick Trung Tuan Nguyen."

Kowalowski had praise for Northern Adirondack's Stephen Trudo and Jon Lashway in the midfield and Alex Mousseau on defense.

"Trudo and Lashway controlled the middle, and that helped," he said. "And Mousseau at outside back played well. He did a good job challenging."

The Bobcats advance to regional play, where they will take on the winner of the Section II-X regional contest, with a trip to the Final Four on the line.

NAC 1, Seton Catholic 0

Seton Catholic 0 0 — 0

Northern Adirondack 1 0 — 1

First half- 1, NAC, T. LaValley (Ferguson), 35:50.

Shots: NAC 23, Seton Catholic 6.

Saves: Hynes, NAC, 4. Barie, SC, 13.

Photos