For a month, the Cazenovia and Chittenango boys soccer teams eyed each other, awaiting their pair of neighborhood battles that would take place within a five-day span.
Having moved back into the state Class B rankings at the no. 16 spot, the Lakers went to Chittenango last Thursday afternoon and, improving to 7-2 on the season, handled the Bears in a 3-1 decision.
Joe Spires again was a focal point as Cazenovia netted the only goal of the first half, and then converted twice more after intermission. Spires netted two of the three goals, with the other going to Max Michael.
Will Harrington and Brian Pezzi earned assists on Spires’ goals as Chittenango broke up a possible shutout in the second half, Artie Paul converting and Caleb Prenoveau getting the assist.
That was all the Lakers allowed, though, as Ray Satchwell and Ethan Baker combined for six saves, the same total as Bears counterpart Noah Schnauffer.
There was no time for Cazenovia to rest, though, as it would venture to Homer 24 hours later. But there wouldn’t be a letdown, either, as the Lakers rolled past the Trojans 4-1.
With goals from Pezzi, Michael and Jack Aronson, plus an assist from Spires, Cazenovia maintained its good form. Satchwell recorded three saves. Dan Sokolick had Homer’s lone goal.
Chittenango was back in action Saturday, hosting Hamilton, and blanked the Emerald Knights 2-0, with a goal in each half as Caleb Prenoveau scored once and assisted on Sean Larson’s tally, with Vince Cameron getting the assist on Prenoveau’s goal.
The rematch between Chittenango and Cazenovia was on Monday night at the Sean Googin Sports Complex, after which the Lakers meet its namesakes from Skaneateles Wednesday and Whitesboro on Saturday.
The Bears, still needing some wins to get playoff-eligible as it is 5-5 entering this week, go to Phoenix Wednesday before a Saturday tilt with Clinton.
