In the last game of the regular season, the Port Washington boys varsity soccer team put on quite an impressive performance down by The Pit at Schreiber High School. The Vikings steamrolled the Herricks Highlanders in a must-win 3-0 matchup. The boys wrapped up their regular season with a 6-5-3 overall record. They finished 4-5-3 in conference play.
This win was crucial for the Vikings as they continue to fight for a playoff spot. The win was all due to the outstanding all-around play from the suffocating defense to the aggressive attack. Also, the seniors really stepped up and took center stage in what could have been their last game at Schreiber.
“I’m happy for the seniors,” said Head Coach Don Fish. “Especially the four boys who were here all four years.”
Those four boys are Max Rutman, Hector Recinos, Teddy Tanenbaum and Steven Sandoval. Each player, who have all started in at least one game in each of their four varsity years, has played a big role in this Vikings win. Rutman led the defense and kept the Highlander’s attackers off the score sheet. Recinos displayed some nice footwork and created some scoring opportunities. Sandoval recorded an assist and Tanenbaum scored a goal.
The first half featured both sides trading chances, but only one goal got across the line. Vikings senior forward Thomas Hansen scored the first of his two goals in the first half. Tanenbaum had his shot blocked and eventually picked up by Sandoval, who found Hansen parked in front of the net alone for the goal.
The second half featured some chippiness on both sides, but the Vikings peppered the Highlanders goalkeeper with a flurry of shots. The Vikings were able to not only control the play, but capitalize and tack on two more goals to nail it down. Tanenbaum received a pass then streaked down the left side and found the back of the net to give the Vikings a 2-0 lead. Hansen added more cushion to the Viking’s lead with another goal in the dying seconds. As a result, this 3-0 win kept their playoff hopes alive.
With two goals on the day, Hansen finished the regular season tied for third with three goals alongside sophomore forward Iviko Gejadze. Tanenbaum led the team with six goals and 11 points. Fish was impressed with the performances of both players.
“Hansen is new to the varsity team this year,” said Fish. “He’s been happy with whatever time he’s had here and he worked hard in his time out there.”
Fish continued, “Teddy started out the season with five goals in the first three games and then the competition gets a little better and people get aware,” said Fish. “I think they just lost track of him out there. He’s got a motor.”
The reason for the win and their play this year seems to be how the boys play at home.
“We get to the venue early, warm up and try to challenge them in as many ways as possible,” said Fish. “They play better at home. I guess we give credit to their families and friends who come out and support them. It was a good win.”
A big win was needed for the Vikings to extend their playoff streak to 21 years.
