More than three decades ago, Jeff Hammond took over as head coach of a Fayetteville-Manlius boys soccer program that had already established itself as among the finest in Central New York.
What has followed is an enhancement of that reputation, built through 11 Section III titles and a host of players who have made their mark in the college ranks and beyond.
On a fall Monday afternoon at Swan Pond, Hammond reached the 500-win mark in grand style as the Hornets knocked off reigning sectional champion Baldwinsville 3-1.
All of the game’s goals came in the final 20 minutes as F-M went out in front, got caught by the Bees but then turned it around in a furious stretch of action.
Hammond said that the win was special in large part because of the quality of the opponent and the long rivalry formed between F-M and B’ville as they have fought for local supremacy.
The anticipation for this match went beyond Hammond’s milestone. F-M had started the season 4-0 and scored a total of 23 goals in those wins, while B’ville was 3-0 even after heavy graduation loss from its 2019 sectional title team.
It was clear from the outset that the Bees’ defense was the toughest the Hornets had faced yet. Sound and disciplined, B’ville’s back line mostly kept F-M’s potent attack quiet during a scoreless first half.
Twice, the Hornets had great chances to get in front, first when Cheech Pagano got around goalkeeper Owen Tracy only to have Geoffrey Tse save it off the goal line, and again when Tracy stopped Tyler Goodman with a leaping save at the near post.
They were still 0-0 until right after the mandated mask break midway through the second half.
With 18:02 left, F-M had an indirect free kick from the left side, 30 yards out. Nino Pagano floated it to the far post and, with Tracy unable to touch it until another player did so, Cheech Pagano headed it into the net.
Even more impressive was what the Hornets did after Tse, pouncing on a rebounded free kick, converted from the point with 8:05 to play to pull B’ville even 1-1.
Just 37 seconds later, F-M swarmed to the Bees’ net and Ziad Abdul-Malak, off a feed from Ty Teelin, put his team back in front. Then the Hornets forced a turnover and a long pass by Goodman freed Cheech Pagano to break in solo and net his second goal of the day and 10th of the season.
Though it doesn’t have sectional or state championships to pursue this fall, Hammond said this F-M team could be as great as any he has coached, and that they are grateful for the opportunity to showcase their talents, something that wasn’t assured a couple of months ago.
“They appreciate the chance to play more than ever,” he said. “They take every day, make it count and play for pride, which is what F-M soccer is all about.”
