Game after game, and week after week, the Skaneateles boys soccer team stands up against the best efforts its opposition can muster while staying undefeated and atop the OHSL Liberty division standings.
The Lakers made it five consecutive wins when it jumped all over its namesakes from Cazenovia Monday, the fast start proving crucial in a 4-2 victory.
Both sides were active and attacked hard in the first half, but it was Skaneateles converting on those opportunities and racing out to a 3-0 halftime lead.
To its credit, Cazenovia refused to let the rout take place. Twice, Conner Crozer put shots past Trevor Diamond in the second half, including a penalty kick, but Skaneateles tacked on another goal, just to be sure.
For its part, Skaneateles made Cazenovia pay for all the defensive attention it gave to A.J. RIchichi, as Alex Brownlee broke free for a pair of goals. Spencer Parker and Ryan Farrell also scored, while Kevin Rice, Eric Edmunds and Zach Brownlee earned assists. Diamond finished with nine saves as Cazenovia counterpart Chris Matteson had 12 saves.
Richichi would return to prominence in a hurry during last Wednesday’s 8-1 romp over Solvay at Earl Hadley Stadium, getting a pair of goals as the Lakers, ahead 2-0 at the break, wore down Solvay late.
Only the work of Bearcats goalie Kosta Suhkorukov, who made 22 saves, kept it from being more. Alex Brownlee also scored twice, adding two assists as Edmunds, Ryan Higman, Sam Goodell and B.J. Kerr earned single goals. Zach Brownlee also earned two assists as single assists went to Rice, Parker and Austin Amory.
Now heading outside of league play, Skaneateles will play host this weekend to the Finger Lakes Invitational. First-round games are Friday night, with the consolation and championship games Saturday afternoon.
