Game Reports

Game Comments:

Queensbury concluded their demanding non conference early season games today with a 2-0 setback at Niskayuna. It marked the third straight match with Suburban competition, but this time moving up to Class "AA" in the Nisky Warriors. The Spartans finished last season as a NYS finalist with a record of 22-1, but the team lost some very key players to graduation. Still, the Spartans displayed a strong work ethic as they battled Nisky, who had the possession advantage in the match. After a scoreless first half, the Warriors broke through from a corner kick with Keenan Duggal scoring and an assist going to Oscar Mirkovic. With under ten minutes to play, Merjan Ozisik added a PK to make the final count, 2-0. Queensbury's Ray Jones was very good in the air, and the team showed promise, but also it is important to note that the Spartans had a few players banged up from early season mishaps and still not on the field. To come out of three Suburban games with a 2-1 record is a good sign for the defending Class "A" champions. For Niskayuna, this team could be very good, depending on chemistry and how things come together. Good luck to both teams!

Game Comments:

Today Guilderland traveled to Nisky for a league kickoff match. Nisky controlled the majority of the possession and had several good chances but couldn't convert. Guilderland was dangerous on the counter attack and created a few excellent chances that Jimmy Joyce stood tall and gave stiffling performance in the nets. Both teams battled the heat and the game was called at halftime due to the heat advisory.

Game Comments:

Niskayuna was able to defeat Shaker, 3-2, in overtime in a dramatic victory. Both teams played hard in the first half, but it was largely a defensive battle as it ended 0-0 with very few opportunities for either team. To start the second half Shaker scored early off a corner kick when Evan Austin headed the ball and Jack Acquario also headed into the goal. Nisky scored less than a minute later off of a free kick from Merjan Ozisk who played it in perfectly for Saidali Mesbahi. Shaker retook the lead off of a great cross from Stephen Guidi and a great header from Jack Acquario. With less than 2 minutes to play Shaker's goalie came out of the box and was unable to get the ball and then a Shaker defender cleared it, but his clear ricocheted off a teammate and into the back of the net for an unlucky own goal. Nisky used the fortunate bounce to their advantage and scored 5 minutes into overtime on a penalty kick from Ozisk for the game winner.

Game Comments:

Ballston Spa came out strong and scored in the first 3 minutes. Jeff Matthews found the net, assisted by Ethan Cook. Nisky took that shot and from that moment on, took control of the match. Nisky's Merjan Ozisik scored with 10 minutes left in the half to level it at 1's. Nisky came right back out of the half and continued their possession play. Ozisik found the back of the net two more times and gave the defenders everything they could handle and more. Nisky added two insurance goals, one by Said Mesbani and the other by Nick Viggiani. Assists on the day were George Tsakalakos as well as and Dan Wheeler. Nisky's defenders put in an outstanding effort. Jimmy Joyce made two spectacular saves and finished with 5 on the day.

Game Comments:

Niskayuna beat Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake, 1-0, today. Niskayuna dominated possession in the opening stages, leading to an unassisted goal in the 9th minute by George Tsakalakos. Ten minutes later Nisky had a penalty kick saved by BHBL goalkeeper,Sean Speck, who was excellent throughout the game. This gave BHBL some momentum, which they rode into halftime. The game became quite physical in the second half as BHBL went in search of the tying goal, though Niskayuna continued to carve out meaningful chances in an attempt to seal the game. Nisky nearly scored several times were it not for Speck's outstanding work in the nets. Jimmy Joyce had 4 saves in goal for the Silver Warriors. Shots on frame stood at 11-5, Nisky, and the Silver Warriors also had a 3-2 corner advantage.

Game Comments:

In what was a battle of the two remaining undefeated teams in the Suburban Council, Bethlehem beat Niskayuna today, 1-0. The first half was a midfield battle, with Nisky mustering the lone shot on frame for both teams. The second half was much of the same, with Bethlehem having spells of possession and both teams coming close to scoring, though regulation time ended at 0-0. In the first overtime period Bethlehem had more possession, creating a chance that was saved by Niskayuna goalkeeper Jimmy Joyce onto the post and cleared by the Nisky defense. Joyce was outstanding in net all day for Nisky. The game went into the second 10 minute overtime period with Niskayuna having the slight advantage in pressing for the goal. With under 5 minutes to go Niskayuna had a free kick in the Bethlehem half that was cleared by the Bethlehem defense at the top of the box back to the midfield, leading to a counter-attack by Darin Gumustop, who managed to get in behind the Nisky defense and go one-on-one with Joyce. He tucked away the game winning golden goal from the right side of the box (assist Jamie Smith) with 4 minutes and 14 second remaining in the game, handing Niskayuna their first loss of the season.

Game Comments:

Niskayuna suffered its second loss of the season today, losing 3-1 to Christian Brothers Academy, and falling to a 4-2-1 record. The game was well balanced in the opening stages, with Niskayuna nearly scoring on a 1-1 breakaway about 10 minutes into the game, where it not for an excellent save by the CBA goalkeeper. Shortly thereafter CBA scored on a deflected shot from a clearance, goal by Connor Pierre. CBA scored again about 5 minutes later, Brady VanEpps from Keegan Vedder, though Nisky cut the deficit in half about 10 minutes from the end of the first half on a goal by Keenan Duggal (assisted by George Tsakalakos) following a deflected ball in the box off a free kick. In the second half CBA gained the upper hand in possession, and Nisky switched to two forwards up top in an attempt to tie the game. About 10 minutes into the 2nd half CBA was awarded a penalty kick, which was brilliantly saved by Nisky goalie Jimmy Joyce. CBA continued to have more possession and push for a third goal, though Nisky had multiple counter-attacking chances to tie the game up. With 21 minutes to go CBA scored its third goal (Sumahri Stewart, and again Vedder on the assist) to seal the match. The teams continued to battle in what was a very competitive and entertaining game from the 3rd (CBA) and 4th (Niskayuna) ranked Class AA sides in the Suburban Council. Jimmy Joyce had 7 saves in goal for the Silver Warriors.

Game Comments:

Troy's defense was tested today, but they played hard and pushed Niskayuna into overtime before falling, 1-0. For Troy, defender George Dzikunu played an outstanding match. However, Niskayuna wasted no time in the first overtime period in sealing the game. The ball was worked to Keenan Duggal on the right touch line just inside the Troy half, who crossed the ball to Merjan Ozisik at the right-side top of the box. Ozisik, surrounded by two defenders, headed the ball backwards to George Tsakalakos who was two yards outside the box on the left side. Tsakalakos calmly controlled the ball and with one defender in front of him faked, cut the ball to his right, and unleashed a powerful, yet beautifully placed, shot from 20 yards out to the upper left side of the goal over the Troy goalkeeper 39 seconds into the first overtime period (9:21 left in the first overtime), thus sealing the hard fought win for Niskayuna.

Game Comments:

Niskayuna and Colonie met today with Nisky winning, 3-0. Niskayuna immediately took control of possession and scored 3 minutes into the match on a headed goal by Jackson Bishop, assisted by Alex Dallaratta’s cross from the right side. Nisky scored again 5 minutes later when Merjan Ozisik and George Tsakalakos played a one-two near the edge of the attacking third, with Ozisik firing a blistering shot from outside the box to the upper left hand corner of the goal. The half played out with Nisky generally dominating the ball possession and Colonie attempting a few counter-attacks on the Nisky goal. In the second half, Colonie stepped up their pressure on the ball and gained more spells of possession. Just as it seemed the match was destined to end 2-0, Merjan Ozisik receive the ball on the upper left side of the box, beat two defenders to the left goal line and cut the ball low back to Isaac Brink, who side-footed the ball with his left foot from just outside the 6-yard box into the right side of the goal with 24.1 seconds left to play. Shots were 8-6 , Saves were 5-4, and corners were 4-3 all slightly in favor of Niskayuna.

Game Comments:

The Niskayuna High School and Shenendehowa High School teams met today with the game ending, 0-0, in what was a competitive, entertaining, and high quality match played under the lights at Union College’s Baily Field stadium and with plenty of fan support creating an excellent atmosphere. Shen had the better of possession in the first half, creating various attacks in the final third primarily through Jaylen Sykes and Ethan Brunnel that were ultimately stifled by the strong Nisky defense (especially Oscar Mircovic, Dan Wheeler, Alex Dellarata, and Colby Carach), though Niskayuna had the lone shot on goal in the half by George Tsakalakos on a breakaway on the left side that was well saved by the Shen goalie. In second half Nisky had the better of possession and created several shots, including two more by Tsakalakos, though Shen nearly scored on a low, long range shot by Kelim Salajin that went just wide of the Nisky left post. With ~30 seconds to go in regulation Merjan Ozisik won the ball in the middle of the pitch, dribbled 20 yards and ripped a 30 yard shot that hit the corner of the Shen cross bar and the right upright, drawing gasps from the crowd as the clock wound down towards overtime. In the first overtime Shen came out stronger and created a couple of scoring chances by Ethan Brunell and Eric Mahatadze, whereas in the second overtime Niskayuna looked the more likely to score the golden goal. With 1 minute to play Nisky worked the ball down the left wing between Jordan Angrist and Colby Carach, with Carach whipping in a cross to the back post that was headed back across the face of goal by Keenan Duggal to George Tsakalakos who headed the ball just wide of the post from the center of the 6 yard line, thus ending the game in dramatic fashion. Well done by both teams, especially the defenses. Jimmy Joyce had 6 saves in goal for the Silver Warriors.

Game Comments:

Niskayuna surprised Albany today with a counter attacking style to spring a 3-0 upset win over the state ranked Falcons. Albany came out strong and pressed in the beginning, taking a powerful shot from the left corner of the 6 yard box that was saved by Jimmy Joyce, a crucial first intervention. While Albany pressed, in the 10th minute Niskayuna forward Jackson Bishop received the ball in the center forward channel with back to goal and turn to play the ball out to the left, where Merjan Ozisik was streaming down the wing. Ozisik dribbled and ripped a low, left-footed shot from the top left of the box that beat the Albany goalkeeper to open the scoring. The half continued with Albany pressing and Niskayuna playing a more counter-attacking style. The second half opened with Niskayuna looking more lively, and 5 minutes into it a ball was played by Alex Dellarata over the top of the last Albany defender with George Tsakalakos chasing. Tsakalakos shouldered the defender off the ball at the top of the box and got in behind one-on-one with the Albany keeper, slotting the ball low into the net, and sending the home team and the crowed into delirium. After that point the game became very physical as Albany tried to get back into the game, with Albany's Marcello Fazio and Kevin Kampula combination up top looking ever dangerous, though their attacks were cut out by the strong Niskayuna defense (Alex Dellarate, Oscar Mircovic, Colby Carach, and Dan Wheeler, who had a particularly excellent performance). Jarel Mirabito also contributed in the central defense after Mircovic was taken off with a thigh injury, and Said Mesbahi was critical in the holding midfield role. In the 70th minute another ball was played over the top of the Albany defense by Merjan Ozisik. Nick Viggiani ran onto it and beat the Albany goalkeeper one-on-one to make it 3-0 and send the home crowd into further scenes of wild celebration and sealing a big result for the Silver Warriors. Jimmy Joyce had 13 saves in goal for Niskayuna.

Game Comments:

Nisky came to Schenectady for a Suburban Council match. Schenectady came out in a compact shell to try and keep Nisky's offense at bay. Nisky scored the lone goal at the 13 minute mark of the game. Alex Dellarata made a nice run out of the back and then played the ball to George Tsakalakos who hit the half volley home, 1-0. Nisky had the lion's share of possession as Schenectady tried to counter Nisky's mistakes.

Game Comments:

Niskayuna immediately took control of possession and was up, 3-0, within 5 minutes on goals by Jackson Bishop (2nd minute assisted by Alex Dellaratta), Keenan Duggal (4th minute assisted by George Tsakalakos), and George Tsakalakos (5th minute assisted by Merjan Ozisik). In the second half Nisky scored 4 more goals by Merjan Ozisik (44th minute assisted by Alex Dellaratta), George Tsakalakos (47th minute assisted by Merjan Ozisik), Toby Goldner (56th minute assisted by Isaak Brinck), and Chase Behar (57th minute assisted by Nick Viggiani).

Game Comments:

Union College was the site with Toga winning 2-0. Saratoga began the game the livelier side, and on 13 minutes after some sustained possession around the box were awarded a penalty kick that was converted by Evan Farr. In the 31st minute a long, high ball was allowed to bounce in the Nisky defensive third and after a misplay Aidan Rice was able to get in behind the Nisky defense and slot the ball under Jimmy Joyce to double the Saratoga lead. This occurred just after Nisky forward Merjan Ozisik had faked two defenders and ripped a low, hard shot from the top of the box that was saved by the Saratoga goalie Alex Henderson onto the near post and the ball rolled across the face of goal before it was cleared by the Saratoga defense, a dramatic and pivotal moment in the match. In fact, Henderson had a standout game the entire match, making key saves in high pressure situations. Nisky came out strong in the second half and began to control possession of the ball through the midfield and around the Saratoga box, but could not find the back of the net. The match was effectively decided when Niskayuna was reduced to 10 men with ten minutes to play in the game. Shots on frame stood at 7-5 in favor of Saratoga, and the Blue Streaks also led in corners, 5-3.

Game Comments:

Niskayuna beat Averill Park, 2-0. Niskayuna dominated possession in the first half and was up 1-0 in the 6th minute when Jimmy Joyce punted the ball up to Merjan Ozisik, who controlled the ball on the left side of the box, dribbled to the outside and cut the back to his right, beating the defender and unleashing a hard, low, curling shot from just inside the edge of the box that beat the Averill Park goalie on the near post. In the 24th minute the ball was received at the top of the box by Tommaso Vato (a Junior Varsity player who was brought up to help the team), who played the ball to the left side, where Merjan Ozisik received it and again beat two defenders before ripping another hard, yet higher, shot into the goal. In the second half Averill Park stepped up their level of play, challenging the ball harder, and disrupting the flow of the Niskayuna passing game. With 3 minutes to go Niskayuna was awarded a penalty, but the shot was placed just wide of the upright. Jimmy Joyce had 4 saves for the Silver Warriors.

Game Comments:

Niskayuna beat La Salle Institute in the first round of the Class "AA" sectionals, 1-0, improving their overall record on the season to 11-3-2. Niskayuna’s quality was evident from the first whistle and they quickly went up 1-0 in the 4th minute when Jordan Angrist controlled the ball in the middle of the pitch, turned, and split the La Salle central defenders with a through ball on the ground to play Merjan Ozisik in, who calm slotted the ball under the onrushing La Salle goalkeeper at the penalty spot. Nisky continued to dominate and had many shots from the top of the box that were just over the bar or wide. In the second half La Salle sensed they could perhaps tie the game, and thus increased their pressure on the ball, creating a couple of half chances, whereas the Nisky forward duo of George Tsakalakos and Merjan Ozisik nearly scored on several clear chances, as did Said Mesbahi on a header off a corner and Keenan Duggal on a one-on-one play that was critically saved by the La Salle goalie coming off his line on his left 6 yard line. The last 10 minutes became more intense as La Salle worked hard to try to bring the match into overtime, but ended with the same score as at halftime. Euzekial Michael Pink in the attack and Shane Derrick in the defense put in strong performances for La Salle, as did the goalkeeper, Anthony Rotello. Jimmy Joyce had 3 saves in goal for the Silver Warriors, who travel to Albany High School on Saturday at 6:30 PM for the Sectional Quarterfinals.

Game Comments:

Niskayuna High School knocked off state ranked Albany tonight, 3-2, in double overtime in what was an epic battle that will live long in the memory of those who were there to witness it. The match began quite even with both sides feeling each out through the midfield, though after 15 minutes Albany began to get the upper hand in possession. The Nisky forward combination of George Tsakalakos and Jackson Bishop, together with Merjan Ozisik playing in the attacking center midfield role behind them were, however, able to create a couple of decent chances in the half, though it ended at 0-0. In the second half Albany came out strong and dominated possession of the ball, controlling the tempo of play. It was Nisky, however, who scored the first goal of the match in the 54th minute against the run of play. Oscar Mirkovic played the ball out of the back up the right side channel as Tsakalakos made a diagonal run into the attacking right corner of the pitch. Tsakalakos controlled, shielded, cut back behind his leg, and placed a beautiful ball across the face of goal 6 yards out and on the ground through to the back post, where Merjan Ozisik calmly controlled, cut to his right to beat a defender, and slammed the ball in from point blank range (6 yards out in the center). Albany came out attacking after the goal and continued to press Niskayuna, with Nisky attempting to counter-attack. One of those counter-attacks paid off, when a long ball was played out of the back up to Isaak Brinck who beat the last defender and was taken out by that defender in the box as he was about to take a shot on goal with only the keeper to beat. Ozisik stepped up to take the penalty, and placed it just under the Albany goalkeeper to double the Nisky lead with 14 minutes and 34 seconds left in the 2nd half. However, Albany was determined not to see their season end, and pushed hard for a goal to get back into the game. With 9 minutes to go Albany was awarded a penalty that was converted to make it 1-2. Just when it seemed Niskayuna was going to close out the match, a clear penalty was awarded for Albany with 3 minutes to go, thus tying it up and sending the match to overtime. The first overtime was a stalemate with Albany perhaps having more of the possession. The second overtime saw Niskayuna control more of the ball, though with what seemed little penetration of the Albany defense. As the seconds rolled down towards penalties, Ozisik received the ball just outside the attacking right side of the Albany box. He looked up at the clock to see there were ~15 seconds left in overtime, dribbled towards the touch line, cut the ball back away from the touch line, and crossed the ball with an unbelievable and audacious Rabona kick (right foot behind planted left) in a line drive about 5 feet off the ground. Jackson Bishop was facing him at the penalty, and launched himself in a sideways bicycle kick, slamming the ball into the back left far side of the Albany net with ~8 seconds to go in double OT, and sending the Niskayuna players and their fans into scenes of wild celebration as the clock wound down to zero, while the brave and valiant Albany players lay on the ground in scenes of utter agony at their sudden and shocking defeat. Jimmy Joyce had 7 saves in goal for the Silver Warriors and was outstanding. This was truly one of the most memorable matches witnessed in the Class AA sectionals; congratulations to both teams for playing such a hard fought and exciting match, and congratulations to Albany for an excellent season having finished at 14 in NY State! The Niskayuna Silver Warriors will face either Bethlehem or Saratoga Springs in the Sectional Semi-Final at 5 PM on Friday 10/26 at Colonie High School.

Posted - Oct 27 2018 : 01:39:22 AM

Some of my best memories as a soccer coach are penalty kick shootouts. Some of my worst memories as a soccer coach are penalty kick shootouts. It was the best of times. It was the worst of times. So it goes and tonight, Niskayuna and Bethlehem faced off in yet another PK shootout after 110 minutes of scoreless soccer. It was the second time penalties decided who advanced this sectional season (Waterford did it in the C’s).

Nisky’s Saidali Mesbahi drilled the nets first. Next, Bethlehem’s Derin Gumustop hit a low shot toward the corner, but Nisky keeper Jimmy Joyce went the right way and his diving save kept the score at 1-0. It was the turning point in the shootout. After that, Nisky’s Merjan Ozisik, Toby Goldner, Oscar Mirkovic, and George Tsakalakos all found net. Bethlehem’s Keprielian Gabriel, Kanic Salko, and Kanic Kenan all scored as well. However, since Nisky shot first and when the fifth shot went in, it was over and the wild celebration began with a 5-3 PK advancement by the Silver Warriors.

Both teams had opportunities to win this thing. Midway thru the first period, Gumustop was crashing net on the left side and he was stuffed point blank by Joyce in an impressive bit of goalkeeping. Moments later Emery Lleyton hit a curling shot from the 18 which was again handled cleanly by Joyce. In the second half, Bethlehem created a 2 v 1 situation, broke thru and again Joyce was the man. In overtime, the Eagles’ Andrew Ksanznak’s direct kick into the box had Gumustop’s head on radar, but it missed connection by inches, and that was a game winner for sure. Still in OT, Nisky’s Tsakalakos’s pass sent in the speedy Ozisik on the keeper, but the ball was too much and even Ozisik’s speed couldn’t catch up to that one. An OT long direct service from Nisky somehow squirted thru the box and Eagle keeper Sam Lane scrambling, managed to get one hand to it at the far post, inches from crossing the line.

Stats: Shots at goal: Bethlehem 9, Nisky 8, Shots on frame: Bethlehem 6, Nisky 6, Corners: Bethlehem 6 Nisky 3.

The Eagles’ Lemov Caden deserves much credit for keeping the clever Merjan Ozisik off the scoreboard. Ryan Doyle was another standout today for the Eagles. He often helped out the defense, but also was a key in jump starting the Eagles offense, winning almost every 50/50 ball on the pitch and threading passes thru the Nisky defense. Nisky’s Ozisik’s speed was always a threat and every time he touched the ball, the Nisky crowd was in full throat.

Bethlehem was saddened by the failure to reach the finals, but in looking back, this group certainly put in a very solid season of play. For Niskayuna, the #7 seed, it doesn’t get any better than this – going to a Tuesday night Class “AA” final vs. CBA with the right man in the goal- Jimmy Joyce, who certainly had an impressive showing tonight.

Last thing- a shout out of thanks to Tom and Sophie who volunteered as ball people for the second half and the overtimes and it sure helped the game move at a brisk pace. Tom and Sophie, we all thank you.

Posted - Oct 31 2018 : 02:25:27 AM

What a fitting atmosphere for our last match of the night as this year, Class “AA” has been the top draw at Colonie and elsewhere. It was great to see so many students from CBA and in equal numbers from Niskayuna and both crowds were into it. They were all loud, and the atmosphere and chants with fans lined around the field, and the stands filled end to end, it was a wonderful tribute to the sport of soccer, and a fitting conclusion to a great day of soccer at Colonie.

This game had the best atmosphere of any sectional game I was privileged to attend, and thanks to both schools and their fans for supporting soccer and making tonight so memorable.

I came ready to see that electric CBA attack and that quick strike offense which has been a trademark of this squad. They sure worked hard once again, but some credit must be given to the Niskayuna backs who handled so much pressure, shut down channels, were solid in their game decisions, and cut off critical passes – in particular Oscar Mirkovic (#19), Colby Carach (#2), and Dan Wheeler (#20). They were all impressive. Then of course, there is keeper Jimmy Joyce who for my money is one of the top keepers in the area.

Sixteen minutes remained in the first half when that pressure from the Brothers paid off as a push from behind sent Eli D’Onofrio (#2) to the PK line where he drilled net, 1-0, CBA.

Late in the half, Nisky’s Merjan Ozisik (#10) nearly leveled the score as he drew the ball across the top of the box and made a solid strike on frame which was nicely handled by CBA keeper Dan Kelly. The speed of play is such fun to watch – congrats to both sides, and they went to the half, 1-0.

Just two minutes into second stanza play, CBA nearly doubled their lead as a perfect service put #9 John Mendrysa thru, but his shot, under defensive pressure right and left, was struck wide.

Six minutes into play, CBA produced the prettiest goal of the match when Keegan Vedder (#10) for CBA threaded a pass thru the defense to a flying Mendrysa, but this time, Joyce recognized the danger well and flew out off his line at Mendrysa, and the forward’s shot was timed on the money as Joyce was sliding, the forward slotted the ball past him and into net, 2-0.

As time wore on, Nisky started going forward more and more and to their credit, as the box started collecting bodies, good things happened for the Silver Warriors. Six minutes remained and Keenan Duggal(#16) hit a lot shot which a CBA defender tried to clear, but his clearance slammed into the back of a fellow defender and caromed into the goal for an own goal and a 2-1 scoreline.

Stats: shots at goal: CBA 11 (7 on frame) and Nisky 6 (4 on frame). I had corners at 1 each.

Niskayuna proved a stiff test for the Brothers and gave a good account of themselves all tournament. It showed how little separated the top Suburban teams when you look back at the close games and realize that any of seven teams could have been there tonight, but it was the Silver Warriors who made the big plays at the right time, and just nearly pulled off another one tonight – congrats on a fine season.

The CBA squad and their fellow students really enjoyed this victory, which I believe is the first sectional title in CBA soccer history. The celebration was loud and happy and much deserved as teammates, family, friends and all found making history pretty special. Even more special would be a Regional title which the Brothers will go to Liverpool on Saturday in search of as they face the Bees of Baldwinsville. Good luck, guys, and our best!