ASTLETON, NY — Going into Wednesday’s battle with Coxsackie, the Maple Hill Boys Varsity Soccer team had only allowed four goals all season, but after letting that number slip to five they righted the ship, staging a comeback victory over one of the top teams in the Patroon Conference.
The stage was set in the first half, when Coxsackie senior Adrian Conrads scored 16 minutes and 18 seconds in, giving the Indians their first and only lead of the game, which they held onto through halftime.
It was during the half that the second most winningest coach in state history, Dan Gillespie, inspired his team. “He pushed us, because he knew we could do better,” senior Noah Roberts said.
Less than 10 minutes into the second half Maple Hill’s Garrett Axtmann pushed the Wildcats over the top, scoring his 23rd and 24th goals of the year. “It felt great, my teammates set me up perfectly,” said Axtmann.
Despite a few close calls, Maple Hill keeper Lucas Bourdeau contained the Indians, holding them at one and bringing the game to its two-one final score.
“When we are firing on all cylinders, we are a tough team to beat,” Axtmann said in regards to the win. “We want to carry this momentum into the post season,” the Maple Hill senior went on to say.
Thanks to this win, Maple Hill remains undefeated and on top of the Patroon Conference, with sectionals just weeks away.
Next up for Maple Hill is a home date with the Taconic Hills Titans on Tuesday, Sept. 4 at 4:15p.m. For Coxsackie, their next will come at some point on Saturday in the Schoharie Invitational Tournament.
-Dylan Rossiter(@ByDylanRossiter)
