Just as normal, the Cicero-North Syracuse boys soccer team started out its 2010 season with only championships of the league and Section III variety in mind.
Capturing the first part has not been a tall order, but the second part has proven more difficult because Baldwinsville has claimed the last three Class AA titles.
Looking to change that pattern, the Northstars started play on Sept. 3 with a strong first half against Horseheads (Section IV) that led to a 3-0 victory.
All of CNS’s goals came before the break, as Jon Cary picked up one goal and one assist to set the pace. Rob Spenard and Darren Cooper also converted.
Following some rest, the Northstars went to Nottingham Wednesday night and pulled off another shutout, defeating the Bulldogs 4-0.
Even with heavy winds, CNS showed control and patience on its attack, scoring twice in each half and taking 15 shots. Cary and Cooper produced two goals apiece, while Logan Roberts earned two assists and Spenard got an assist, too.
As this was going on, the CNS girls soccer team, who went 10-5-2 a season ago and lost in the sectional quarterfinals to Fayetteville-Manlius, had a smashing opener at Archie Hall Nottingham, beating Nottingham 11-1.
Finding lots of success in the early going, the Northstars had a 7-0 edge by halftime, then reached double digits on the board even as its reserves saw extensive minutes.
Rachel Bowles notched a three-goal hat trick before she was done, adding an assist. Aly Falinski and Brittany McGraw-Wixson each found the net twice, while Erika Falinski, Stepahnie Liberati, Brooke Dinger and Chelsea Connors also got goals. Reid Garner added two assists as single assists went to Liberati, Aubrey Harris, Ellen Traub and Lauren DeOrdio.
