Men’s soccer win streak continues; Generals shut out Mohawk Valley

[Updated September 29, 5:29 p.m.]

Herkimer, NY – It’s always a hard-fought game when the Generals and Mohawk Valley lock horns, and this year’s edition of the rivalry was no exception.  The Generals kept attacking, but the stubborn Hawks held their ground, allowing Herkimer only two goals.  HCCC won the Wednesday afternoon contest 2-0.

The clock said afternoon, but the dark and rain-threatening skies said evening.  It was a mild but damp, dark and windy afternoon for soccer.  Herkimer attacked the north goal to begin the game.  That required them to play into a partial headwind, blowing from the east, in the reservoir-to-pressbox direction.

Photo:  Jordan Stoddart advances the ball in first-half action 

Prior to the game, the team honored former HCCC faculty member Ray Osborne and his wife, Grace.  They have been such devoted Herkimer soccer fans that the team chose to give them customized jerseys.

Photo: The team presents personalized jerseys to the Osbornes prior to the game

Most of the early play was in the Mohawk Valley end, but Herkimer could not get the ball into the net.  Midway through the half, Reco McLaren made one of his dazzling runs up the right wing and made a great square pass to freshman Korab Syla who shot it just over the crossbar.

The Generals had five more good chances that ended with too-high shots in the remaining 24 minutes of the period.  Their final such effort came off a good corner kick that went into prime scoring territory, but the Generals’ shot rang off the crossbar and back into play.

Photo:  Reco McLaren (10) on one of his many superb runs

Herkimer’s outstanding goal keeper, Davion Bailey, was called on to make a fine save late in the half.  The Hawk shot was a high line drive, but Bailey leaped and steered it over the bar.

Rain began falling at halftime.  Despite the wetness, the Wehrum Stadium field played well.

Midway through the half, Herkimer finally scored.  Again it was McLaren making a great run and setting up his fellow attacker.  This time he found Craig McCabe, and the freshman from Dundee, Scotland drove it home.  1-0 Herkimer.

Late in the game, McLaren and McCabe teamed up for another goal.  McLaren made a fantastic run up the right wing, drew the defenders to him, and crossed to an open McCabe.  The cool Scot took his time and buried the shot in the back of the net.  It was an excellent two-goal performance for McCabe.  (In his native Britain, scoring two goals is known as  “scoring a brace.”)

The win ups the Generals record to 8-0-0.  Their next match will be a challenging one as they host Division I power Mercer CCC of New Jersey on Saturday, October 1.  It will be the second game of a women’s-men’s doubleheader, with the men's kickoff scheduled for 3:00 p.m. 

Photo:  Craig McCabe (6) attacking during the first half

Herkimer Scoring Stats

Craig McCabe – 2g

Reco McLaren – 2a

MVCC Scoring Stats

None

Goalkeeping

Herkimer, Davion Bailey – 3 saves, 0 goals against

Mohawk Valley, Shane Connelly – 5 saves, 2 goals against

Records

HCCC:  8-0-0

MVCC:  8-2-1

Three videos are available below. 

Video:  Herkimer corner kick - shot hits crossbar

Video:  Herkimer's second goal:  McLaren to McCabe  [The scoreboard was slow to post the score, but this goal put the Generals ahead 2-0.]

 Video:  Coach Aragon's post-game interview

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