Team Detail
Rosamand defeats Sage in CIF Quarter-finals
The Lightning hosted Rosamond on Friday night for the quarterfinals of the championship. Before I get into the game summary, I would like to recognize our seniors: Michael Bear, Max Ellison, Craig Jackson, Mark Milner, Kyle Simon, Nick Singarella and Justin Stroud. It has been such a pleasure coaching these remarkable young men for the past four years! They have grown as athletes and have become mature, intelligent players and wonderful young men. They played their hearts out on Friday, and it was such a shame when we lost, mostly because it marked the last game of their high school careers. We will miss them greatly and we already look forward to playing with them at next year’s alumni game on Friday, January 8.
Even though we lost 1-3, it was an exciting and well-matched game. We had many enthusiastic fans to cheer us on, and we were pumped up to win. Dozens of students, parents, parents of alumni (such as the Smith-Newmans and Marcia Edelstein), and faculty and staff came to watch the game. Thanks to all our loyal fans for their support throughout the season.
Early in the first half, Mark Milner who had a fantastic game passed a great ball to Colton Gyulay, who sneaked it expertly past Rosamond’s very tall and talented keeper. The Sage Hill fans were so excited and ready for another victory. Unfortunately, Rosamond came back ten minutes before the first half ended with a ball that slipped through Jake’s hands. With a quick “give and go,” a forward slipped through the flat defense and took a successful shot at goal. Jake Blitzer had a wonderful game making some great saves.
The game gained even more momentum during the second half. The ball bounced back and forth between players. It was a great game to watch. Both teams made valiant attempts to score, and there were many skillful moves and speed on both sides. It is important to note that Sophomore Alex Till pulled a ball right from inside the net to keep us alive.
In minute 70, the opponent was awarded a direct free kick that resulted in the second goal. We did not set up a wall in front of the striker. Time was running out, and the Sage Hill squad pushed harder and harder. Off a corner kick in minute 78, Blake Myers headed the ball at the goal and almost gave us the equalizer. Literally 30 seconds before the final whistle, we were awarded another corner kick. So, we pushed the entire team into the 18-yard box, including keeper Craig Jackson, in a last-ditch attempt to score. Unfortunately the ball couldn’t find the opponent’s net, but Rosamond capitalized on our empty goal by scoring again.
This was the first time Sage Hill made it to the quarterfinals in the championship. The boys can be proud of their hard work and their success this season. I want to personally thank our Guest of Honor and Student Body President, Peter Fankuchen, for his dedication to the team. Peter helped us in innumerable ways, from organizing buses, pumping balls, and making announcements, to providing excellent leadership on the field. He took so much initiative that I cannot even enumerate the many things he did to support the Lightning this year. Thank you, Peter, from the whole team!
Back
Even though we lost 1-3, it was an exciting and well-matched game. We had many enthusiastic fans to cheer us on, and we were pumped up to win. Dozens of students, parents, parents of alumni (such as the Smith-Newmans and Marcia Edelstein), and faculty and staff came to watch the game. Thanks to all our loyal fans for their support throughout the season.
Early in the first half, Mark Milner who had a fantastic game passed a great ball to Colton Gyulay, who sneaked it expertly past Rosamond’s very tall and talented keeper. The Sage Hill fans were so excited and ready for another victory. Unfortunately, Rosamond came back ten minutes before the first half ended with a ball that slipped through Jake’s hands. With a quick “give and go,” a forward slipped through the flat defense and took a successful shot at goal. Jake Blitzer had a wonderful game making some great saves.
The game gained even more momentum during the second half. The ball bounced back and forth between players. It was a great game to watch. Both teams made valiant attempts to score, and there were many skillful moves and speed on both sides. It is important to note that Sophomore Alex Till pulled a ball right from inside the net to keep us alive.
In minute 70, the opponent was awarded a direct free kick that resulted in the second goal. We did not set up a wall in front of the striker. Time was running out, and the Sage Hill squad pushed harder and harder. Off a corner kick in minute 78, Blake Myers headed the ball at the goal and almost gave us the equalizer. Literally 30 seconds before the final whistle, we were awarded another corner kick. So, we pushed the entire team into the 18-yard box, including keeper Craig Jackson, in a last-ditch attempt to score. Unfortunately the ball couldn’t find the opponent’s net, but Rosamond capitalized on our empty goal by scoring again.
This was the first time Sage Hill made it to the quarterfinals in the championship. The boys can be proud of their hard work and their success this season. I want to personally thank our Guest of Honor and Student Body President, Peter Fankuchen, for his dedication to the team. Peter helped us in innumerable ways, from organizing buses, pumping balls, and making announcements, to providing excellent leadership on the field. He took so much initiative that I cannot even enumerate the many things he did to support the Lightning this year. Thank you, Peter, from the whole team!
Sage Hill School
Sage Hill School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the School. The School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship programs, and athletic and other School administered programs.