The growth of the team, led by head coach Rohan Cassells and assistant/A.D. Peter Fisher, can be largely attributed to senior leadership. Featuring six seniors on its roster, including four in the starting lineup on Tuesday afternoon, this year's Senior Day carried significant meaning to the team, as well as the Class of 2019.
"Today is about recognizing the seniors (Bruce, Justin, Miles, Neloy, Renzo, Weston)" one student commented prior to the start of the game vs. Steiner. "Hopefully all six play - and play well." Indeed, they did.
Starting in a 4-1-3-2 formation, LREI took control of the tempo from the first touch. At the seven minute mark of the first half, senior midfielder Justin B. nearly converted on the game's first tally, scorching a shot from the right hashmark. Shortly after, Bruce D. struck the crossbar with a blast from 30-yards out.
At the 14-minute mark, sophomore forward Aidhan A. slipped a ball past the Steiner goalkeeper for a 1-0 lead. Carried by strong defending from the backline, Miles D. and Renzo O. consistently pushed the ball up field, allowing for a sustained offensive attack. Prior to the intermission, Aidhan fed junior forward Ari E. in front of the net to double the lead, 2-0.
Carrying Coach Rohan's message to "keep its shape" and "be true to the game plan," the defense allowed minimal chances from Steiner's offense, testing Knights' junior goalkeeper Wriley H. twice over the game's final thirty minutes.
As the Knight's continued to control possession, Bruce D. created havoc in the open field, distributing several opportunities that resulted in four second half goals to clinch a 6-1 LREI win.
With the victory, Varsity Boys Soccer advances 7-1-1 (5-1-0 in league play). With four league games over the next six days, the team is primed for another push towards an ISAL Title. To view the LREI Athletics page, and for schedule information, visit
LREI.org/athletics.
To view the official photo gallery of the 2018 fall season, click
here.