In Al Alexander’s long coaching career at Scotia-Glenville, he had never seen a performance like the one Joe Hlat had against the Schalmont boys soccer team.
The senior striker scored all of the Tartans’ goals in a 5-2 non-league victory over the Sabres on a rainy Saturday evening in Rotterdam.
Nobody’s scored five goals in a game on my team. That’s pretty unique, said Alexander.
It may be the only time Alexander sees a performance like that. The veteran coach is retiring at the end of the season after guiding Scotia-Glenville to numerous Foothills Council and Section II championships.
`There just comes a time when you know you have to step down and let someone else take over,` said Alexander. `I’ve had a good run. I’ve had some great teams.`
Carlo Viscusi gave Schalmont (4-1 league, 6-3 overall) a 1-0 lead early in the first half, but Hlat tallied twice to put Scotia-Glenville (5-0, 7-2) up 2-1 at halftime. Viscusi struck again early in the second half to tie the game before Hlat scored his team’s final three goals.
`Everything happened just right for him,` said Alexander. `He works hard, and good things happen to those who work hard.`
Nick Alescio, Kevin Wentworth and Elliot Gordon set up three of Hlat’s goals. The other two came off Schalmont turnovers.
`It surprised me. I think Schalmont is a good team, and I think we were able to capitalize on some of their errors,` said Alexander.
Scotia-Glenville kept the momentum going Tuesday with a 4-0 Foothills Council victory over Broadalbin-Perth, while Schalmont bounced back from its loss to the Tartans with a 4-1 Colonial Council win against Cobleskill-Richmondville.
Hlat scored for Scotia-Glenville against Broadalbin-Perth, but he wasn’t the only one. Alescio, Gordon and Dan Hartney also tallied to help the Tartans remain tied with South Glens Falls for first place.
Likewise, Schalmont used a balanced attack to defeat Cobleskill-Richmondville. Bobby Sheehan had two goals, Marc Case contributed a goal and an assist and Kyle Goney added a goal for the Sabres.
In other soccer action Tuesday, Mohonasen notched its first Suburban Council victory of the season with a 1-0 win against Columbia, while Guilderland edged Niskayuna 1-0 in overtime.
Joe Crounse tallied late in the second half to help the Mighty Warriors (1-3, 2-6) break into the win column after three straight league losses.
Meanwhile in Niskayuna, Anthony Campagnano’s goal helped Guilderland send the Silver Warriors to only their second loss in six Suburban Council contests.
All four large school teams are in action Thursday. Niskayuna hosts Bethlehem and Mohonasen welcomes Guilderland to Rotterdam in the Suburban Council, while Schalmont travels to Mechanicville and Scotia-Glenville visits Glens Falls.“