RYE – Field Hockey New York

Sunday, Baker Field – The most anticipated game of the young season was something of a let down after it became evident NYC were missing 3 key players. Despite their absentees, NYC still fielded the strongest side Rye have faced this year and it was evident early on it would be no walk over. After a frenetic opening few minutes in which Rye had to keep out a couple of penalty corners, Rye started to control possession. Pressure started to build with NYC struggling to contain the movement of Stutz, Lee, Civico and debutant Groeneveld up front. After a denying Cheetham and Anich from penalty corners, Sheridan in the NYC goal was finally beaten by Stutz who finished a fine move at the back post. Rye quickly doubled their lead through Lee who found a gap at Sheridan’s near post after beating a couple of NYC defenders at the top of the circle. Rye extended their lead to three just before the break when Civico added his name to the score sheet.

The second half continued in much the same manner. Rye were patient at the back and moved the ball very effectively resulting in a lot of work for the NYC midfield. Chances started to pile up as Rye’s movement proved too much for the NYC defense. Groeneveld who had been a effective but a little nervous in front of goal in the first half started to find his stride and added three second half goals, and Sandhu who had been a thorn in NYC’s side all afternoon finished the scoring.

Despite an under-strength NYC team, Rye will be very pleased with a professional performance that sees them sitting atop the standings with three games remaining before the winter break. Westchester are next up for Rye who will be welcoming Beckers back to the squad for his first game of the season.

Rye FHC: Johnstone, Cheetham, Jones, Moore, Cherifi, Anich, Strube, Sandhu, Stutz, Lee, Civico, Groeneveld.