Generals Outplay Vikings

Troy, NY.  The Generals took the field in 97 degree weather and outplayed the Vikings, but won only by the narrow score of 3-2.  Herkimer showed impressive technical skill, conditioning, and work rate, but had trouble finishing.

Herkimer’s men took charge of the game quickly, with a clear advantage in possession and in attacks mounted during the first half hour.  Still, Hudson Valley showed that they could counter and be pesky. 

Joel Purkiss and Mario Salas teamed up to put the Generals on the board with 12:36 remaining in the half.  Purkiss, a freshman from Sheffield, England, found Salas (White Plains) on the left.  Salas took his time and let go a beautiful strike from 24 yards (pictured) to give the visitors the lead.  The half ended 1-0. 

The Generals resumed their steady attack after the break.  They created at least four good scoring chances in the first 15 minutes, but could not score.  Then Reco McLaren scored on a dandy play to put Herkimer up 2-0.  The play began with the team controlling midfield and Cristian Parra (Greenwich, CT) sending McLaren in free.  The speedster from Bridgeport, CT outran the defense and scored with a fine shot from 10 yards, with 26:43 to play. 

The Vikings, however, were also hard workers and made a game of it.  They scored with just under 16 minutes remaining by lobbing a high chip over Herkimer goalkeeper Danny Craggs.  

It looked as if Joel Purkiss had scored the insurance goal when he finished a swarming, intense Herkimer attack that had half a dozen Generals’ touches.  Purkiss’ goal made it 3-1, but the Vikings were not giving up. 

With 9:20 to play, the Herkimer defense tripped a Viking attacker, giving Hudson Valley a free kick from about 25 yards.  The Viking shot was excellent, avoiding the wall and swooping into the low right corner of the net. 

The final minutes were intense, but the Generals were not to be outdone.  The 3-2 win gave them a Mountain Valley Conference record of 1-0. 

The team’s next outing will be Sunday, September 5, in a women’s-men’s doubleheader vs. Clinton County, at Wehrum Stadium.  The women play at noon and the men follow at 2:00.