RYE – Field Hockey New York

Sunday, Baker Field – Rye came away with another victory after a mixed performance in their penultimate game of the fall schedule. With season debuts for Baker, Maagdenberg and Dry, Rye struggled for consistency from the start. Despite a couple of early chances on the break, it was Islanders who had the first real pressure and Johnstone was called into action twice to keep the game scoreless. As the first half progressed Rye managed to create a number of chances albeit without playing the kind of hockey that lead to their early season success. Despite a significant amount of possession, Rye were unable to open the scoring as chance after chance went begging. Sandhu finally broke the dead lock from a penalty corner as half time approached and Rye were relieved to head into the break with a 1-0 lead.

Despite their one goal advantage, Rye were well aware of the dangers posed by Islanders speedy forward line and new a far better performance was needed in the second period. After some harsh words, Rye started the second half with renewed energy and focus. Moving the ball effectively through mid-field, Rye started to exert significant pressure on the Islanders back line. Having defended stoutly in the first half, Islanders were not able to repel the relentless Rye forays into their 25. Lee added two from open play, Stutz and Dry both deflected in penalty corners from Cheetham and Civico finished a fantastic move that started deep on Rye’s left side of defense with Cherifi and ended up in the back of the net four passed and a matter of seconds later. The scoring was capped off with a well worked free hit on the edge of the Islanders ‘D’. Cheetham slipped a square ball to Anich on the edge of the circle, his first time pass was deflected towards the far post where Stutz applied the finishing touch with knee high volley into the back of the net.

Despite a much improved second half, Rye will be need to improve their finishing and maintain their standards for the entire game when they play fellow unbeaten team Greenwich.

Rye FHC: Johnstone, Cheetham, Cherifi, Moore, Jones, Maagdenberg, Baker, Strube, Sandhu, Anich, Buttignol, Beckers, Stutz, Lee, Civico, Dry