What the Cazenovia boys soccer team displayed in its Sept. 7 romp over Chittenango was something that carried over, at least for a while.
The Lakers won, 5-2, over Potsdam on Sept. 9 and, two nights later, proved quite impressive at state Class D no. 12-ranked Fabius-Pompey, netting all of its goals in the first half as it blanked the Falcons 3-0.
During those first 40 minutes, Joe Spires proved impossible for F-P to contain. Not only did Spires score twice, he assisted on the other goal, by Steve LaFever, while Ryan Modzeleski got an assist on one of Spires’ tallies. Cazenovia’s defense held the Falcons to five shots, all stopped by Collin Killiany.
Back at the Sean Googin Sports Complex on Wednesday night, the Lakers faced Homer, and while it took a little longer than anticipated, Cazenovia still nearly got another shutout before settling for a 2-1 victory over the Trojans.
After grabbing an early 1-0 lead, the Lakers had to halt play with 10:09 left in the first half due to nearby lightning. Things resumed a half hour later, with Cazenovia doubling its margin and then coming within seconds of blanking Homer before Ben Herman’s last-second goal. Spires added another goal to his total, as did Modzeleski.
Still at home Friday afternoon, Cazenovia welcomed Christian Brothers Academy and, thanks to a big late comeback, salvaged a 3-3 draw with the Brothers.
With nine minutes left in regulation, the Lakers trailed 3-1, as CBA used two goals by Tristan Kucera and a goal by Josh Hulslander to move in front. Then, using an all-out attack, Cazenovia twice put shots past Brothers goalie Matt Buck to force overtime.
Neither side scored in the OT, but Cazenovia still felt good about the comeback. Modzeleski, LaFever and Alex Pezzi earned the goals, with Jack Aronson and Liam Flannery joining Pezzi in the assist column. Thomas Bragg made a lot of late stops and finished with nine saves overall.
Chittenango went to Marcellus last Tuesday night, and rode a remarkable effort by goalkeeper Noah Schnauffer for most of the night before taking a 2-0 defeat to the Mustangs.
All through the first half, and deep into the second half, Schnauffer managed to keep the ball of his own net, amassing 23 saves overall. Still, Marcellus kept pressing until David Bosak twice put home goals that made the difference in the outcome.
Looking for a different outcome on Thursday, the Bears visited Mexico and produced its own shutout, a 3-0 decision attained through constant pressure that paid off with three goals from three different Chittenango players.
Tim Ryder, with one goal and one assist, led that charge. Seth Larsson and Anthony Roberts also produced goals as Zach Jasmin and Billy Demand earned assists. Schnauffer stopped all six shots he faced as Mexico goalie Brandon Dutcher made 11 saves.
Now at 5-2 on the season, the Bears hosted Jordan-Elbridge Tuesday for its only game this week. Cazenovia, meanwhile, would take on Phoenix Tuesday and then meet Blessed Virgin Mary Saturday at it also passed the midway point of its regular season.
