Two recent Section II graduates helped Albany’s newest soccer team get off to a 1-0-1 start in the United Soccer Leage’s Premier Development League.
Shenendehowa graduate T.J. Popolizio scored both of his team’s goals as the Albany BWP (Black Watch Premier) Highlanders tie Portland 2-2 in last Friday’s home opener at Union College. Then, Mohonasen grad Roberto Sgueglia recorded the lone goal in Albany’s 1-0 road win against Western Massachusetts Saturday.
Highlanders coach F.J. Zwicklbauer a former Guilderland High School star and Albany Alleycat was pleased with his team’s efforts, especially last Friday’s tie in which Albany rallied from a 2-1 second-half deficit.
`I’ll take a 2-2 decision right now,` said Zwicklbauer. `I was really happy with the intensity we had.`
Popolizio had a big hand ` or foot ` in the decision against Portland. The Brown University forward rebounded his own missed shot in the 12th minute to give the Highlanders a 1-0 lead.
`I hit it off the crossbar, and I was lucky enough to have it bounce back to me and knock in the rebound,` said Popolizio.
Portland pulled even in the first minute of the second half when Michael Donald scored. Seventeen minutes later, Jason Massie converted a rebound in front of the Albany goal to give the visiting Phoenix a 2-1 lead.
The Highlanders ` who had been outplayed by Portland for the first 18 minutes of the second half ` regained their stride and started attacking the Phoenix goal. That effort paid off in the 71st minute when a collision between an Albany player and the Portland goaltender gave Popolizio an open net to shoot the ball into to tie the game.
`I’m not sure who it was, but it was a brave play by him for taking on the goalie,` said Popolizio. `All credit on that goal goes to him.`
Zwicklbauer was impressed with Popolizio’s energy in his first PDA game.
`I call him ‘pop-pop-pop’ because he keeps on going,` said Zwicklbauer. `I was really happy with his performance.`
Several more Section II alumni played significant minutes for Zwicklbauer in the Highlanders’ home opener including Sgueglia, Trey Jasenski (Mohonasen), Adam Costello (Saratoga Springs) and Robert Millock (Shaker).
`Our local players played really well tonight,` said Zwicklbauer.
More Section II alumni will likely be seeing playing time as the three-month PDL season plays out. Bethlehem grads Darko Knezevic and Austin Hughes are on the Highlanders’ roster, as are Shen’s David Burke and Schalmont grad Joshua Gregg.
Popolizio said the opportunity to play soccer this summer was what lured him to the Highlanders.
`I’m happy to get back here and play in front of some people who probably haven’t seen me play in a little while,` said Popolizio. `Rhode Island [where Brown University is located] isn’t all that far from here, but it’s nice to play closer to home.`
The Highlanders will have plenty of opportunities to play close to home in the next three weeks. After visiting Vermont Friday, they begin a three-game homestand Saturday when Brooklyn visits Frank Bailey Field. Then following Memorial Day weekend, the Highlanders host Vermont June 4 and Ottawa June 6.“