Record: 12-3-2 0verall/8-1-2 League

Section 2 Semifinal vs. Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake   Win 2-0

October 28, 2025

Eagles Defeat Burn Hills – Ballston Lake to Move On to Section 2 Final

Bethlehem Boys Varsity outlasted Burnt Hills – Ballston Lake for the second time this season, winning 2-0 in a sectional semifinal played at Colonie High.

Bethlehem came out on the front foot, creating offensive chances and getting early shots from Aaden Mohit and Ayaz Sajid. It took the Eagles thirteen minutes to break down the Spartans, when pressing from Denis Pauze led to a turnover in the BH-BL defensive third. D. Pauze beat the keeper with a low, hard finish to put Bethlehem up 1-0.

BH-BL had some good stretches of possession in the minutes that followed and nearly drew level when senior Jake Muller fired an impressive half-volley from outside the box that clipped the left post of the Eagles’ net and went out for a corner.

Bethlehem struck again in the 29th minute when Sajid headed the ball across the box to Pietro Pasetto, who volleyed it into the BH-BL net to increase the lead to two. It was a fitting reward for the senior, whose antagonizing presence in Bethlehem’s offensive third gave the BH-BL defenders headaches throughout the game.

The teams traded possession throughout the second half, with strong defensive play on both ends and battles for the midfield. Bethlehem defenders Keating Pauze, Brendan Bashant, Eli Proper and Ian NeJame stymied the opposing forwards as they have much of the season, and strong, physical play from midfielders D. Pauze, Mohit, Jack Pauze, Everett Bergen and Lennon Mane matched the physicality of the Spartans play for play.

Both sides looked as if they might add to the goal tally. Bethlehem keeper Stellan Calnero-Jackson was forced to make a save, tipping the ball off the crossbar following an awkward ball that was lobbed in. And Bethlehem forward Ollie Reichman launched a wicked, dipping blast that elicited an acrobatic dive from BH-BL keeper Tristan Vrooman to keep the margin to two.

2-0 would be the final. Calnero-Jackson earned the Eagles their sixth clean sheet of the season. Bethlehem outshot the opposition 11 (8 on goal) to 3 (2 on goal) and held a 55% to 45% advantage in possession. The Eagles had 4 corners to the Spartans’ 3, and fouls were even at 12 apiece. With the win, BC Boys Varsity Soccer (12-3-2) moves on to the Section 2 Final Saturday, November 1st at 11:00 AM in Queensbury, where they will face Columbia High.

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Home vs. Amsterdam                            Win 9-0

October 23, 2025

Eagles Advance to Sectional Semifinal with Win over Rams

The Bethlehem Eagles kicked off postseason play with a decisive win, defeating a visiting Amsterdam squad 9-0 in the Section 2 Class AA Quarterfinals and remaining undefeated at home in 2025.

Oliver Reichman opened the scoring for Bethlehem 14 minutes in with a blast to the lower right following a feed from Ayaz Sajid. Lennon Mane would feed Sajid four minutes later, who found the far post to score his first of his hat trick on the day.

Sajid received a feed from Denis Pauze 24 minutes in and buried a shot to extend the Eagles’ lead to three. And just two minutes later, D. Pauze would net one of his own when Jackson Charles retrieved a rebound following a blast from Sajid and fed the captain the ball inside.

Crosses into the box continued to provide opportunities for the Eagles, as D. Pauze beat his man in the corner and slotted a ball for Sajid to redirect for his third of the night at the 28 minute mark. And then Keating Pauze supplied a ball to Pietro Pasetto three minutes later, which Pasetto buried to make it 6-0. Ian NeJame capped the first half scoring with a brilliant display of skill, striking the ball sweetly into the upper right corner from the top of the box to put the Eagles up by 7.

Five minutes into the second half, Pasetto played the ball to Ishan Chatur, who sent a curling ball to the upper right corner. And Bethlehem scored completed the scoring 28 minutes into the half when Sean Doyle beat his man on the right flank and crossed the ball into Will Trowbridge, who finished neatly to make the final score 9-0.

Parker Mooney and Stellan Calnero-Jackson split time in net to earn the clean sheet, Bethlehem’s sixth of the season. The Eagles held a 67%-33% advantage in possession and recorded 34 shots (17 on goal) to the Rams’ 1 (0 on goal). Bethlehem had 5 corner kicks to Amsterdam’s 0, and the Eagles committed 4 fouls to the Rams’ 1.

With the win, Bethlehem moves on to the Section 2 Semifinal Tuesday, October 28 at 5:00 PM in Broadalbin-Perth, where they will face Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake.

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Away vs. Saratoga                                              Loss 3-2

October 16, 2025

Eagles Fall to Streaks

Bethlehem was edged 4-3 by a tough Saratoga team Thursday, dropping consecutive matches for the first time this season.   

The Eagles opened the scoring seven minutes in when Ian NeJame slid Oliver Reichman in behind the defense with a curling through ball that Reichman flicked past the keeper.

Saratoga responded, forcing Bethlehem goalkeeper Parker Mooney to make a pair of saves before Mike Neaton found the net on the third shot to even the score.

Ayaz Sajid fired a shot on goal, forcing a save by Saratoga keeper Nate Cogan. And Mooney remained busy for the remainder of the half, tipping a blast by Gavin Griffiths over the bar and then seeing another effort go off the crossbar. The half ended with the score tied at one apiece.

Saratoga would break the deadlock two minutes into the second half when a corner resulted in a scramble in the Bethlehem box, and the Blue Streaks’ Tommy Greiner found the back of the net. It would again be a corner just three minutes later that resulted in the third Saratoga goal, when Parker Mooney made the initial save only to have the rebound tucked inside the left post by Ryan Pickett.

Bethlehem generated some offense in the minutes that followed, with Keating Pauze firing a shot on frame and Denis Pauze forcing Cogan to make a diving save to his right.

The Eagles finally struck in the 36th minute when Ayaz Sajid hit a half volley from the top of the box that found the Blue Streaks’ net. But that was all the offense the visitors could muster and the game ended 3-2.

The sides were even in possession. Bethlehem recorded 6 shots (5 on goal) to the Blue Streaks’ 13 (10 on goal). Corner kicks were 6-4 in Bethlehem’s favor, and fouls were even at 9 apiece.  

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Away vs. Colonie                                                Loss 4-0

October 14, 2025

Eagles Suffer First League Loss

Bethlehem suffered a tough 4-0 loss Tuesday on the road at Colonie.

The sides clashed early and often in what was to be a scrappy, physical battle throughout the night. Both teams initially struggled to string passes into coherent attacks and possession changed frequently.

Ollie Reichman, Denis Pauze and Keating Pauze tallied shots on goal but were repeatedly thwarted but the confident goalkeeping of Colonie’s Caden Duffy.

The home team opened the scoring 34 minutes into the game when Colonie’s Nusret Sasic found himself on the end of a far-post cross and headed it back across and into the Bethlehem net.

The second half opened with a penalty kick for Colonie just two minutes in when a Wolfpack player was pushed from behind in the box. Sasic converted the effort to extend the lead to two.

Seven minutes later Colonie’s Andrew Fay dribbled across the top of the Eagles box and planted a low, far-post shot to make it 3-0 Wolfpack.

The Eagles were able to generate some scoring opportunities and shots on goal in the second half, but were unable to find the back of the net. Then, with eight minutes remaining in the game, Colonie’s Mohammed Kemal punctuated the victory when he slipped in behind the Bethlehem defense and planted a low, hard shot to make it 4-0.

It was a humbling defeat for the Eagles, who suffered their first league defeat and first loss overall since August. Bethlehem held a 55%-45% advantage in possession and recorded 9 shots (7 on goal) to the Wolfpack’s 4 (4 on goal). Corner kicks were 9-1 in Bethlehem’s favor, and the Eagles committed 15 fouls to Colonie’s 11.

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Away vs. Shenendehowa                       Win 4-1

Thursday, October 9, 2025

Eagles Earn Decisive Road Win at Shen

In a season of quality moments, Bethlehem Boys Varsity Soccer had still been looking for a statement win. That statement was made emphatically Thursday with a decisive 4-1 road win over perennial rivals Shenendehowa.

The Eagles took only five minutes to net their first goal when Ayaz Sajid played Oliver Reichman in behind the Shen defense. Reichman capitalized on the opportunity, slotting a low ball neatly under keeper Thomas Strife to give Bethlehem the lead.  

Just two minutes later Sajid provided the assist when he played a curling corner in to senior midfielder Denis Pauze, who banged home a header from the back post.

D. Pauze seemed to be everywhere at once, supplying potent offense and tenacious defense in a game Bethlehem dominated from the opening kickoff. And 16 minutes in, he dribbled past Strife and was hauled down in the box for a penalty kick. Reichman stepped confidently up to the spot as he has all season and planted a low, hard shot inside the left post to make it 3-0 Eagles.

Shen came to life in the second half, holding possession for long periods and generating some promising scoring chances, as Kanny Homawoo and Christian Gomillion saw their shots go high and wide. Midway through the half Eagles keeper Parker Mooney was called upon to make two key saves, including a dangerous header from Shen’s Dylan Bennice.

But Bethlehem’s attackers were not satisfied. Reichman received a nice feed from Sajid and missed just high. Then, Orson Wagg dribbled into the box from the left and found D. Pauze with a low, hard pass that the captain finished with authority to extend the Eagles’ lead to four.

Shenendehowa would get one back with eight minutes remaining when a foul was called just outside the Bethlehem box. Shen’s Jack James took the set piece and launched a beautiful shot to the upper left corner to spoil the Eagles’ clean sheet.  

D. Pauze, Ian NeJame, and Ishan Chatur all tallied shots in a late game frenzy, but the game ended 4-1. It was a terrific team effort from the Eagles, who received solid performances across the pitch. Possession was 51%-49% in Bethlehem’s favor, and the Eagles recorded 14 shots (7 on goal) to Shen’s 6 (4 on goal). Corners were even at 2 apiece, and Bethlehem recorded 9 fouls to Shen’s 12.

With the win BC Boys Soccer remains undefeated in league play with a record of 8-0-2, and are 10-1-2 overall.

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Home vs. Shaker Draw 1-1

October 7, 2025

Eagles Draw with Shaker on Senior Night

Bethlehem Central hosted Shaker Tuesday night in a battle of Section 2 titans that ended in a 1-1 draw.

It was Senior Night for the Eagles, who honored their graduating players and sported pink uniforms for breast cancer awareness, as has become tradition.

The hosts took control early, controlling possession and generating several scoring chances. Everett Bergen, Ian NeJame and Lennon Mane saw shots go just wide, while Denis Pauze, Ollie Reichman and Ayaz Sajid all had efforts gobbled up by Shaker keeper Gannon King.

Griffin Ryan launched a shot on frame for Shaker, but Bethlehem keeper Parker Mooney alertly made the stop.

The best first half opportunity for the Eagles came with six minutes remaining, when Pietro Pasetto crashed the Bison net and headed a service from Sajid just over the crossbar. The half ended scoreless.

The Eagles came out on the front foot in the second half and were rewarded five minutes in, when Oliver Reichman fed D. Pauze on the right side. Pauze beat his man decisively and planted a blistering shot inside the far post to give the Eagles the lead.

The sides battled throughout the second half, with exceptional performances by D. Pauze, Jack Pauze and Aaden Mohit to win physical duels and control possession in the central midfield. The Bethlehem backline was also as stingy as ever, with NeJame, Eli Proper, Keating Pauze and Brendan Bashant repeatedly stymying the Bison attacks.  

Bethlehem increasingly controlled possession in the second half and appeared poised to add to their lead. But Shaker earned a corner with seven minutes left in the game, and Anthony Tleiji redirected a Nate Chung cross to even the score at one apiece.

The game ended 1-1. Bethlehem outshot the opposition 16 (8 on goal) to 4 (3 on goal) and held a 60% to 40% advantage in possession. The Eagles had 4 corners to the Bisons’ 2, and fouls were 5 for Bethlehem and 16 for Shaker. The Eagles are now 9-1-2 overall (7-0-2 league). 

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Away vs. Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake Win 5-0

October 4, 2025

Eagles Outlast Spartans in Road Win

Bethlehem traveled north for a tough, physical contest with Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake Saturday and came away with a 5-0 win with help from a hat trick from captain Denis Pauze.

Orson Wagg, Everett Bergen, Ayaz Sajid, and Lennon Mane all tested BH-BL keeper Tristan Vrooman early with shots on goal but came up empty.

The goal finally did come in the 38th minute when Mane dished the ball to D. Pauze, who beat several players on the left flank, cut inside, and buried a blast inside the far post.

The Eagles hit their stride in the second half, with Bergen, D. Pauze and Ollie Reichman all firing shots on Vrooman. Six minutes into the half the visitors were rewarded when D. Pauze received a cross and touched it to Bergen, who finished from close range to make it 2-0.

Just a minute later, D. Pauze won possession outside the Spartan box and unleashed a powerful blast to left side netting, increasing Bethlehem’s lead to three.

The Bethlehem backline of Ian NeJame, Brendan Bashant, Eli Proper and Keating Pauze were again solid as they frustrated the Spartan forwards throughout the game. The home team’s best chance came 15 minutes into the half when a BH-BL corner resulted in a blast on net, only to be deflected off the crossbar by Bethlehem keeper Parker Mooney.

Not satisfied, the Eagles would again score back-to-back goals in the 67th and 68th minutes. The first was one for the highlight real as K. Pauze sent a cross in that Sajid alertly dummied, leaving it for Kaleb Murray to finish from the back post.

Murray also figured prominently in the final goal when he was hauled down in the Spartans’ box for a penalty. D. Pauze stepped up and calmly placed the ball in the lower right corner, completing his hat trick and concluding the day’s scoring

5-0 was the final. Mooney and Stellan Calnero-Jackson combined for the clean sheet, the Eagles’ fifth of the season. Bethlehem outshot the opposition 15 (12 on goal) to 4 (1 on goal) and held a 60% to 40% advantage in possession. The Eagles had 4 corners to the Spartans’ 3, and fouls were 2 for Bethlehem and 11 for BH-BL. With the win BC Boys Varsity Soccer improves to 9-1-1 overall (7-0-1 league).

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Home vs. Niskayuna                   Win 3-0

September 30, 2025

Eagles Blank Nisky at Home

Bethlehem Central Boys Soccer continued their dominance at home Tuesday, defeating visiting Niskayuna 3-0.

Bethlehem generated the early offense as shots from Oliver Reichman and Denis Pauze went high. Eleven minutes in, Everett Bergen struck a dangerous ball on frame, resulting in an acrobatic save from Nisky keeper Dillon Kayastha to tip the effort over the bar.

Eagles keeper Stellan Calnero-Jackson was also called upon early, stopping a shot from Nisky’s Conner Neely in the 25th minute.

Shortly after, Lennon Mane received a nifty pass from D. Pauze and appeared to give Bethlehem the lead, only to have the goal called back for offside. But when Mane returned the favor minutes later by whipping a ball into the box from the left flank, D. Pauze made no mistake and headed the ball in with authority to make it 1-0.

Early in the second half the Eagles added to their tally when Everett Bergen sent a dangerous cross into the box. Reichman received a feed from Ayaz Sajid and found the net to make it 2-0.

Bethlehem continued to put pressure on the visitors as D. Pauze ripped a shot to the right side of the net, requiring a fantastic diving stop from Kayastha. Not to be outdone, Calnero-Jackson tipped another Nisky effort over the bar in the 64th minute to preserve the clean sheet for the Eagles.

With five minutes remaining, Keating Pauze supplied Sajid, who won a tackle at the top of the box and struck a low, hard shot on frame to make it 3-0, the final.

The Eagles held a 57%-43% advantage in possession and recorded 12 shots (6 on goal) to Nisky’s 5 (2 on goal). Corner kicks were 3-1 in Bethlehem’s favor, and the Eagles committed 10 fouls to Niskayuna’s 8. With the win Bethlehem logged an undefeated September and improved to 8-1-1 overall (6-0-1 league).

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Away vs. Ballston Spa                                                Win 4-1

September 25, 2025

Eagles Defeat Scotties in Road Win

Bethlehem Central visited their neighbors to the North Saturday, earning a 4-1 road win.

Oliver Reichman opened the scoring early, receiving a feed from Denis Pauze and slotting a shot to the lower right corner to put give the Eagles the early lead. 

Reichman would strike again minutes later, this time on a set piece as he found the right side netting on a freekick from just outside the box. 

Ballston Spa closed the gap 28 minutes in when a rare lapse in Bethlehem's defensive third resulted in an own goal. The Eagles would recover quickly, when Ayaz Sajid received a cross from Gabe Stevens and planted a strike to the lower right side of the net. 

Bethlehem continued to press, with Keating Pauze, Ishan Chatur, Everett Bergen, Ayaz Sajid, and Orson Wagg all tallying shots on goal. But Ballston Spa's freshman keeper Carter Ahl was on his game and made several acrobatic saves to keep the Scotties in it, including a diving effort to put Sajid's shot over the bar in the 38th minute. 

The Eagles captain, Denis Pauze, took matters into his own hands late in the half, taking a ball off his chest following a corner and landing a hard shot to the lower right corner to put Bethlehem ahead 4-1 heading into the half. 

The second half saw more pressing from the visitors, as D. Pauze, Chatur, Emmerson Denno, Pietero Pasetto, Orson Wagg, and Kaleb Murray all tallying shots on goal. But the standout goalkeeping of Ahl proved impossible to beat in the second half, and the game ended 4-1. 

The Eagles held a 60%-40% advantage in possession and recorded 27 shots (19 on goal) to the Scotties' 1 (1 on goal). Corner kicks were 8-0 in Bethlehem’s favor, and the Eagles committed 8 fouls to Ballston Spa's 9. 

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Home vs. Columbia                                                   Draw 1-1

September 25, 2025

Eagles Draw with Blue Devils

Bethlehem Central faced a tough squad from Columbia High Thursday in a physical affair that ended in a 1-1 draw.

Columbia had the better of possession in the rain-soaked first half, mounting several attacks on Bethlehem soil. But the Eagles backline of Eli Proper, Ian NeJame, Brendan Bashant and Keating Pauze were strong on defense and kept the Blue Devil scoring opportunities to a minimum.

Fifteen minutes into the game the Blue Devils had a chance when they broke through on the left wing, but Bethlehem keeper Stellen Calenero-Jackson came off his line and attacked the ball bravely.  Bashant also had a notable defensive play when he tracked Columbia forward Aidan Graber and blocked what would have been a point-blank shot with 8 minutes remaining in the half.

The Eagles had one of their best opportunities half an hour in when Ayaz Sajid found right wing Jackson Charles with a cross-field pass; but Charles had his effort saved by Columbia keeper Robert Rumsey.

Bethlehem continued to win the ball but struggled to maintain possession in the face of the Blue Devils’ press. The Eagles were rewarded for their efforts with 3 minutes remaining in the half, when Denis Pauze took a free kick outside the box. Bashant crashed the goal and found the back of the net to make it 1-0 Bethlehem heading into halftime.

The visitors evened the score early in the second half when they drew a foul in the Bethlehem box. Calnero-Jackson made an outstanding save on the resulting penalty kick from Columbia's Cody Hamilton, but was beaten by Hamilton's second effort following the rebound.

It was back and forth for the remainder of the half, with Sajid, Ollie Reichman, Lennon Mane and Charlie Annastas tallying shots on goal for the Eagles. Calnero-Jackson was called upon once again with 11 minutes left in the game, making himself big to stop a one-on-one.

1-1 was the final. The game featured a fantastic, physical midfield battle between Columbia’s Aidan Gatchell, Matt Gatchell, and Liam Schneider versus the Eagles' Jack Pauze, D. Pauze, and Sajid. The Blue Devils held a 53%-47% advantage in possession. The Eagles recorded 8 shots (7 on goal) to the Blue Devils' 11 (6 on goal). Corner kicks were 7-1 in Columbia's favor, and the Eagles committed 16 fouls to Columbia's 10. The draw was the first of the season for the Eagles, who are now 6-1-1 overall (5-0-1 League). 

Home vs. Kingston                                                   Win 3-0

September 20, 2025

Eagles Stay Perfect at Home with Non-League Win

Bethlehem Boys Varsity Soccer hosted Section IV Kingston Saturday, defeating the Tigers by the score of 3-0. 

The home squad gave a strong, full team performance, with solid defense and organized attacks. The opening 20 minutes saw several Bethlehem shots, with multiple efforts by senior captain Denis Pauze requiring outstanding saves by Kingston keeper Eduardo Prazeres Marcal. Then 20 minutes, in Ayaz Sajid sent a curling corner into the box the Tigers failed to deal with. Following a shot and a rebound, D. Pauze found the net to make it 1-0 .

The remainder of the half would see additional shots on goal by D. Pauze and Sajid without another goal. Kingston was able to mount some offense, but attacks that weren't preemptively stopped by the solid backline of Eli Proper, Ian NeJame, Keating Pauze and Charlie Annastas were handled by the alert Eagles Keeper Parker Mooney. The half ended 1-0. 

Bethlehem continued to apply consistent pressure in the second half, with D. Pauze and Sajid again trading shots on goal and the Tigers keeper being required to make acrobatic saves. They finally broke the resolve of the visitors 24 minutes into the half when Sajid made a penetrating run and dished the ball off to right wing Jackson Charles, who planted a far post finish to extend the Eagles lead to 2-0. 

Mooney was called upon to be more active in the second half, punching crosses clear to prevent Tigers chances and coming bravely off his line to smother a ball. When Kingston seemed likely to close the gap on a breakaway with 10 minutes remaining, Mooney made a dazzling kick save to fire up the home crowd and preserve the clean sheet for the Eagles. 

With 5:40 remaining in the contest, Kingston was called for a handball in the box. Ollie Reichman stepped up to take the resulting spot kick and planted a low, hard shot to make it 3-0. That would be the final score. 

The Eagles held a 61%-39% advantage in possession and recorded 16 shots (14 on goal) to the Tigers' 4 (2 on goal). Corner kicks were 6-1 in Bethlehem’s favor, and the Eagles committed 11 fouls to Kingston's 15.

The win improves Bethlehem's record to 6-1 (4-0 League). The boys are home again Thursday 9/25, kicking off at 4:15 vs. Suburban Council rivals Columbia. 

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Home vs. Albany High                                                     Win 4-1

September 18, 2025

Eagles Best Falcons to Remain Undefeated in League Play

Bethlehem Boys Varsity Soccer defeated a tough Albany High squad Thursday by the score of 4-1.

It was all Eagles in the first half as the home squad recorded ten shots to Albany’s one. Ayaz Sajid tallied three shots on goal in the opening ten minutes, including a feed from Ian NeJame that he converted to beat the Albany keeper in the fifth minute.

NeJame would provide the spark for the second Eagles goal as well, making a long run down the left wing before dishing the ball to Pietro Pasetto, who fired low and hard to find the net inside the far post with three minutes remaining in the half.

Bethlehem continued to apply pressure at the end of the opening half. Jackson Charles found himself on the end of a Denis Pauze corner and banged the ball home to make it 3-0 Eagles with two minutes remaining in the half. Then, as time ran down, Ollie Reichman was hauled down in the Albany area for a penalty kick and seized the opportunity to give the Eagles a comfortable 4-0 lead.

While the offense provided firepower, the Eagles defense continued to stymie the opposition as they have all season. Keating Pauze dazzled the fans with an exceptional tackle to prevent a breakaway midway through the half, and starting keeper Parker Mooney came off his line bravely in the 27th minute to smother a ball and keep Albany goalless heading into halftime.

In the second half the match became increasingly physical as the teams exchanged hard tackles and fouls. Bethlehem got shots on goal from D. Pauze and Lennon Mane, but were repeatedly thwarted by alert play from Albany keeper Matthew McCarthy. Then, 21 minutes into the half, Albany’s Yunus Subai broke through the Eagles defense and found the net to spoil the home team’s hopes of a clean sheet.

Bethlehem keeper Quinn Behan would be called into action minutes later, charging to the top of the box and making a clinical tackle to prevent a Falcons scoring chance.

The score remained 4-1 at the final whistle. The Eagles held a 58%-42% advantage in possession and recorded 16 shots (10 on goal) to the Falcons’ 4 (3 on goal). Corner kicks were 5-2 in Bethlehem’s favor, and the Eagles committed 13 fouls to Albany’s 11.

With the win Bethlehem improves to 5-1 (4-0 League). The boys are home again Saturday, kicking off at 1:00 in a non-league match vs. Section IV Kingston.

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Away vs. Averill Park               Win 5-1

September 11, 2025

Eagles Show Depth in Road Win

Spectators were treated to a warm, sunny September day in Averill Park as the Eagles defeated the Golden Knights 5-1.

Both teams struggled to find their form in the first half, with neither team managing to mount offensive threats early on. In one of the rarer statistical anomalies in soccer, Bethlehem took a 1-0 lead before tallying a shot on goal when Ayaz Sajid launched a blistering far-post shot that bounced off the post and ricocheted in off a defender for an Own Goal.

Minutes later, Averill Park recorded their first shot of the game when the Bethlehem suffered a rare defensive lapse, turning the ball over in the back. The pressing Averill Park forward made no mistake and slotted the ball home to make it 1-1.

The teams seemed likely to head into halftime tied when freshman Jackson Charles received a ball from Everett Bergen at the top corner of the penalty area on the right and launched a shot inside the far post to make it 2-1 Eagles.

Both teams were lively in the second half, pressing hard and trading possession, but struggling to establish coherent offensive chances. Five minutes in Sajid was fouled in the Averill Park box, and it looked like another goal was imminent. But the keeper made a heroic save on the ensuing spot kick and the score remained 2-1.

The Golden Knights keeper made several more tremendous saves in the half on shots by Sajid, Charles, Denis Pauze, Kaleb Murray, Ishan Chatur, and Ollie Reichman. Then, midway through the half Sajid would make it 3-1 when he hit a powerful shot on goal. The keeper stopped the first effort, but Sajid was able to grab his own rebound and find the net to make it 3-1 Eagles.

Lennon Mane opened his varsity account minutes later when he dribbled across the top of the area and put a low, hard effort on frame that the keeper couldn’t reach to give the Eagles a 4-1 lead.

Minutes later Will Trowbridge played a sweet, slicing ball through to winger Sean Doyle, who neatly gathered the pass before being hauled down in the Averill Park penalty area. Veteran senior defender Eli Proper stepped up to take the penalty, and this time the keeper had no magic left as Proper finished to the right side to make it 5-1 Eagles.

5-1 would be the final. Bethlehem outshot the opposition 21 (14 on goal) to 1 (1 on goal) and held a 55% to 45% advantage in possession. The Eagles had 6 corners to the Golden Knights’ 1, and fouls were 6 for Bethlehem and 8 for Averill Park.

With the win BC Boys Varsity Soccer improves to 4-1-0 (3-0 League). The boys play next at home vs. Albany High, Thursday, September 18.

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Home vs. Guilderland Win 4-1

September 9, 2025

Eagles Outlast Dutchmen to Claim Third Straight Win

Bethlehem Boys Varsity Soccer faced a scrappy visiting squad Tuesday and rose to the challenge, defeating Guilderland by the score of 4-1.

The Dutchmen came out on the front foot from the opening whistle and pressured the Eagles in the opening minutes. Their best chance occurred when Bethlehem keeper Parker Mooney was called on to make an acrobatic save, diving to his left and deflecting a shot just two minutes in.

Bethlehem turned the tide in the 8th minute, when Ayaz Sajid recorded the first Eagles shot and made it count. The play began with a penetrating run by Denis Pauze. D. Pauze passed to Oliver Reichman, who laid the ball off to Sajid for a shot that beat the Dutchmen keeper to make it 1-0.

The run of play continued to favor the Eagles, as D. Pauze fired a blistering shot on goal and Reichman announced himself shortly after with a strong header off a corner. But the Guilderland keeper was solid and prevented further damage.

In the 20th minute, Guilderland pressed and earned a corner kick. The resulting cross found Guilderland’s #7 on the back post, and he made no mistake as he headed the ball in to draw his team level.

The teams exchanged offensive chances for the remainder of the half but left the field with the score 1-1.

In the second half the match became an increasingly physical affair, as the teams exchanged several hard tackles and fouls. Bethlehem continued to attack and D. Pauze and Sajid saw their attempts go high and wide. But Reichman made no mistake midway through the half with his next attempt. After receiving a ball from D. Pauze at the top of the Dutchmen box, Reichman made a nifty move to shake his defender and hammered a shot to the right side of the goal to silence the Guilderland fans and make it 2-1 Eagles.

Five minutes later, a deadly Eagles counter-attack after a Guilderland corner gave Sajid an opportunity to take on a defender in the opposing box. The ball squeaked out and was snatched up by D. Pauze, who slotted the ball neatly past the keeper to give Bethlehem a 3-1 lead.

In a night that saw several personnel changes for the Eagles, with Mooney, Lennon Mane and Orson Wagg all making their first Varsity starts, the physical defense of old guard defenders Ian NeJame and Eli Proper continually stymied the Guilderland attack on the flanks. Jack Pauze, Brendan Bashant and Everett Bergen challenged relentlessly and won arial duels to prevent any more serious goal threats by the Dutchmen.

Bethlehem would seal the game late when forward Kaleb Murray was hauled down in the Guilderland penalty area. Sajid stepped up to calmly place the spot kick to the keeper’s left for the Eagles fourth goal.

4-1 would be the final. The Eagles held a 57%-43% advantage in possession and recorded 13 shots (10 on goal) to the Dutchmen’s 6 (5 on goal). Corner kicks were 6-5 in Guilderland’s favor, and the Eagles committed 11 fouls to the Dutchmen’s 14. With the win Bethlehem improves to 3-1 (2-0 League). Their next game is Thursday, September 11, away at Averill Park.

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Home vs. CBA                                    Win 5-0

September 4, 2025

All Eagles in Home Opener

It was a dominant performance for Bethlehem Boys Varsity Soccer in their home opener as they defeated CBA 5-0 under the lights Thursday night in Bethlehem.

Junior center back Brendan Bashant opened the scoring in the 17th minute with the first goal of his varsity career, when he capitalized on chaos in front of the CBA goal following a corner and banged home a rebound to make it 1-0 Eagles.  

Bethlehem maintained the majority of possession in the minutes that followed. In the 22nd minute Denis Pauze sent a scorching shot on goal, only to be saved by the Brothers keeper. But Ayaz Sajid quickly seized the rebound and put it away to make it 2-0.

Bethlehem continued to control the flow of play with defenders Bashant, Eli Proper, Ian NeJame, Keating Pauze, and Charlie Annastas continuously switching fields and finding space on the far side. This resulted in several curling, penetrating crosses by K. Pauze and shots on goal from NeJame and Sajid. But tenacious defending and alert play by the talented Brothers keeper kept CBA in the game, and the half ended 2-0.

Ollie Reichman gave the home crowd a thrill when he fired a free kick off the crossbar in the early stages of the second half. It was one of many crossbars for the Eagles, as Jackson Charles and D. Pauze would also break through only to have their efforts strike the woodwork. It was a another shot by Reichman that would put Bethlehem up 3-0, when  he hit a hard low shot that struck the post to the keeper's right, ricocheted off the keeper, and found the net for CBA own goal. 

D. Pauze fired a shot on goal with 21 minutes remaining, resulting in brilliant kick save by the keeper, who also stopped a NeJame effort. But there was nothing the keeper could do to stop Reichman’s commanding header in the final minute, following a bending cross from Everett Bergen.

After Ayaz took advantage of another rebound to net his second of the match just 20 seconds later, the final score would be 5-0.

Bethlehem dominated possession and were relentless on defense when CBA were on the attack. The Eagles recorded 26 shots (18 on goal) to the Brothers’ 1 (1 on goal). Corner kicks were 10-0 in Bethlehem’s favor, and the Eagles committed 9 fouls to CBA’s 6 (including 2 yellow cards). Stellan Calnero-Jackson and the Bethlehem defense earned their first clean sheet of the season. The boys play next Tuesday, September 9, at home vs. Guilderland.

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Away vs. Monroe-Woodbury Win 6-1

August 29, 2025

Eagles Display Firepower in Decisive Road Win

Bethlehem Boys Varsity Soccer unleashed a torrent of goals Friday, defeating Monroe-Woodbury 6-1 on the second day of their downstate road trip.

Any questions raised about the potency of the Bethlehem offense after Thursday’s game were quickly put to rest, as four Eagles tallied in the rout of their AAA non-league opponent from Section 9. It was a dominant performance by Bethlehem, who demonstrated organization, creativity and composure on the ball and tenacity in their press of the opposition.

Denis Pauze opened the scoring with a great individual effort just two minutes into the game, stripping the defender of the ball, dribbling through the middle and slotting a shot neatly to the Crusader keeper’s left.

D. Pauze would factor in the next two goals as well. Less than three minutes later, his shot on goal was parried away by the keeper, only to be skillfully finished by an alert Ayaz Sajid. And just two minutes after that, D. Pauze sent a curling cross into the box to Everett Bergen, who was hauled down by the defender for a penalty. When Oliver Reichman stepped up to the spot and confidently smashed the ball into the left side netting, the home team found themselves down 3-0 just seven minutes in.

The relentless Eagles attack continued with shots by Sajid and Jack Pauze going just wide. Then, Keating Pauze opened his account in the 23rd minute with his first of the season, beating the keeper after a neat give-and-go with Sajid to make it 4-0.

On a day when the Eagles seemingly couldn’t stop scoring, even the lone Monroe-Woodbury tally was an own goal when a dangerous cross in the Bethlehem box ricocheted off a Bethlehem defender to spoil the clean sheet. The half ended with the score 4-1.

The second half brought more of the same pressure from the Eagles as Reichman and Sajid tested the opposing keeper with shots, and each would earn a brace in the second half. Reichman scored his second in the third minute of the half, hammering home a rebound after Sajid’s shot on goal forced a save. Sajid would score his second four minutes later when he scooped up a ball the Crusader keeper failed to deal with, punishing the mistake with what would turn out to be the final goal of the game.

The talented Monroe-Woodbury side showed signs of life in the second half, repeatedly attacking wide and sending crosses into the Bethlehem box. But ultimately they had no answers for the stalwart Eagles defense, and the game ended with the score 6-1.

Bethlehem received strong efforts from every man on the roster. The Eagles held a 55%-45% advantage in possession and recorded 13 shots (9 on goal) to the Crusaders’ 5 (2 on goal). Corner kicks were 4-1 in Bethlehem’s favor, and the Eagles committed 7 fouls to Monroe-Woodbury’s 12. Bethlehem begins the season 1-1 heading into their Thursday, September 4 home opener vs. CBA.

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Away vs. Cornwall Loss 1-0

August 28, 2025

Eagles Battle on the Road, Come up Short in Season Opener

Bethlehem Varsity Boys Soccer battled hard for the full 80 minutes Thursday but were unable to secure a victory, suffering a 1-0 loss on the road against a tough Cornwall squad.

In a non-league match hosted at Monroe-Woodbury, the Eagles came out on the front foot and generated scoring opportunities throughout the first half. The Eagles looked solid and well-organized, and great link-up play between Ayaz Sajid, Ollie Reichman and Denis Pauze resulted in several dangerous through balls in the offensive third. But the alert Cornwall keeper showed great anticipation and repeatedly foiled the attempts.

The best chance for Bethlehem came with two minutes remaining in the half, when Jackson Charles played a ball to Sajid, who hit it on the half volley, only to have the shot deflected by the Cornwall keeper. Reichman followed shortly after with a blast that went just over the crossbar. But Bethlehem failed to capitalize on their momentum and the half ended scoreless.

After withstanding pressure from Bethlehem throughout the first half, Cornwall’s offence came to life in the second. Five minutes in, Cornwall took advantage of a throw in and quickly played the ball in behind the Bethlehem defense. The Cornwall striker showed great composure, slotting the ball to the right side of the net to make it 1-0.

It was the only lapse in Bethlehem’s backline, as solid performances by Eli Proper, Brendan Bashant, Keating Pauze, and Ian NeJame repeatedly stifled the Cornwall offense. Eagles keeper Stellen Calnero-Jackson came out bravely on multiple occasions, anticipating the Cornwall balls played over the top and thwarting the attacks.

The Bethlehem offense heated up again toward the end of the second half, with Dennis Pauze playing a dangerous ball through to Sajid that was cut off by the Cornwall keeper. With nine minutes remaining Bethlehem looked destined to draw level when Reichman placed a perfect header off a corner kick, only to see it saved off the line by a defender. And with one minute remaining, Reichman was again robbed by the standout play of the Cornwall keeper, who dove to his left to stop a hard, low free kick from just outside the box.

The game would end 1-0. Bethlehem plays again Friday 8/29, kicking off at noon against hosts Monroe-Woodbury.

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