Brett Reed                 2                             4

Will Bussert                                                2              2   

 

BS lost a tough one to Burnt Hills 3-0.  We struggled trying to get things going offensively the whole game as evidenced by the 6 shots that were took compared to BHBL's 15.  There were glimpses of hope during the first 15 minutes of the second half.  Unfortunately Burnt Hills was able to keep the shutout.  Senior Adam Cohen made 10 saves, while Sophmore Eric Rosse made 5 saves.

It only took 5 minutes for Nick Fenton to show that he is a proven scorer.  In a game against Shaker, Nick beat three guys at midfield and took the ball to the keeper to finish with a great goal.  Another excellent individual performance came out of Sophmore goalie Eric Rosse.  With a number of fouls around the box and corner kicks he seemed unpermeable.  Unfortunately in the 60th minute he gave up a goal off a restart.  He was blinded by the wall and the ball sailed into the near post.  The game then came to an end with  3 minutes left in double overtime.  A remarkable shot sailed in to the upper 90 and could not be touched by Rosse.  The team starts league play on Saturday September 7th by hosting Gloversville.  Game time 1:00pm.  

In what seemed to be a perfect day to play soccer, Ballston Spa ended up tying Gloversville in double overtime.  Ballston Spa put together 50 great minutes of soccer.  In the first half, they truly dominated Gloversville.  The ball rarely made its way to the defensive 1/3 of the  field.  Eric Rosse only had to make 2 saves in the first half.  With 5 minutes to go in the first half, Ballston Spa's hard work payed off as Mike Hensler knocked in his own rebound to make the score 1-0.  The score could have been 2-0 but Bret Reed was just wide on a PK.  Gloversvilee was never really able to get anything going due to the pressure that Ballston Spa put on the ball.  Sophmores Matt Wink and Rob Fitzgerald really proved why they made the varsity team as they  stopped any attack that Gloversville attempted.  In the second half Josh Anttonucci tied the game on a quick restart as he headed home a cross into the upper 90.  Not to be outdone, John Valder served up the perfect cross 10 minutes later and Mike Davis put his noggen on the end of it and sent Ballston Spa ahead with a 2-1 lead.  Josh Anttonucci then scored the equalizer 8 minutes later under the outstretched arms of Eric Rosse.  The double overtime showed both teams struggling to really get any good opportunities.  If this game was any indication of the level of soccer that Ballston Spa can play - watch out Foothills!  

The offense was up and running today!  Ballston beat Hudson Falls 4-2.  It only took 3 minutes to get on the scoreboard.  Mark Iacalucci scored his first goal of the year - not bad for a sweeper!  Nick Fenton - had a very good day with an assist and a goal of his own.  Rounding out the scoring was Brian Stasik with 2 goals.  Mike Davis and Mike Hensler assisted on the Stasik goals.  Defensively with a 3-0 halftime lead, Ballston continues to struggle.  Today Hudson Falls was just knocking longballs over the middle to their forwards.  This presented a problem, as the backs were doing a good job going forward to help witht the attack.  The Sotties will be back in action at Scotia on Saturday , September 14, 2002 at 1pm.  This will be a battle!  Are you ready?

Ballston suffered its first league loss at the hands of Scotia.  The final score was 3-1.  AJ Labalbo had an outstanding game with 1 goal and 2 assists. The first goal came with just 5 minutes left in the half.  AJ dribbled around two ballston defenders and put the ball away.  Scotia's second goal came 5 minutes into the 2nd half off a corner.  Mike Hensler then scored to cut the lead to one at the 50 minute mark.  He was assisted by Nick Fenton.  Scotia scored the final goal in the 62nd minute. 

Ballston Spa 2, Johnstown 1.  Although on paper it looks like a close match.  Ballston outshot Johnstown 25-10.  Mike Davis scored the first goal with an assist from Jason Hummell.  Johnstown then tied the game at 30 minute mark.  Mike Hensler scored the game winner just 18 seconds into the second half.  He won the ball at midfield, then beat three defenders to score!  It appears that Ballston is begining to play well as a team - Each game they are getting better and better.

  Eric Rosse collected his first shut out of his career as Ballston beat Queensbury 3-0.  After a short visual imagery session, the scotties went out and did just as they had imagined - winning!  Mike Hensler got a goal first with an assist from Jon Valder.  The second scottie to score was Mark Iacolucci with an assist from Mike Davis.  Brian Stasik then scored from 25 yards out to finish the job.  His assist came from Mike Hensler.  This is two outstanding games in a row!  I mean 80 minutes of great soccer!

No better way to close out the week then with a 5-1 win over Glens Falls.  All of our forwards were productive.  Mike Davis played 23 minutes and scored the first  two goals then had an assist on the third.  Nick Fenton scored the third goal for the scotties.  Donney Buckley scored his first goal of his senior year off a feed from Rob Fitzgerald.  Brett Reed was the only person to score in the 2nd stanza.  Mark Williams collected the assist.  This win puts Ballston at 4-1-1 in the league.  At this point - Gloversville is 5-1-1 and Scotia is 7-0.  The second time around will be very interesting in the foothills.

BS 2, BP 1, Phew....On a night when the seniors were recognized, it was the seniors that came to play.  Mike Davis scored the first goal of the night 8 minutes into the second half.  The assist came from Jon Valder on a great service from the left side of the field.  Broadalbin then ties it up on a Penalty Kick 20 minutes later.  With only 9 minutes to go Mike Hensler lofted a ball up to the back post and Don Buckley put it home with his head.  What else would you expect from one of the champions of world cup the day before at practice! 

South Glens Falls 3, Ballston Spa 1

Trying to play back to back proved to be difficult!  After an outstanding first half of play, Mike Davis converted a Mark Williams pass into a goal with 1 minute to play in the first half.  Unfortunately, South High, with fresh legs was able to score 3 unanswered goals in the second half to take this foothills match.

Ballston Spa at Gloversville.  After 100 minutes of nose to nose soccer, the result was the same as the first meeting - a tie.  Ballston got on the board first with Mike Hensler scoring in the 19th minute.  Not to be outdone, Gloversville scored 2 minutes later.  With the physical nature of this game, and the rowdy fans of Gloversville, this game could have gotten out of hand.  The Ballston Spa boys new what they had to do - control themselves.  They certainly left the field feeling proud and that they had left everything on the field.  There were many attempts to score however both goalies were excellent.  This was by far sophmore Eric Rosse's best game in net. 

Ballston Spa 4, Hudson Falls 2

This was a nailbiter until 6 minutes left in the game.  That was when Mike Davis floated a direct kick over the wall and into the upper left hand corner of the goal.  Mike Hensler scored first on a PK 12:00 minutes into the game. Joe Guilder than scored on one of his many breakaways 4 minutes before the half.  Three minutes into the second half Jason Hummel, received a ball from Jon Valder, turned and burried it into the net.  However, six minutes later, Joe Guilder scored his second breakaway of the game.  With 18 minutes to go the Game winner was scored by Brian Stasik.  With some confusion in setting up a wall Mark Iacolucci lofted the ball to the back post and Brian Stasik headed it home.  The finishing touches came when Mike Davis scored. 

Scotia 2, Ballston Spa 0

Ballston hosted the # 1 team in the state and could not catch a break!  As with the first match, it was even game of back and forth soccer.  Ballston had the first opportunity as Nick Fenton crashed the goal.  The Scotia keepr just got a hand on it and knocked it over the net.  Scotia then hit the crossbar 5 minutes later.  The first goal of the day came with 7 minutes to go in the half.  Erik Rosse stopped a header from the left side.  As it started to roll in the goal, sophmore Rob Fitzgerald went to clear the ball and it went in  the net.  After battling 29 minutes into the second half, Ballston gave up a PK on a contoversial call.  As the ball was rolling over the endline, Rosse came out to stop an ensueing Scotia player.  He ended up with the players feet!  As the clock winded down, Scotia had to play a man down for 11 minutes.  Ballston had trouble taking advantage of this situation as many of their scoring attempts were foiled. 

Ballston 3, Johnstown 1

Talk about consistency!  Ballston proved why all 17 players on this team are valuable.  Because of the game with physical game with Scotia, coach Motsiff changed the starting line-up to have fresh legs at the begining of the game this payed off as the SCotties scored 3 goals in the first half.  Mark Williams scored a head ball off an outstanding left footed serve from Jon Valder 7 minutes into the game.  13 minutes later Mike Davis found the net as Nick Fenton slotted him the ball in the middle of the field.  The 3rd goal of the night came with 6 minutes to go in the half.  Jason Hummell one timed a ball into the box and Mark Iacoluccie was their to rediredct a head ball into the net.  The scoring in this game finished with Johnstown two minutes into the second half.

 

Ballston Spa 4, Queensbury 1

In a game plagued with fouls (38 to be exact) and Injuries, Ballston scored early in this match up of class A schools.  Mark Iacolucci used his head to score at the 10 minute mark off a restart from Mike Davis.  20 minutes later in a contraversial call, Queensbury scored on a penalty kick to even up the match.  The first half concluded at 1-1.  The scotties took no time getting the game winner 2 minutes after the half.  Jason Hummell beat 3 defenders and drove the ball on the ground far post, Nick Fenton was there to put the ball away.  The third goal of the day came off a corner kick.  Coach Motsiff asked for this to happen before the game and his team delivered.  Brian Stasik put a ball on the six yard box and Mike Davis headed it home!  The final goal of the game was scored at the 65th minute.  Jason Hummell, again with his blazing speed beat a defender and served the ball across the goal where Mark Williams was waiting to score a goal. The defensive players of Rob Fitzgerald, Matt Wink, Gerald Stothers, Ryan Getright, and Mark Iacolucci are begining to gel and are doing just in time for sectionals!  With everyone playing, no less than 25 minutes, Ballston proved today that it takes the whole "TEAM" to win!

 

Coaches note:  At 9:00pm I received a phone call from Adam Cohen with very upsetting news.  During our game he tore is ACL and will be out of sports for 9 months.  This will be a huge loss, as he has been outstanding as a marking back for us.  This is not an easy thing for a dedicated senior to go through.  If nothing else, it is my expectation that the team will rally around Adam and work that much harder so that he can enjoy our success.  We are going to miss you Adam!  As I mentioned to Adam his new role is now Student Assistant Coach.

Ballston 4, Glens Falls 1

  Ballston was able to jump back into 2nd place in the league with this win. 

Gloversville got beat by Scotia today 6-0.  Scotia is undefeated and The tied teams are 9-3-2.  Although outshooting Glens Falls 25-3 in the first half, the team was only able to muster up 2 goals.  Jon Valder scored his first goal of the season, and Brian Stasik secured the win.  Jon Valder buried the ball so hard in the net it came further out onto the field than where he was standing!  He finished a deflected Mike Hensler shot.  Brian Stasik akso had a great goal as he beat a couple defenders and blaced the ball into the net.  In the second half Glens Falls got on the board first with a chip shot over Eric Rosse's head.  After that goal Ballston went into it's dominant ways - Mark Iacolucci scored as did Bret Reed.  On defense - Ryan Getwright, Gerald Stothers, Rob Fitzgerald, Matt Wink, and Eric Rosse.  Also completing a solid game were the Iacolucci brothers Mark and Jared.  Jared was brought up from JV with the injury to Adam Cohen. 

 

Coaches Note:  Another unfotunate loss today!  Mike Davis the leading point getter on the team went out with a knee injury.  It is predicted that he will be out for atleast 2 weeks.  It may be possible for him to return by sectionals.  It will be interesting to see who is able to step up and replace him!  There is no doubt his leadership on the field is irreplaceable.

Broadalbin Perth and Ballston game rescheduled for 10/19 at 2pm due to wet weather.

South High 2, Ballston Spa 1 - OT

It was a dissapointing loss for the seniors in their final home match of the 2002 regular season.  The soccer powers to be have not been on Ballston's side in the big games this year!  2 losses to scotia, 2 ties to Gloversville, and 2 losses to S. High.  Ballston has out played each team and cannot seem to get the Big W!  Today was no exception, the scotties outshot South High 25 to 9.  At halftime the score was 1-0 South High.  It was not until 5 minutes to go when Ballston tied the game up.  Off a Will Bussert assist Mark Iacolucci pounded home a goal as coach Motsiff moved him up to the midfield to help with the scoring punch and it payed off.  Unfortunately in the second overtime South high capitalized on a defensive breakdown with 3 minutes to go.  With the exception of Johnstown away, this was probably the best posession game Ballston has put together all year.  The players really played like a team.

The rain won again!

After traveling to Broadalbin and warming-up the game finally got called because of the poor field conditions.  Even the backhoe that was there couldn't fix it.

 

The team earned a 3rd seed heading into postseason play.  They will play Friday, October 25, 2002 against Nikayuna at home.

Ballston Spa 2, Broadalbin-Perth 1

The game was finally played.  It took Overtime for the scotties to put this one away.  After playing 80 minutes, the game was tied 0-0 at the end of regulation.  Mike Hensler scored one of the most amazing goals of the season.  He took a 40 yard pass from Gerald Stothers, beat 2 guys and blasted the ball into the upper 90!  He did this 4 minutes into overtime.  The second goal (and eventual game winner) was scored by Kyle Neuhaus who was brought up from JV.  B-P's goal came 3 minutes into the second overtime.  It was a fine finish at home for the seniors.

Ballston Spa 4, Nisayuna 3 (3OT)

Three JV players played crucial roles in the opening round of sectionals.  Jeremy Haqq has a nose for the goal!  Jeremy scored the game winner 5 minutes into sudden death overtime off a cross from Donnie Buckly to allow Ballston to advance to the next round. Kyle Greth had the ability to step in as goalkeeper after Eric Rosse left the game in an ambulance.  Eric was kicked in the head during a scuffle for the ball at the 69th minute.  One minute later Greth gave up his first varsity goal.  That would be it however, over the next 10 minutes of regulation, 20 minutes of overtime, and 5 minutes of sudden death overtime.  He made 5 huge saves to keep us in the game.  The other JV player who went the entire 105 minutes was Jared Iacolucci at center midfield.  He was able to stymie many attacks that Nisky tried to make with his stellar defense.  Not to be outdone, all of the varsity players were able to step up their game as well.  Nick Fenton scored 2 goals even after getting hit in the head twice.  Donnie Buckley was also responsible for a goal.  Will Bussert and Jason Hummel each added an assist.  The defense of Mark Iacolucci, Ryan Getright, Gerald Stothers, and Matt Wink had their best game of the season.  As always - Mike Hensler was all over the field, forward and back, side to side, and really allowed us to be able to play at this level.  OUr outside midfielders of Mark WIlliams, Jon Valder, and Jason Hummel were able to pressure on them all game.  We'll have to see if we will be playing the #6 team in the NATION!!! Bethlehem.   

 

Word just in:  Bethlehem hbeat Schenectady 5-0.  We will be playing at Bethlehem at 2pm on 10/28.  Players will be released from school at 11:30am

 

 

10/26/02

Coaches Note:   Great News!!  Eric Rosse is home from his trip to the hospital.  He is feeling fine with the exception of a sore jaw.  He mentioned that he will be ready to go on Monday.  As I mentioned to the team after our loss to South High, the Soccer powers above have better things awaiting for us.  -obviously beating Nsky was one, hopefully keeping all of us healthy the rest of the way is another, and Bethlehem - we'll see? 

Bethlehem 1, Ballston Spa 0

For the second year in the row, Ballston has bowed out of sectionals with a score of 1-0 to Bethlehem.  It wasn't in the cards to move to the next round, but to dream of what might have been like if we were healthy.  How far could we have gone of Davis and Cohen were healthy?  We will never tell but some people got it done tonight!  Mark Iacolucci was unbelievable - He almost single handidly shut down two of the best players  (actually in the country!) with his stellar performance.  Where did Eric Rosse get his confidence from?  Did he forget that he was knocked out in the previous game.  If that was a glimpse of the future...Watch out forwards - Rosse is in for a couple of outstanding years.  Also in back Matt Wink, Gerald Stothers, Jared Iacolucci, Ryan Getwright, and Rob Fitzgerald finished out the season displaying their finest soccer skills.  As always Mike Hensler deserves credit for being the engine that keeps this team running.  Offense, he is there!  Defense, he is there!  Today really proves that he is one of the best players in the state.  Offensively we struggled trying to get things going.  Unfortunately this is not the time when you want that to happen.  I must say though, the sophmores that were able to get on the field really held there own.

 

Ryan, Mark I., Jason, Donny, Mark W., Mike, Adam, Will, and Gerald we are going to miss your presence next year!  You have really accomplished what coach Motsiff asked you to do at the begining of the season - force the underclassmen to become better players - No doubt that happened this year!  Remember where ever we go from here, started with you guys.  Good Luck with your future endeavors and we are positive with your attitudes you will be a success at what ever you do! 

 

Gibran Khalil              1                   2                      

Jeremy Abdul-Haqq    12    6          30  

Nick Fenton                 1     2           4

Robert Fitzgerald        1     1            3     

Jared Iacolucci            1                  2           

Mike Hensler             8       6         22                      

Kyle Neuhaus            3        7        13          

Mike Murphy             9        2        20           

Eric Rosse                                     

Brian Stasik             11       3        25                       

Miles Williamson      1         1         3           

Jon Valder               5         7        17              

Brandon Gemerek   2        2         6            

Matt Wink                         3         3             

Kevin Kelly             2         4         8                    

Steve Carrig              

Dan Cummings                                       

Adam Greenson      1         1         3            

Chris Larson             

Brian White              

Jim Sheeran           2          2        6                    

Eugene Refino                    1         1

                       

 

 2003 Shutouts   

Eric Rosse (and the defense)           14      

     Jared Iacolucci, Gibran Khalil, Nick Fenton, and Mike Hensler know what it means to give of themselves.  During a rainy week at the end of July these gentleman offered to come and help Coach motsiff and Coach Hall run a soccer camp for Ballston Spa students in grades 2-8.  The camp had over 80 kids participate.  Thanks again!  

Eric Rosse (jr.) and Nick Fenton (sr.)were selected by their teamates to join Mike Hensler (sr. - 2nd year captain) as the captains for the 2003 campaign.  Both of these players played varsity last year and will work with Mike in leading the team towards their first ever foothills council championship.  Other players nominated for the roles were seniors Brian Stasik and Jon Valder along with juniors Matt Wink, Jared Iacolucci, and Rob Fitzgerald.

Ballston began the season scrimmaging Lake George.  The warriors proved to be no match as Ballston dominated and won 8-1.  Concluding their match the players enjoyed Million Dollar Beach by playing volleyball and swimming.  Their trip to Lake George concluded with a stroll through the vilage.  Game Ball went to Chris Larson and the skunk went to Eric Rosse (giving up an unexcused goal!)

 

8/30/03

Guilderland was the next victim of Ballston's well oiled machine.  They beat Guilderland 5-0 in 90 minutes.  Jeremy Haqq had the hat trick, while Kyle Neuhaus and Jared Iacolucci each scored.  Not a bad result with a suburban school.  The true test will come next Tuesday when the team travels to Bethlehem.  Game Ball went to Jeremy for his hat trick, skunk stayed with Eric - he never brought it to the game.

 

9/02/03

Bethlehem 6 - Ballston 0

The score certainly does not reflect the game.  Ballston could not convert some early opportunities that could have changed the way the game was played.  Within a span of 5 minutes in the first half, Brian Stasik put two unbelievable services in the box and the scotties could not finish.  With 10 minutes to go in the first half Bethlehem scored on a counter attack.  At half the game was 1-0.  The Scotties came out and went about 10 minutes and never really generated much.  As the fitness levels of both teams peaked - Bethlehem got another goal and this is when the flood gates opened.  Coach mentioned that this is the level of soccer we need to be able to play by the end of the seasson.  His philosophy is, that if you want to be the BEST you have to play against the BEST!  Game ball went to Brian Stasik and Eric Rosse again kept the skunk - he forgot to bring it again!!!

 

9/5/03

Ballston Spa 6 - South High 0

After an interesting rendition of the national anthem, Ballston opened their foothills campaign with an impressive 6-0 win.  Scoring first was Jon Valder with a rocket to the low near post corner!  This opened the opportunity for Mike Murphy and Jeremy Haqq to score 2 more goals before the half ended.  In the second half Jeremy Haqq scored a second goal and Mike Murphy was able collect a hat trik t t

 

9/10/03

Ballston Spa 2 - Queensbury 0

After a much improved rendition of the national anthem - I think we have Mr. Cotugno's trust again!  However, do you want the good news or the bad news?  Well the good news is that we have had two shutouts in the last two games. The other good news is that we are one step closer to our goal of winning the foothills  .  Jon Valder assisted both goals.  Kyle Neuhaus hit a bomb from the 18 that queensbury's keeper had no chance at.  Then 13 minutes into the second half Brian Stasik was in the right place on the back post during a restart.  Jon Valder lofted a ball up and over the wall right to Stasik.   The bad news is that Nick Fenton went down with a possiblle tear in his MCL or ACL.  If this is the case after an MRI is done,  Treatment will take 6-8 weeks.  We are still hoping the MRI comes back negative.  We now need to work a little bit harder to make up for this loss!

 

9/12/03

Ballston Spa 6 - Hudson Falls 0

There was not a part of our game that was not in sinc today.  Defensively we rarely let the ball out of our defensive half.  Offensively, playing simple reallly payed off.  We did it for 80 minutes and the result was another high scoring affair.  The first two goals were scored by Kyle Neuhaus 1 minute apart.  Both of his shots were blasts!  The second goal was assisted by Miles Williamson.  Mike Hensler then recorded his 1st goal of the 2003 campaign with an assist from Kevin Kelly.  In the second half Ballston continued its scoring ways as Gibran Khalil scored from 25 yards out into the upper 90!  4 minutes later Jon Valder took a ball from Rob Fitzgerald and put it away.  The final goal of the game was scored by Brian Stasik with an assist from Jon Valder.  The defense once again was impressive and recorded their third shutout in three games.  Keep it up!  Columbia Tomorrow....Are we ready?

 

Columbia 6 - Ballston 1

Let me answer that last question- No!   Columbia really attacked.  It was 4-0 at halftime.  However, the one glimmer of hope came just 5 minutes into the second half.  Jeremy Haqq scored the only Ballston goal off an assist from Kyle Neuhaus.  These games are character builders.  They allow us to keepeverything in perspective.  As I mentioned to the players - I hand picked Columbia and Bethlehem.  We could have played anyone - why not play the best.  This game gives us a mark to shoot for over the course of the next 13 games.  Back to the foothills...Scotia on Monday - We know what happens the next time we play after we give up 6 goals to a Suburban school.  Watch out Scotia! 

      Thanks to all the parents who helped and supported our tailgate party prior to the Columbia game.

 

Ballston Spa 1 - Scotia 0

Ballston pulled out the win!  With 18 minutes gone, Kyle Neuhaus stepped on the field to deliver a chipped ball into the goal box.  Jeremy Haqq one timed the ball  (with his left foot I might add) past the Scotia keeper.  Hard to believe but that was the game winner.  The constant rotation of defenders and the bee biten Eric Rosse claimed their 4th shut out of the year.  More impressively is that they are still unscored on in Foothills action.  This game was a monkey off Ballston's back - Scotia has been the foothills champion since 1999.  It is time to bring that championship home to our bannner in 2003.

 

Ballston Spa 2  - Gloversville 1

In an awesome game, Spa took another win when the ball was cleared off a corner and rolled out to Junior defender Rob Fitzgerald who unleashed a 40 yard missile into the back of the net for the gamer. It came with ten minutes to play in the match. Ballston scored first when Kyle Neuhaus's cross was headed home by Brian Stasik six minutes into the second half. Gloversville answered on a 25 yard left footed shot by Mike Evens. Defender Terry Beckett was outstanding for the Dragons, and Fitzgerald played very well for Spa. Speed to burn forward Jeremy Haqq was a threat all night for Ballston as well. Ballston Spa outshot Gloversville 8-6 to remain unbeaten in Foothills play.

 

Ballston Spa 1 - Glens Falls 0

It took 60 minutes of knocking on Glens Falls' door before they ler us in.  John Crawford, the sophomore keeper from Glens Falls - Kept his team in this game.  The Indians were outshot 21-8 and the Scotties were only able to manage 1 goal in 80 minutes.  The goal came off a Matt Wink Corner kick.  Jeremy Haqq was waiting at the back post to head it in.  Ballston remains unbeaten in Foothills play - Eric Rosse and the defense earned their 5th shutout of the season.

 

Ballston Spa 2 - Broadalbin-Perth 0

Brian Stasik broke out of his scoring slump by scoring both goals.  Stasik was really working hard to do things we had been training- it payed off!  Keep it up Stas!  It seemed as though things were really clicken for a wile as people on the field were playin 1 touch and 2 touch soccer- it looke pretty much better then the previous game.  The defense oncae again got a shutout their 6th on the season.

 

Ballston Spa 2 - South High 0

To some up the game - a lot of missed opportunities but stayed focused!  South High earned atleast 9 yellow cards (I need to call the officials to find out the exact number) and we had 1 undeserving yellow.  That must be a record in section 2 without an all out brawl.  Why?  Ballston Spa has some major goals this year and none of them are to retaliate against unsportsman like conduct. For 80 minutes we all controlled the one thing we have power over - ourselves.  There were some hard hits but everyone got up and kept playing soccer.  Our first goal was scored by Brian Stasik.  He followed up a Jeremy Haqq shot and put it wide of the keeper.  In the second half, with all of the fouls, Ballston was awarded 2 penalty kicks.  Kevin Kelly was blocked by an unbelievable keeper in Tyler Lattimore.  Then 10 minutes later Mike Hensler stepped to the stripe to put the icing on the cake.  How proud our Ballston community is of you gentleman.  Not because you are undefeated in league play with 7 shutouts, but because you proved that no one will take you of course this year!  Keep up the hard work.

 

Ballston Spa 10 - Johnstown 0

The Scotties continued their winning ways as they moved to 9-0 in the league.  They also earned their eightth shutout in 11 games behind the goal keeping of Mike Murphy and Rob Fitzgerald.  This high scoring affair saw 9 players add to their season stats.  Mike Hensler led the way with 2 goals, 3 assists. Jon Valder had 2 goals - 1 assist, Jeremy Haqq had 2 goals-2 assists, Jim Sheeran and Brian Stasik both had a goal and an assist,  Miles Williamson and Mike Murphy tallied 1 goaql each, Dan Cummings had 2 assists, while Adam Greenson contributed an assist.  Way to pull together gentleman and get through the rough times!

 

Ballston Spa 1 - Queensbury 0

Another outstanding effort by the defense.  Today they earned their 9th shutout of the season.  Eric Rosse had to come up big a few times to keep the shut-out though.  Although the game was 1-0, Ballston seemed in control the whole game with their short crisp passing.  It wasn't until about 1 minute after the half that the scotties struck net.  Kevin Kelly beat his man on the left side and served the ball to the middle of the field.  Jeremy Haqq atempted to score and his ball headed towards the left post where Mike Murphy was waiting to put it in.  Keep up the great work gentleman!

 

Ballston Spa, 6 - Hudson Falls 0

Hudson Falls held it's own for about 60 minutes. However,  Mike Murphy came to play.  He scored a goal in the first half off a service from Jon Valder. Then in the last 20 minutes of the game he scored 2 more goals and had 2 assists.  Also scoring for Ballston were Brian Stasik with a goal and 2 assists, Jeremy Haqq with a goal and an assist, and Adam Greenson with a goal.  With another consistent performance defensively, the team earned shutout Number 10!    

 

Ballston Spa 0 - Scotia 2

They say all good things must come to an end!  Well the scotties thoughts of an undefeated season in the foothills were spoiled by defending champion Scotia.  Scotia had some valid attempts in the first half but were denied by the defense and Eric Rosse.  However in the second half at the 68 minute mark Scotia scored.  The with 4 minutes to go as Ballston was pushing to try to get another goal they gave upa corner kick.  Ballston certainly played their game for 80 minutes.  They possesed all over the field, while Scotia just played the ball forward continusouly throughout the game.  Even with the loss, the Scotties remain 1 point ahead of Scotia in the standings.  Never before has a Ballston Spa team been in this position to control their own fate in winning the Foothills.  They need to beat Gloversville on Thurday and then win their last 3 games to take the council and put a league title up on the banner.

 

Ballston Spa, Gloversville

Game was postponed due to the death of a gloversville student.  This game is rescheduled for 7:00pm October 20.  What a way to finish the regular season for our seniors!

 

10/10/03,  3:15pm- Just got off the phone with Nick Fenton - HE has been cleared to play!  You heard right - our senior captain is returning from the doctors to train with us today!  Welcome back Nick - We've missed ya and look forward for you making up for lost time.

 

10/13/03 9:00pm;  Word just in Scotia was beat by Gloversville 2-0.  This certainly opens the door a little more for Ballston to win the league with a strong showing in their last 4 games.

 

Ballston Spa 7 Johnstown 0

10/16/03 12-1 scored 42 goals, given up just 3!  Amazing what you can do if you put your mind to it.  Scoring for todays game was led by Brandon Gemerek with 2 goals and 1 assist.  Also Jim Sheeran had a goal and an assist.  Other scorers for Ballston were Mike Hensler, Brian Stasik, Jeremy Haqq, and Nick Fenton.  That is right, in 20 minutes of playing, Nick got off to a great start by getting in the scoring column.  A number of players had assist in this game as well.  Jon Valder had 2, Kevin Kelly and Kyle Neuhaus had 1 each.

 

Ballston Spa 11 - Glens Falls 0

Ballston Spa 1 - Gloversville 0

The postponement of this game was key.  It allowed a number of players to get through some of their injuries and be prepared for the intesity of post-season.  Although Ballston had already won the championship - this one was for pride.  Gloversville at Ballston under the lights on a cool fall evening night would make any soccer fan head out to the game.  That is what about 200 people did including the likes of some college coaches (Skidmore, Cortland, HVCC, etc.).  This was senior night.  Before the start of the game all of our seniors and their parents were recognized.Thanks for all your hard work and efforts this year.  We will miss you Brian S, Mike H, Brian W,  Chris L., Steve C.,and  Nick F.  Well this game had all the hype!   The game winner came 32 minutes into the first half.  Jeremy Haqq receied a great ball from Gibran Khalil.  Jeremy put into the upper 90 just over the outstretched arms of the Gloversville keeper.  With Gloversville hitting the post 2 times and us 1 time - most of the game was played in the middle third of the field.

 

Colonie 1 - Ballston Spa 0

Coach Motsiff said just an average game would  have got us into the second round.  However, the consistency that had been there all year was missing.  It seemed that a number of players really struggled.  The game was tied 0-o at the half.  It wan't until the so minutes left in the game that Colonie scored off a restart.  The ball was kicked from the left flank, caught some wind and hung just above the outstretched arms of Eric Rosse.  As he came down so did the ball - it dropped just under the crossbar.  This proved to be the game winner for the Raiders.

 

League All-Stars Announced...

First Team Foothills

Mike Hensler

Brian Stasik

 

Second Team Foothills

Jared Iacolucci

Jeremy Haqq

Eric Rosse

 

Honorable Mention

Jon Valder

Matt Wink

Rob Fitzgerald