Valeria Novoa, Sports Reporter
November 7, 2023
Playoffs ended for the Port Chester Varsity boys Soccer following their devastating 2-0 loss to Ossining. The loss marked the end of an era for the senior players.
This year, the team made it to the quarterfinals. The Boys started their playoff match against White Plains winning 1-0 with a goal from Senior Nick Tellez. After losing 1-0 to White Plains last year, the playoffs began with some well deserved revenge. The match was a classic rivalry game that showcased the new talent and skills from both teams. The Rams had a home audience as the game was at 2pm, with many staying to watch after school. Coach John Cafaldo had this to say about the White Plains game: “I knew going into the WP game that the result would be a tight one. It is very difficult to beat a team 3 times in one season.” As Coach Cafaldo says, it’s difficult to defeat a team three times, but the Rams made it possible, beating White Plains for all three meetings this season. The scores were 6-1, 2-1 and 1-0 respectively.
After beating White Plains at their home field, the boys set off to play at Ossining’s home field. The Rams used their 4-5-1 formation, switching from their normal 3-5–2. After asking why the formation was switched for playoffs, Coach Cafaldo claims, “We stuck with the 4-5-1 for playoffs due to injuries and knowing that the games would be tight.”
The Ossining game was a tough match for the Port Chester Rams.Coach Cafaldo told the boys before the game,” We have been just as good as them, and have beaten and tied them on their field in the past 3 seasons.” tried to let his boys know that composure was the key to not only this game, but for the playoffs. “It’s a stressful type of set up and composure in those moments helps teams do well.” Even though the Ossining game was a tough loss for the Rams, the seniors leave next year’s team with high expectations and something to look forward to.