The Guilderland boys soccer team hadn’t lost a game. The Bethlehem boys soccer team hadn’t allowed a goal.
Something had to give when the two Suburban Council powers collided in Guilderland Saturday. As it turned out, it was Bethlehem’s shutout streak and its winning streak.
Caleb Ciaschetti and Sahr Nyuma scored second half goals to lead Guilderland past Bethlehem 2-0 and take over sole possession of first place in the council’s South Division.
It was all about the team, said Ciaschetti. `Getting a win against Bethlehem is big because it proves we can play with anybody.`
`It’s nice for the kids, and I’m glad they’re enjoying it,` said Guilderland coach Mike Kinnally. `I’m just happy that we played well today.`
Guilderland (8-0 league, 10-0 overall) had several chances to take the lead in the first half, but Bethlehem’s defense kept the Dutchmen off the scoreboard. However, Guilderland’s defense prevented the Eagles (6-1, 6-1) from counterattacking effectively.
`They won the 50-50 balls in the midfield, and that’s something that we have to work on,` said Bethlehem coach Phil Ridgway.
The pattern continued until midway through the second half. Guilderland midfielder Pat Quinn sent a pass across the goal crease, where Ciaschetti knocked the ball past goaltender Dan Maddock for the Dutchmen’s first goal and the first goal allowed by Bethlehem.
`I saw the ball come in, and I just wanted to get any part of my body on it,` said Ciaschetti.
`That was a great finish, and that was a great cross,` said Kinnally.
Bethlehem had no luck mounting a response to Guilderland’s goal, as the Dutchmen defense denied the Eagles any quality scoring chances.
`The last 10 minutes, we played a little more conservatively, which we need to learn how to do,` said Kinnally.
`When they scored, they sat back six or seven players, and it was very difficult for us to get anything by them,` said Ridgway. `It’s pretty typical in the Suburban Council.`
Nyuma sealed Guilderland’s victory late in the second half. The senior midfielder pounced on a slow-rolling backpass by a Bethlehem defender and toed the ball past a charging Maddock for his eighth goal of the season.
`I was trying to get the ball because I saw I could get pressure in the backfield,` said Nyuma.
`He’s a great kid,` said Ciaschetti. `You always expect a lot out of Sahr, and he’s been coming through for us a lot lately.`
Bethlehem mounted some pressure on Guilderland’s defense following Nyuma’s goal, but Dutchmen goaltender Devin Bailey made three saves to preserve the shutout.
Guilderland didn’t show any signs of a letdown Monday when they defeated Saratoga Springs 5-0.
James Quinn and Tony Campagnano each had a goal and an assist to lead a balanced Dutchmen attack. Nyuma, Pat Quinn and Nick Cannistraci also tallied, and Bailey made six saves to pick up another shutout.
Aaron Costello stopped seven shots for Saratoga.
Guilderland hosts Averill Park Wednesday before traveling to defending Section II, Class AA champion Niskayuna Friday.“