Two programs on different ends of the spectrum faced off last Thursday as Groton hosted Dryden for the Indian’s first game.
The final score of 12-2 showed where both programs stand right now; the Purple Lions program returning 20 players from last year’s team outscoring an Indians team with only 13 dressed for the game. Still there were good things to take away from the game for both teams.
For coach John D’Antonio, he’s trying to keep the most realistic goals for his Groton team. While the team isn’t likely to win the Interscholastic Athletic Conference title, he was happy that they were able to do something they haven’t done in a few years; score on a Dryden team. Both of Groton’s goals came in the second half, with one being more of a lucky goal. In the waning minutes, Groton’s second goal was much more skillfully put together. The Indians moved the ball downfield and showed off some strong passing before getting off the score. Nate Cotterill hit Garrett Lockwood for the goal.
“We understand that there’s going to be some tough times,” said D’Antonio. “But you know what? We’re going to keep working hard to improve. And we scored two goals here in the second half, so we’re not going to put any shame in that.”
D’Antonio is prepping the team for some tough games like this, because not only are the teams in the IAC North some of the tougher teams in the conference but they are some of the tougher teams in the state. D’Antonio noted that Lansing in Class C, Marathon in Class D, and some combination of Trumansburg, Union Springs, and Dryden could all represent the IAC past the sectional round. Groton plays each of those schools twice this season.
With that schedule in mind and a fairly young team, development of the program for the future is the goal. Cotterill and Joel Twitchell are senior captains and Justin Tinelli should provide senior leadership for the team.
“They understand that it’s their senior year and they probably want to win some games, but at the same time they’ve been great in trying to help develop the kids and that’s what they should be proud of,” said D’Antonio.
Groton lost goalkeeper Brandon Pollack to graduation this year. Pollack was an IAC allstar and one of their best players. Goalkeeping is a work in progress for Groton right now, but defensive tips from players like Twitchell are helping the new goalies learn on the job.
For Dryden, it’s a completely different story. Dryden coach Lazlo Engel has a large but still a little raw group returning from last year. Last year the squad had 15-16 freshmen or sophomores , according to Engel. They did lose some talented players in Dana Smith, their leading goal scorer from last year, and also starter John Tate. For their second game, 12 goals was a good feat, but Engel knows there’s still a few things the team needs to work on for upcoming games against the top teams in the IAC.
“What we’re working on is just playing a good brand of soccer,” said Engel. “The wins and all that stuff will happen if we play, what we’re calling the Dryden way. Possess, pass, move, find the open space, create space for your teammates and help your teammates; that’s the mentality we’re trying to get them in.”
Gabi Guisado and Greg Nostrand had three goals each and Engel expects those two to pick up some of the scoring the team lost from Smith’s departure. Mike Harvey chipped in two goals and an assist and Matt Horton, Joe Delucia, and Tim Lewis all scored for Dryden. Jake Czapranski, another player Engel is looking to step up, had two assists in the game. Dryden was able to get every player from their deep bench some time out on the field.
The final score of 12-2 showed where both programs stand right now; the Purple Lions program returning 20 players from last year’s team outscoring an Indians team with only 13 dressed for the game. Still there were good things to take away from the game for both teams.
For coach John D’Antonio, he’s trying to keep the most realistic goals for his Groton team. While the team isn’t likely to win the Interscholastic Athletic Conference title, he was happy that they were able to do something they haven’t done in a few years; score on a Dryden team. Both of Groton’s goals came in the second half, with one being more of a lucky goal. In the waning minutes, Groton’s second goal was much more skillfully put together. The Indians moved the ball downfield and showed off some strong passing before getting off the score. Nate Cotterill hit Garrett Lockwood for the goal.
“We understand that there’s going to be some tough times,” said D’Antonio. “But you know what? We’re going to keep working hard to improve. And we scored two goals here in the second half, so we’re not going to put any shame in that.”
D’Antonio is prepping the team for some tough games like this, because not only are the teams in the IAC North some of the tougher teams in the conference but they are some of the tougher teams in the state. D’Antonio noted that Lansing in Class C, Marathon in Class D, and some combination of Trumansburg, Union Springs, and Dryden could all represent the IAC past the sectional round. Groton plays each of those schools twice this season.
With that schedule in mind and a fairly young team, development of the program for the future is the goal. Cotterill and Joel Twitchell are senior captains and Justin Tinelli should provide senior leadership for the team.
“They understand that it’s their senior year and they probably want to win some games, but at the same time they’ve been great in trying to help develop the kids and that’s what they should be proud of,” said D’Antonio.
Groton lost goalkeeper Brandon Pollack to graduation this year. Pollack was an IAC allstar and one of their best players. Goalkeeping is a work in progress for Groton right now, but defensive tips from players like Twitchell are helping the new goalies learn on the job.
For Dryden, it’s a completely different story. Dryden coach Lazlo Engel has a large but still a little raw group returning from last year. Last year the squad had 15-16 freshmen or sophomores , according to Engel. They did lose some talented players in Dana Smith, their leading goal scorer from last year, and also starter John Tate. For their second game, 12 goals was a good feat, but Engel knows there’s still a few things the team needs to work on for upcoming games against the top teams in the IAC.
“What we’re working on is just playing a good brand of soccer,” said Engel. “The wins and all that stuff will happen if we play, what we’re calling the Dryden way. Possess, pass, move, find the open space, create space for your teammates and help your teammates; that’s the mentality we’re trying to get them in.”
Gabi Guisado and Greg Nostrand had three goals each and Engel expects those two to pick up some of the scoring the team lost from Smith’s departure. Mike Harvey chipped in two goals and an assist and Matt Horton, Joe Delucia, and Tim Lewis all scored for Dryden. Jake Czapranski, another player Engel is looking to step up, had two assists in the game. Dryden was able to get every player from their deep bench some time out on the field.
