When Section II’s all-time leading goal scorer graduated from Loudonville Christian School in June, there was some concern that the boys soccer team’s recent spate of success would leave with him.
Fortunately for the Eagles, things have gone well since Dillon King left. Loudonville Christian won its first five games, outscoring its opponents 16-4 in the process.
I think we have a better team in terms of team play this year, said Loudonville Christian coach Todd Hvizdak, who had been former coach Joe King’s assistant the last three years. `I think we sometimes got caught up in watching Dillon play. This year, we’re playing more as a team.`
Senior forward Eric Hudspath has taken on King’s former role as Loudonville Christian’s leading scorer so far. Hudspath scored 12 goals in the first five games including all three in the Eagles’ 3-0 Central Hudson Valley League game against Heatly last Friday in Latham.
There are other scoring threats, though. Returning starter Leo Pusatere recorded two goals and three assists in his first four games before missing last Friday’s contest with a hamstring pull, Aaron Film contributed a goal and five assists over the five-game stretch and Connor Walsh added four assists.
Another Walsh has been the biggest surprise for Loudonville Christian. Senior Brian Walsh — a two-time Section II wrestling champion — has a goal and an assist in his first soccer action since he was an eighth grader.
`Being his senior year, he wanted to play again,` said Hvizdak. `He’s been a pleasant surprise for us.`
Hvizdak said the key to opening up the offense was switching up the formation from last year’s four defenders, four midfielders and two forwards.
`We did a little bit of rearranging,` he said. `We’re playing with four fullbacks, three midfielders and three up front. And we’ve got two seniors in the midfield and two more up front.`
The effect this new formation has had on Loudonville Christian has been encouraging for Hvizdak.
`I was expecting us to have a little more difficulty scoring, so I am a little surprised at how many goals we’ve scored,` he said.
Loudonville Christian returned to action Tuesday against Waterford.“
