Warwick boys soccer earns big win Monroe-Woodbury
WARWICK — "That's a big win against a big opponent," Warwick boys soccer coach Denis O'Connor said to his team postgame.
The Wildcats blanked Monroe-Woodbury, 2-0, in a crossover game on Wednesday night at Sanfordville Elementary School.
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Warwick had control of the first half and it paid off. Kayden Zachgo used speed to carry the ball up the field and found Jake McGowan, who put a shot on net. Monroe-Woodbury goalkeeper Parker Giles made a diving stop with 36:20 left in the first half. A little over eight minutes later, Zachgo put a shot on net, but Giles dove to his left to make the save to keep the game scoreless.
But Zachgo would convert and open the scoring after teaming up with Carson Rother, giving his team a 1-0 lead with 26:45 remaining in the first half.
The Crusaders would have some opportunities. Lucas Ortiz missed a shot wide-right with 13:20 remaining in the first half, before Aaron Deskin booted a long and high shot on net. Warwick goalkeeper Dylan Gjertsen followed it and made the grab.
Giles continued to keep his team in the contest. With 7:15 to go in the first half, he used good positioning skills and dove to his right to rob Zachgo of his second goal of the game.
With 3:26 left to play before halftime, Warwick's Anthony Numssen chipped home a goal from the left side, putting his team up 2-0. Simon Bastone received the ball around the midfield and played him a ball through down the sideline.
“I know some people on Monroe-Woodbury, so it was a bit heated and fun to play against them," Numssen said.
Edgar Torres almost netted a third goal for Warwick, but it went off the left post with 28:40 left in the second half. Monroe-Woodbury's Ibrahim Cela ripped a free shot from midfield, which went on net, but Gjertsen grabbed it. Trevor Lagarde would bend a free kick toward the top-left corner, but it sailed wide left. Strong defense by Warwick's Keiran Gilson would prevent Ortiz from scoring as well.
What it means
The defending Section 9 Class AA champion Wildcats keep climbing after the only loss of the season coming to Goshen on Sept. 13. The Crusaders will go to the drawing board after facing tough opposition as of late.
Player of the game
Kayden Zachgo was a force on the offensive end during the first half, and his prowess paid off. After being a part of two chances early in the first half he would convert. Zachgo started making his run after teammate Carson Rother won the ball in the midfield, and he sent it over the top. Crusaders' goalkeeper Parker Giles and Zachgo contested for the ball, but Zachgo got a foot on it and it went in with 26:45 left in the first half, opening the scoring for the Wildcats.
By the numbers
Warwick (5-1) — Kayden Zachgo scored the opening goal, assisted by Carson Rother. Anthony Numssen made it 2-0 on an assist from Simon Bastone. Goalkeeper Dylan Gjertsen, who returned from an early-season injury, made five saves in the clean-sheet win. The Wildcats took three corner kicks.
Monroe-Woodbury (1-3-1) — Parker Giles made some stellar saves in net, finishing the day with seven stops. The Crusaders had two corner kicks.
They said it
“We possessed well, we linked to passes. We did a very good job defending, so it was the total package in the first half. In the second half, I thought they outplayed us. They had more chances, they possessed better and passed the ball better. We need to get 80 minutes of good soccer, not 45 or 50 if we’re going to be where we want to be.” - Warwick coach Denis O'Connor said postgame.
“I know it’s cliché, but it’s like a family. We’re having pasta parties, we’re going out together, getting food and going to the gym. It’s fun to be around everyone on the team.” - Warwick's Kayden Zachgo said on the team's bond.
What's next
Warwick will visit Pine Bush to take on the Bushmen on Sept. 23 at 4:15 p.m. at Pine Bush Elementary School. Monroe-Woodbury travels to Newburgh Free Academy to take on the Goldbacks on Sept. 23 at 5:30 p.m.
MKramer1@th-record.com
This article originally appeared on Times Herald-Record: Section 9 boys soccer: Warwick earns big win against Monroe-Woodbury
