The Loudonville Christian boys soccer team has its first title, but there’s a bigger one that the Eagles would like.
Loudonville Christian wrapped up the Central Hudson Valley League championship with last Wednesday’s 3-2 overtime victory over Berlin. That title should help the Eagles (10-1-1 league, 13-3-2 overall) earn one of the top two seeds for the Section II, Class D playoffs.
(Winning the league) was our first goal, said Loudonville Christian coach Jeff King. `We only like to think about one goal at a time, and now we’re realigning ourselves for another goal.`
Unlike last year when a group of 11 seniors guided the Eagles to the Sectional finals, underclassmen have led the way this year. Sophomore Dillon King is among the Sectional leaders in goals (32) and assists (11), while freshman goaltender Alex MaLossi has posted five shutouts in his first year of organized soccer.
`He’s done a great job,` said coach King. `In certain games, he’s been tested, and he’s come through. Alex is a fine athlete, and we knew he’d do a great job.`
Though Dillon King has been the offensive leader, other Eagles have stepped up in clutch situations. Freshman Aaron Film was the most recent example, as he picked the second overtime period of last Wednesday’s game against Berlin to score his first career varsity goal. King headed Matt MaLossi’s throw-in on goal, and Film knocked the ball in to give Loudonville Christian its winning point.
Several other players have contributed to Loudonville Christian’s offense throughout the season including Matt MaLossi, Matt Burke, Alex Caldwell and Elijah Bovenzi.
`It’s a team effort,` said coach King. `No one player can do it on his own, and Dillon has certainly done his part to help out. But more so than ever, every single player has gone out and done this for the team.`
Loudonville Christian learned of its seeding and its first round opponent at Tuesday’s Section II boys soccer committee meeting. The Eagles will host their first-round game later this week at the Boght Soccer Complex in Latham.
`Every single team can beat anybody (in class D), and that’s the attitude we’re taking heading into Sectionals,` said coach King.“