Scarsdale Boys’ Soccer Prepares To Make A Post-Season Run

Last season, the Raiders turned heads throughout the Scarsdale community when they fought all the way to a Class AA state semifinal showdown with New York state powerhouse, Brentwood. Although the Raiders lost that battle, they took pride in having had their best season in thirty years and in winning the support of many local fans. When the 2011 season began, the Raiders were met with high expectations. On September 22nd, the Raiders played their homecoming game against town rival Mamaroneck, and a mob of Scarsdale residents crowded around the turf field in anticipation of a Scarsdale victory. To the fans’ surprise, Mamaroneck pulled away to a 3-0 lead and a 4-1 victory. Subsequently, the Raiders fell to New Rochelle in another home game, leaving them with measly 1-3 record in league play. Hopes of a playoff run seemed out of reach.

“We didn’t want to get discouraged,” said captain, Griffin Flagg. “We knew that the scores didn’t reflect how closely we played those teams. They were all hard fought games; and, in our minds, we knew we could play with any team in the league.”

The Raiders could have let the season slip away; however, under the leadership of Flagg, and fellow captains David Alemany and Jason Peluso, the team came together and made a statement in front of a packed crowd at Mamaroneck High School. On a brisk night under the lights, the Tigers came out with fire in their eyes as they took a 2-0 lead. The Raiders were getting manhandled as the Tigers fired off shot after shot at Scarsdale goalie, Zack Shabman. After making consecutive spectacular saves, Shabman started screaming to his teammates at the top of his lungs.

“LETS PICK IT UP, BOYS! LETS GET THIS DONE!” he shouted.

Griffen Flagg

At that moment, a little bit of the 2010 Raider magic began to trickle down Weaver Street and onto the soccer field. In the blink of an eye, the Raiders looked faster, stronger, and flat out fierce. Scarsdale cranked out three goals, dropping the jaws of the increasingly flustered Mamaroneck crowd. Scarsdale won the game by the score of 3-2; and, the boys, who had been playing in the shadow of an epic 2010 team, matured into a force of men who were ready to go to war together.

“After coming back from that deficit, we realized what we could accomplish if we played as a team,” Flagg exclaimed. “Beating such a highly touted team lifted all of our spirits, and we carried that confidence into the rest of our league games.”

The Raiders rode the momentum into a home game against White Plains, and Scarsdale played its best defensive game of the year. The Raiders shutout the aggressive White Plains offense in a 1-0 game, and it didn’t stop there. After taking North Rockland to overtime, Scarsdale travelled to New Rochelle and won another defensive battle in a dominant 1-0 performance. With one game remaining on the schedule, against last place Mount Vernon, Scarsdale has a chance to finish the season with a 5-3 record in league play. Taking this momentum into the playoffs could put the Raiders in a position to make an unexpected playoff run.

“Those of us who played on the team last year know that playoff soccer cannot be predicted,” said Flagg. “When you know a loss would result in the end of your season, you have nothing to hold back. Even the best teams in the state are vulnerable against a team of kids willing to wear their hearts on their sleeves.”

Former Scarsdale soccer captain and Union College standout, Chris Chiodo, spoke with me about the Raiders’ potential for post-season success. He verified that, come playoff time, all obstacles faced in the regular season are thrown out the window. When asked about what could make the difference for a Raider team hungry to win, Chiodo stressed the importance of support.

“It’s up to the seniors to set the tone for the rest of the team,” said Chiodo. “They have to remind their younger teammates that, for the seniors, a loss results in being forced to take off the maroon and white jersey for life.”

While it’s essential for the players to receive support from each other, there are other sources of support that must not be forgotten. Chiodo mentioned the support of his former coach and current varsity coach, Joe Cipriano.

“Cip believes in every player wearing a Scarsdale jersey, and it’s crucial for the team to trust him,” Chiodo stated. “Until proven otherwise, Cip will believe that his team is capable of exceeding expectations and winning the entire thing.”

If support is what this team needs then it’s time for the Scarsdale community to do our part. Their final game is at home on Friday 10/21, and the playoffs begin next weekend. Let’s show up and remind these kids why we’re proud to live in Scarsdale. And, for all we know, a little support could go a long way.

(Pictured at top: Team Captains Griiffin Flagg, Jason Peluso and David Alemany)

Author Michael Kanner is a graduate of Union College with a background in English and a passion for the written word. He worked at Scarsdale Golf Club as a tennis pro before offering his services to a private clientele, and he loves hearing constructive criticism from anyone willing to speak their mind. Michael can be contacted at Michael.Kanner4@gmail.com