The Wallkill Panthers had most of the opportunities, but the FDR Presidents made it count.

The Presidents’ Sean Goodman found the back of the net about midway through the second half as the Presidents snuck by the Panthers in Wednesday night’s rainy Mid-Hudson Athletic League boys’ soccer contest at Robinson Field.

“I think they played well,” Wallkill coach Chris Valencia said after the 1-0 loss. “They have been executing everything that I asked of them. And it’s just an unlucky result is what it comes down to.”

Goodman took the pass from teammate Jacob Kosilla and got past the Wallkill defense and beat Wallkill goalkeeper Chad Castle for the game’s only score.

“I really think it lit a fire under their desire to put one in the back of the net,” Valencia said. “You just saw their energy lift.”
The final 10 minutes was a flurry of energy for the Panthers, as they sought to at least tie the game and force overtime.

The Panthers had their best opportunity to tie the game with about 6 minutes left in the game when Julian Gries sent the ball into the penalty box, but FDR goalkeeper Lorenzo Wilkins got to the ball head of Wallkill’s Nicholas Guerra to preserve the shutout.

No matter how many shots the Panthers put on the goal, Wilkins had an answer. He caught a few but kicked or punched many more shots to the side or out of bands.

“It’s a game changer when you have a seasoned keeper for sure,” Valencia said. “You could tell he’s been playing for a long time. He knew where to position himself. He knew when to come out, when to stay put and won the game for his team. If there was somebody that would get the game ball or be player of the match, no doubt it goes to the keeper.”

Despite not being able to find the back of the net, the Panthers controlled much of the first half, especially the second 20 minutes. Dominic Pelella had a shot that Wilkins deflected, and Gries had a free kick from 20 yards away that went right at Wilkins.

Overall, the Panthers were able to put pressure on Wilkins using their speed to get past the FDR defense.

“I have a few boys that are conditioned really well,” Valencia said. “They came in fit, which makes a huge difference. They’re very talented with the ball, making runs without the ball, and they’re very strong players. We have the talent. We just couldn’t capitalize on any of our opportunities.”