The Huntington varsity boys’ soccer team notched its biggest win of the season, toppling North Babylon on its home field in double sudden death overtime, 3-2. The Blue Devils are the only team to defeat the Bulldogs this fall.
The teams battled to a scoreless tie through the 40 minute first half before exploding for a combined four goals in the second frame. The squads were very equally matched and raced to every ball. After 80 minutes of play the score was knotted at 2-2. That’s where the score stayed through the first 10 minute sudden death overtime period.
With 53 seconds remaining in the second 10 minute overtime frame, Eren Aydin scored the game winning goal off a pass from Julien Rentsch.
“We played hard as a team the whole game,” Rentsch said. “Our defense held as the midfield and strikers worked North Babylon’s defense. It was a crazy finish to the game, scoring with around 50 seconds left in OT. It was one of the best feelings in the world, especially being involved in the play.”
The Blue Devils needed a victory badly and the team was on proverbial Cloud Nine after Aydin put the ball past North Babylon goalkeeper Antonio Biscardi, who played well in the game and stopped six shots.
“We are absolutely buzzing after today’s win,” Aydin said. “We worked very hard throughout the game and did not deserve to lose at any point. The boys kept working hard and never let down until the final minute, which I am so proud of, especially against a good North Babylon team. To win it for my brothers, there is no better feeling and we will continue to build on it.”
Watching the play unfold was a thing of beauty. Aydin had the ball on his foot and he made a move on the defender and perfectly placed the ball past Biscardi with less than a minute remaining.
Christian Garay had a goal and an assist. Carmine De Ieso also scored and Jose Flores added an assist. Blue Devil goalkeeper Kolby Rappel recorded six saves.
Huntington is trying its best to win every remaining game and reach post-season play. The team went through a rough patch, but seems to have come through it and the Blue Devils are playing well again.
