A busy and successful week for the Skaneateles boys soccer team would culminate with a visit from one of its main rivals, Marcellus, on a warm Saturday afternoon as part of the school’s weekend Homecoming festivities.
Perhaps sensing that energy would dissipate as the day’s heat settled in, the Lakers attacked hard in the opening minutes, and saw that pay off with a pair of decisive goals that led to a 2-0 victory over the Mustangs.
Before Marcellus could settle in, Skaneateles had a 1-0 lead on Gabe Konieczny’s goal. Then the Lakers regained possession, pushed again – and scored again, thanks to Sam Gajdo.
To its credit, the Mustangs did start to turn the game around and would have a steady stream of opportunities in the game’s last 70-plus minutes. However, it could get nothing past a tough Lakers defense that earned its sixth consecutive shutout, Luke Peterson stopping all seven shots he faced.
Earlier in the week, Skaneateles had hosted varsity newcomer Utica Academy of Science, putting together a 3-0 victory over the Atoms where Jeff Palmer was the focal point, leading his side to a 2-0 halftime advantage and another second-half tally.
Not only did Palmer score twice, he assisted on the other goal by Tylar Moss, who took turns with Christian Dailey assisting on Palmer’s pair of scoring plays. Only the work of UAS goalie Lay Ta Soe kept it close as he finished the night with 15 saves.
Skaneateles, who was no. 19 in the first state Class B rankings of the season, went for five wins in a row against Solvay Thursday night and had no trouble earning it, shutting out the Bearcats 5-0.
What was more than the result was the depth on display. Five different players – Palmer, Tylar Moss, Max Moss, Jeremy Castle and Gabe Konieczny – earned those five goals, with Justin McClanahan earning two assists as Palmer got a single assist.
At 6-1 following the Marcellus win, Skaneateles would now get its most important test of the season against defending Section III Class B champion Westhill Tuesday night, the only time these two would meet in the regular season. Then the team hosts its annual tournament on Friday and Saturday, meeting St. Francis (Buffalo) in the opening round.
