By Rob Potter
FALLSBURG — Already depleted and dejected by an injury to one of its best players, Fallsburg’s boys soccer team needed an energy boost heading into last Thursday’s OCIAA Division V game against Chester.
Instead the Hambletonians jumped out to a quick 2-0 lead and never let the Comets into the game, registering an easy 6-0 victory.
“Our morale is down,” Fallsburg Coach Herb Foertsch said. “We are still thinking about Arturo getting hurt. The morale is down in school and on the team.”
Foertsch was referring to sophomore Arturo Perez who was injured two weeks ago against Tri-Valley after he collided with an opposing player. Foertsch noted that Perez was knocked unconscious on the play and went into convulsions. The Grahamsville EMS treated Perez on the field and quickly transported him to Catskill Regional Medical Center (CRMC) in Harris. Perez stayed at CRMC overnight and went home the following day.
Foertsch said that thankfully Perez is doing better.
In addition to Perez, Foertsch noted that a couple of players were out due to injury and ineligibility.
While Wednesday’s game marked the end of the 2011 soccer season for Fallsburg, Foertsch is looking forward to next year.
“I have a very young team,” he said. “We only had three seniors this year as compared to eight seniors last year. We will have most of our team returning next season. We are going to take time off, regroup and come back strong next year.
“I plan to have these guys work out in the spring and summer,” Foertsch continued. “I built a small soccer field in my backyard, so they can work out there and get ready for next season.”
Ernesto Savinon and Augstin Erdaide scored the early goals for Chester in the first 15 minutes of the game. Brian Dudgeon assisted on Savinon’s goal, while Matthew Mackey assisted on Erdaide’s goal.
Savinon finished the contest with four goals to lead the Hambletonians to a 6-0 victory over the Comets.
Kyle Marco added a goal for Chester, which improved its record to 6-7-1 overall and 4-4-1 in Div. V with the victory.
Dudgeon had another assist later in the match. Erdaide and Matt Mackey each registered an assist for the Hambletonians.
Chester goalkeeper Juery Lugo made six saves before he left the game with an injury about 10 minutes into the second half. Christopher Elter took over for Lugo and had one save.
Chester Coach Mike Doucette noted that his team played better as the game progressed.
“We started the first half by kicking the ball in the air too much,” he said. “After about 15 minutes, we were able to keep the ball on the ground when we made passes and kept doing that for the rest of the game.
“We had a good game defensively,” Doucette added. “Our defenders were in the right place at the right time and often prevented Fallsburg from moving the ball upfield.”
Fallsburg (4-9, 2-7 Div. V) was able to take several shots on goal, but none of them found the back of the net.
Defensively, the Comets used two goalkeepers. Dakota Raponi started the game and made six saves. Dustin Foertsch took over as goalie midway through the second half and had four saves.
Note: The three Fallsburg seniors – Sam Didinsky, Dustin Foertsch and Danny Justiniano – were honored during a halftime ceremony. As the crowd and their teammates looked on, the trio presented flowers to their parents.
Fallsburg Athletic Director Tim Bult thanked Coach Herb Foertsch and Assistant Coach Mike St. Lawrence for guiding the Comets this season. Bult also praised Coach Oscar Tamayo of the Fallsburg modified boys’ soccer team. Going into its game on Wednesday afternoon, the Fallsburg modified team was undefeated this season.
“Thank you parents for being here for your sons,” Bult said. “We thank all three seniors for their contributions to the team. All of you will be sorely missed.”