JV Game Summaries

Home vs Shaker      Loss 3-1

Saturday, October 14, 2023

The JV Bethlehem Boys Soccer team concluded their season at home on Saturday, suffering their first and only defeat to a talented Shaker side.

The highly anticipated matchup exceeded expectations, providing the sizeable crowd with end-to-end action for the entire 80 minutes. Bethlehem initially had the advantage, controlling possession and generating scoring chances from Ayaz Sajid, Adam Griesbach, Ayden Blockston, Keating Pauze and Jonathan Radcliffe that all narrowly missed or were stopped by the Shaker keeper.

Shaker began to turn the tide late in the half, forcing Bethlehem keeper Quinn Behan to make several key saves. But little could be done about a redirect from a Shaker free kick from just outside the box. The goal initially appeared to be called offside due to the scoring player having been in an offiside position when the ball was played. But the officials reconsidered and the goal was eventually given.

The visitors capitalized on this momentum, and six minutes later a Shaker midfielder fired a bending shot from the top of the penalty box that found the Bethlehem net just inside the right post. The half would end 2-0.

The intensity of the game ratcheted up in the second half, as did the physical play. Both sides were cautioned with yellow cards, before a Shaker player was given his walking papers with a red card. But after much deliberation by the officials, it was determined the Bison would continue with 11 players, as the dismissed player was not on the pitch when the card was shown.

Bethlehem showed the spirit and tenacity that had propelled them past teams throughout the regular season, with the formidable defensive pairing of Temi Oke and Aaden Mohit anchoring a defense that battled for every loose ball and continually stymied the Shaker attack. But an alert Bison forward capitalized on a miscommunication in the defensive third, breaking in alone on goal. Behan was able to make an impressive save on the initial shot, but the rebound was easily tapped in by Shaker to increase the deficit to three.

Bethlehem remained undeterred, continuing to pressure the Shaker defense. After a series of opportunities that resulted in Shaker saves and Bethlehem corner kicks, the Eagles’ efforts were rewarded when Keating Pauze sent a curling corner to the far post to be nodded in by Adam Griesbach.

But that was all the offense Bethlehem would muster this Saturday as the game ended by the score of 3-1 in Shaker’s favor. Bethlehem managed a 57%-43% advantage in possession and had 13 shots (four on goal) to Shaker’s nine (seven on goal). The Eagles recorded eight corner kicks to Bisons’ two and were called for nine fouls to Shaker’s eight. Bethlehem JV under Coach Matt Glannon finish their Fall 2023 season with an impressive 11-1-0 record.

Away vs Saratoga       Win 2-0

Thursday, October 12

 Bethlehem JV Boys Soccer continued their winning ways Thursday, capturing an exciting 2-0 road win vs perennial Suburban Council power Saratoga. It was the undefeated Eagles’ 11th straight victory, capping a string of four straight road games in which they outscored opponents 10-2.

An organized Saratoga side appeared to have the run of play early on, controlling the ball well and switching fields with precision and poise. But the visitors quickly adjusted and begin to routinely disrupt the Saratoga midfield, controlling possession and generating multiple offensive chances.

The deadly counter-attack that has been Eagles’ signature all season provided a thrilling moment in the 19th minute, as Teme Oke won the ball in the Bethlehem defensive third and sent a bending pass up the right flank to Ayden Blockston. Blockston beat two defenders as he broke toward goal and set a low ball to the far post to a speeding Ayaz Sajid. Sajid, closely covered by a Saratoga defender, slid into the ball in an acrobatic display that sent both players – and more importantly, the ball – into the back of the Saratoga net to give Bethlehem the lead.

The depth of this Bethlehem squad was on full display during the remainder of the contest. The pace of the Bethlehem forwards allowed the Blue Streaks’ defenders no rest, and as Blockston and Sajid cycled out, the speedy Lucas Nalbone and Jon Radcliffe continued to give Saratoga fits. Similarly, the battle for control of the midfield, so gamely waged by Keating and Jack Pauze, Everett Bergen and Adam Griesbach through the first 20 minutes, remained relentless as Kaleb Murray, Will Trowbridge, Quinn Drury and Brendan Sweeney took the pitch.

The second half provided more of the same, with both sides trading possession, scoring opportunities and fouls. The match became increasingly chippy, with the officials issuing warnings to players on both sides before showing Keating Pauze a yellow card in the ninth minute of the half. But the Eagles retained their focus, and a minute later Sajid received a pass from Kaleb Murray and sent a blast to the bottom left corner to give Bethlehem a two-goal lead.

The game would end 2-0 in Bethlehem’s favor. The visitors’ defensive unit was once again solid and Quinn Behan was strong in net throughout, making six saves – two in the final minute – to earn Bethlehem’s eighth clean sheet of the season. The Eagles enjoyed a slight 51%-49% advantage in possession and recorded eight shots (three on goal) to Saratoga’s seven (six on goal). Corner kicks were 3-1 in the Blue Streaks’ favor, and Bethlehem committed 11 fouls to Saratoga’s eight.

The victory is the Eagles 11th straight as they head into their final game of the season, a highly anticipated home match vs. Shaker on Saturday, October 14.

Away vs Columbia       Win 2-0

Tuesday, October 10

Bethlehem JV faced a tough Columbia squad on the road Tuesday and came away with a convincing victory, defeating the Blue Devils 2-0.

Field conditions were clearly a factor, as the soft, uneven pitch made it a struggle for players to remain on their feet at times. But both sides demonstrated skillful play and moved the well to create an entertaining match for the spectators, as two of the more talented Suburban Council programs battled for the full 80 minutes.

The Eagles drew first blood in the sixth minute, when Keating Pauze took a pass from Ayaz Sajid and skillfully beat three defenders before slotting the ball to the ball to the far post for his second goal of the season. Minutes later Pauze would be put through to score a second for Bethlehem, only to have the play called back for offside.

The teams would trade opportunities for the remainder of the half, with shots by Sajid, Aaden Mohit, Jonathan Radcliffe and Kaleb Murray testing the Columbia keeper. Bethlehem keeper Quinn Behan was called on to make an acrobatic diving save to preserve the lead in the 26th minute, and the half would end with the score 1-0 Eagles.

The end-to-end play continued in the second half, with Bethlehem showing tremendous creativity in their attack. One-two passing from Adam Griesbach and Ayden Blockston, and penetrating balls through from Jack Pauze and Sajid, resulted in numerous Eagles opportunities, including a dangerous header on goal from Aaden Mohit. The speedy Blue Devil forwards also generated several counter-attacks in the second half; but the solid defensive play of centerbacks Temi Oke, Brendan Sweeney and Brendan Bashant allowed outside backs Charlie Annastas, Gabe Stevens, Sean Doyle and Miller Schwarzschild to consistently neutralize the Columbia attack on the wings. 

With nine minutes remaining in the game, Mohit would make it 2-0 when he received a feed from Sajid at the top of the box. Mohit fired a low shot that the Columbia keeper failed to deal with, giving him his fifth goal of the season and Sajid his team-leading sixth assist.

2-0 would be the final. The Eagles enjoyed a 57%-43% advantage in possession and recorded 17 shots (11 on goal) to Columbia’s five (three on goal). Corner kicks were 7-5 in Bethlehem’s favor, and the Blue Devils committed seven fouls to Bethlehem’s eight. Quinn Behan made three saves en route to Bethlehem’s seventh clean sheet of the season. With the win, the JV Eagles improve to 10-0 heading into their final season matches with Saratoga and Shaker.

Away vs Niskayuna        Win 4-2

Saturday, September 30

Bethlehem JV notched their ninth win of the season Saturday morning, getting a hat trick and an assist from Ayaz Sajid in a tough battle with Niskayuna.

The Eagles got off to a strong start, setting the tone and stunning the home team with an early strike. In just the third minute of play, Sajid sent a bending cross in with the outside of his right foot. The ball found Ayden Blockston breaking toward goal, and Blockston made no mistake as he chested the ball down and slotted it past the Nisky keeper. Sajid would find the back of the net in the 32nd minute, converting a pass from Charlie Annastas and giving the Eagles a 2-0 advantage heading into halftime.

Sajid would strike again early in the second half. Central defender Teme Oke started the play with a penetrating through ball to Adam Griesbach, who worked the ball inside to Sajid for a low near-post goal. Keating Pauze then earned a foul in the box, resulting in a penalty kick. When Sajid converted his own rebound following a save on the resulting penalty kick to complete his hat trick, the game seemed out of reach for the Silver Warriors.

But the home team did not go down quietly. Niskayuna held possession in long stretches and gave the Eagles a run in the second half, pressuring the visitors into giving up a series of corner kicks. On two of those occasions they would find the back of the net, as Bethlehem’s difficulties with defending set pieces continued.

Despite the period of sustained pressure, the Eagles were able to regain control and stop the bleeding as the game concluded with the score 4-2.  Time of possession was virtually even for the squads, while the Eagles outshot the Silver Warriors 16-8. Niskayuna had six corners to Bethlehem’s five, and the Eagles were called for 15 fouls vs. Nisky’s eight. The boys remain undefeated at 9-0 heading into a ten-day break in action before traveling to face Columbia on Tuesday, October 10.

Away vs Albany Win 2-0

Thursday, September 28

The JV Eagles traveled to Albany High on Thursday, extending their undefeated season to eight games with a 2-0 win.

Adam Griesbach was the first to get on the score sheet when he retrieved a rebound from Ayden Blockston’s breakaway and beat the Albany keeper high.

Both teams exhibited tough, physical play throughout the first half, and Albany seemed poised to go level in the 27th minute when Bethlehem Quin Behan was called for fouling an Albany forward in the box. But Behan got himself right back out of trouble by saving the resulting penalty kick with an acrobatic diving save to his left. The score would remain 1-1 heading into the half.

After adjusting to the Albany turf, the Eagles settled in and controlled the run of play for the majority of the half. Shots on goal were registered by Blockston, Griesbach, Keating Pauze, Aaden Mohit, Lucas Nalbone and Temi Oke. The visitors would eventually break through a second time when Aaden Mohit powerfully headed home a curling free kick from Keating Pauze, making it 2-0. 

Oke, Gabe Stevens, Everett Bergen and Charlie Annastas were among those making notable defensive contributions as Behan and the Eagles earned their sixth clean sheet in eight games. The Eagles held a 57%-43% advantage in possession and a 7-2 advantage in corners. Bethlehem outshot the opposition 22-6.

Home vs Averill Park       Win 6-0

Tuesday, September 26, 2023

It was another dominant performance Tuesday, as the Eagles defeated a visiting Averill Park team by a score of 6-0.

As the varsity team prepared to honor its seniors on Senior Night, the JV squad demonstrated the program’s secure future, outshooting the opposition 46-1 and receiving goals from six different players. 

Ayden Blockston opened the scoring in the fourth minute when he redirected a curling corner by Keating Pauze. Minutes later Adam Griesbach would combine with Blockston on a tidy give-and-go, resulting in a Griesbach goal. Brendan Sweeny opened his account in the 22nd minute when he one-timed a pass from Quinn Drury past the Averill Park Keeper. And just two minutes later, Jonathan Radcliffe would convert a pass from Lucas Nalbone to make it 4-0 heading into halftime.  

The Warriors keeper was the busiest man on the field in the second half, turning away shots from Nalbone, Radcliffe, Griesbach, Drury, Ayaz Sajid, Keating Pauze, Sean Doyle, Charlie Annastas, Jack Pauze and Nixon Villeda.

But Bethlehem was not satisfied with the scoreline, and in the ninth minute of the half Aaden Mohid redirected a pass from Doyle to make it 5-0 Eagles. Nalbone would complete the scoring in the 27th minute, volleying in a bending Pietro Pasetto cross from the right wing to the far post. 

Bethlehem held a 68%-32% advantage in possession. Goalkeeper Quinn Behan made one save to earn another clean sheet for Bethlehem. It was the fifth shutout for the undefeated Eagles, who are now 7-0 on the season.

Away vs Guilderland       Win 4-2

Saturday, September 23, 2023

Bethlehem traveled to Guilderland Saturday morning for a 9 a.m. kickoff, handing the hosts a 4-2 defeat with help from a hat trick by Ayden Blockston. It was the sixth win for the Eagles in as many games as they improved on their undefeated record.

In a frenetic affair that saw both sides initially struggling to maintain possession on the slippery turf, Bethlehem opened the scoring early when Blockston capitalized on a ball in from Ayaz Sajid in the fifth minute. But Guilderland would draw level just three minutes later, capitalizing on Bethlehem’s failure to clear a loose ball and finding the net from close range. 

The Eagles would retake the lead eleven minutes in when Adam Griesbach neatly squared the ball to Blockston, who made no mistake in slotting it into the left side netting. 

The remainder of the first half was largely defined by Guilderland fouls and Bethlehem opportunities, as Griesbach, Sajid, Keating Pauze and Lucas Nalbone all tallied shots that were saved or just missed the mark. But Nixon Villeda did not miss, receiving a pass from Nalbone and beating the Guilderland keeper to extend the Eagles lead to two just before halftime. 

Less than a minute into the second half, Blockston would complete his hat trick after stealing the ball from a Guilderland defender and beating the keeper. And from that point on the result was never really in question. 

Both squads appeared to settle down for the remainder of the game, trading longer possessions and generating chances. Eagles keeper Quinn Behan was solid when called upon, making three saves to preserve the lead. Bethlehem would allow a second goal in the 75th minute, but it would not be enough to change the outcome as the game ended 4-2. 

The Eagles enjoyed a 56%-44% advantage in possession and recorded 16 shots (12 on goal) to Guilderland’s five (five on goal). Corner kicks were 7-2 in the Bethlehem’s favor, and the Dutchmen committed nine fouls to Bethlehem’s six. With the win, the Eagles move to 6-0 on the season.

Home vs Schenectady      Win 12-0

Thursday, September 21, 2023

Bethlehem hosted Schenectady Thursday in a lopsided affair that was never really in question. The Schenectady side showed tremendous heart, but was ultimately overmatched by the skill and depth of the Eagles. 

Two goals each by Ayaz Sajid, Lucas Nalbone and Jonathan Radcliffe led the Eagles scoring, with additional goals by Kaleb Murray, Ayden Blockston, Sean Doyle, Adam Griesbach, Aaden Mohit and Nixon Villeda. Quinn Drury and Ayden Blockston led the assist count with three each, with one assist apiece recorded by Villeda and Radcliffe.

Goalkeeper Quinn Behan anchored a stingy defense and made one save to preserve the clean sheet for Bethlehem. It was the fourth shutout for the undefeated Eagles, who are now 5-0 on the season.

Home vs Shenendehowa      Win 2-0

Tuesday, September 19, 2023

One of the most anticipated matchups of the fall season did not disappoint in 2023, as Bethlehem took down a visiting Shenenedehowa by a score of 2-0. Fierce couter-attacks and clinical finishing proved the difference for Bethlehem as the closely-matched sides traded midfield duels, chippy play and scoring opportunities. 

A scoreless opening 30 minutes was defined by tough, physical exchanges, with seven called fouls in the first eight minutes alone. The sides traded extended periods of possession, and Shen initially had the advantage as Eagles keeper Dean Palas was called on to make several early saves. 

But Bethlehem would settle in and begin to generate their own opportunities, and the tide turned definitively through a deadly Bethlehem counterattack in the 30th minute. Ayez Sajid received a pass at midfield and delivered a breathtaking left-footed, cross-field ball to the top corner of the box to a sprinting Ayden Blockston, who calmly one-timed it over the outstretched hands of the Shen keeper. And the score would remain 1-0 through the end of the half. 

The second half told a similar story, with Shen having the early shot advantage. But the Bethlehem defense was solid and Palas was called upon to make mostly routine saves. The Eagles midfield, led by the tenacious play of Keating and Jack Pauze, gave Bethlehem the advantage on 50/50 balls and helped the Eagles control possession, stifling Shen’s ability to generate offense and fueling the Bethlehem attack. Bethlehem ratcheted up the pressure and recorded several shots as they began to break down the Shen defense. 

As if scripted, Bethlehem would once again break through in the 30th minute of the half. And again, it was Sajid sending a surgical ball through the Shen backline to a streaking Eagles forward. Jonathan Radcliffe would benefit on this occasion, going one-on-one with the keeper, beating him to the right, and delivering the ball to the back of the Plainsmen net to make it 2-0.

2-0 would be the final. Palas recorded Bethlehem’s fourth clean sheet in five games as the JV Eagles move to 5-0 on the season. Bethlehem enjoyed a 56%-44% advantage in possession and recorded 10 shots (seven on goal) to Shen’s 11 (nine on goal). Corner kicks were 6-2 in Shen’s favor, and fouls were even at 10 apiece. The boys are home again on Thursday, September 21 vs. Schenectady.

Away vs. Burnt Hills – Ballston Lake    Win 5-1

Thursday, September 14, 2023

Bethlehem JV Boys Soccer continued their winning ways Thursday, defeating Burnt Hills – Ballston Lake on the road.  

On a warm and sunny September evening, the Eagles erupted for four first half goals to take a commanding lead over the Spartans and never looked back. It was only three minutes into the game when Ayden Blockston received a through ball from Keating Pauze and buried the ball in the back of the net to make it 1-0. Five minutes later Keating Pauze would score a goal of his own through a great induvial dribbling display and calm finish. Ayden Blockston would score his second in the 23rd minute on another through ball (assist TBD), and in the 29th minute Quinn Drury set up Nixon Villeda to make it 4-0. 

The Eagles defense was once again solid, with keeper Dean Palas being called upon to make only three first half saves. The battles were won primarily in the midfield, with through the tenacious battling of Keating and Jack Pauze, as well as the flanks, where starting outside backs Charlie Annastas and Gabe Stevens routinely shut down the Spartan attack.

The beginning of the second half showed a Burnt Hills – Ballston Lake squad that was not prepared to go down without a fight. In just the third minute the Spartans broke through and scored the first goal allowed by the Eagles this season. The game became increasingly chippy with both teams committing multiple fouls, including yellow cards awarded to Aaden Mohit and Jack Pauze. 

But despite the sloppiness that plagued much of the second half, the Eagles were able to regain control and put relentless pressure on the Spartans through shots by Mohit, Everett Bergen, Quinn Drury and Ayaz Sajid. Sajid would find the net following an Eagles corner that left the ball ricocheting around the penalty area, bringing the score to 5-1.

And that would be the final. Palas and Quinn Behan combined for five saves to preserve the win. Bethlehem enjoyed a 61%-39% advantage in possession, and recorded 16 shots (seven on goal) to BH-BL’s nine (six on goal). Corner kicks were 7-2 in Bethlehem’s favor, and the Eagles committed 14 fouls to BH-BL’s five. The boys next play Shenendehowa on Tuesday, September 19 at home.

Home vs. Colonie  -  Win 4-0

Tuesday September 12, 2023

Bethlehem JV Boys Soccer notched their second 4-0 win in as many games, defeating a feisty Colonie team at home Tuesday.

It was another dominant performance by the Eagles, who opened up the scoring in the 11th minute when Ayden Blockston received a pass from Everett Bergen and beat the Colonie keeper low. The action remained in the Colonie end for the majority of the first half, with solid ball movement and penetrating passes resulting in shots by Keating Pauze, Jack Pauze, Aaden Mohit, Pietro Pasetto, Jonathan Radcliffe, Quinn Drury and Sean Doyle. That pressure resulted in a Colonie own goal in the 27th minute as the keeper failed to control a Bethlehem corner kick.

The game grew increasingly physical in the second half, as the Raiders ramped up their intensity in an effort to shift the momentum. But a solid Eagles defense, anchored by the calm presence of center-backs Temi Oke, Brendan Bashant and Brendan Sweeny, never allowed the Colonie attack to get started. Eight minutes into the half the Eagles would make it 3-0 when Adam Griesbach sent a shot on goal that was turned away by a Colonie defender’s handball, only to be converted by Ayden Blockston before a call could be made.

The Eagles continued their relentless attack, with shots by Oke, Griesbach, Radcliffe and Doyle just missing the mark or being parried away by the Colonie keeper. Aaden Mohit would eventually seal the victory with the game’s final goal through a great individual effort, dribbling through several Raiders defenders before slotting the ball past the Colonie keeper.

Keepers Dean Palas and Quinn Behan split time between the sticks to give Bethlehem their second clean sheet of the season. The Eagles held a 72%-28% advantage in possession and recorded 24 shots (eight on goal) to Colonie’s three (three on goal). Corner kicks were 7-1 in Bethlehem’s favor, and the Eagles committed five fouls to Colonie’s three. The boys are back in action Thursday, September 14, away at Burnt Hills – Ballston Lake.   

Home vs. Ballston Spa  -  Win 4-0

Tuesday September 5, 2023

Bethlehem JV Boys Soccer kicked off their 2023 campaign Tuesday with a convincing

4-0 home victory over Ballston Spa.

On an afternoon that saw both sides battling sweltering temperatures and high humidity,

the Eagles turned in a comprehensive team performance with contributions from all

areas of the pitch. Bethlehem dominated possession and worked the ball around well to

create multiple scoring chances, including early shots by Ayaz Sajid, Jack Pauze and

Jonathan Radcliffe. It only took until the 19 th minute for Bethlehem to find the back of the

net, as Will Trowbridge took a feed from Lucas Nalbone and tucked the ball to the right

of the Scottie keeper.

The Bethlehem defense was solid, limiting Ballston Spa to only two shots on goal. The

Scotties’ best chance came in the 25 th minute, when a header off a corner kick forced

keeper Dean Palas to make an acrobatic save to his right.

The Eagles turned up the intensity, peppering Ballston Spa with six shots and scoring

twice more before the half. In the 30 th minute Sean Doyle found Nixon Velleda with a

looping ball into the box, which Valleda deftly controlled and slotted home. Four minutes

later Charlie Annastas would beat his man with a great individual effort and meg the

keeper to make it 3-0.

The Eagles continued their pressure in the second half, logging several shots before

Ayden Blockston converted a curling cross from Ayaz Sajid to make the Bethlehem lead

4-0.

Keeper Quinn Behan would preserve the clean sheet for the Eagles. Bethlehem held a 59%-41% advantage in possession and recorded 16 shots (Six on goal) to Ballston Spa’s four (Two on goal). Corner kicks were 3-1 in Bethlehem’s favor, and the Eagles had two fouls to Ballston Spa’s three. Coach Matt Glannon recorded his first career win as the boys go to 1-0 on the season.