Boys Soccer Regular Season Ends With Loss to Franklin

The Watchung Hills Regional High School boys soccer team dropped their regular season finale to Franklin High School on Senior Night in Warren on Tuesday evening, losing 2-0.

In Short

The Warriors yielded two early goals on Senior Night but were not able to rebound, losing the game 2-0.  With 24:25 remaining in the first half, Franklin jumped on top as senior goaltender Andrew Wong misjudged a short bouncing ball and by the time he came out to challenge, it was popped over his head for a goal.  Just three minutes later, Franklin doubled their lead, this time a throw in rattled around in the Watchung box and was headed to the far side of the goal, good enough for a 2-0 Franklin lead.  After falling behind in the first half, Watchung actually had the upperhand for the rest of the contest but could not convert any scoring opportunities to draw the match closer.  The Warriors finished their 2011 regular season with a 2-13 mark.  With the close of the season, the Warriors soccer team will graduate 12 seniors.

Warrior of the Game

Philip Reytan – The senior midfielder played a solid game both ways and stayed positive even with his team down a pair of goals very early on.  Reytan showed more explosive speed with control of the soccer ball, letting it all hang loose on Senior Night.  Late in the ball game, Reytan struck a ball on the fly, in perfect rhthym that narrowly missed the far post and a diving goaltender from 35 yards away.

Other Key Performances

The rest of the seniors – The other 13 seniors included defenders Dylan DeNicholas, Joe Kinsella, and Christian Vergilio.  Also graduating this year are midfielders Brian Jara, Akash Katakam, Jose Rojas, and Stephen Vesper as well as forwards Karan Deo, John DePinho, Jared Goetz, and Greg Stone.  Goalkeepers Andrew Wong and Zachery Scanlon will also move on come June.  All either played key roles on the field for the 2011 Warriors or were extremely supportive from the bench in what was an otherwise tough season for Watchung from a record standpoint.

Coach’s Take

“I was proud of them for working hard throughout the game.  They were very determined and passionate.” – Head Coach Greg Leonow on what he told his team, specifically his seniors after the game

“After the two goals, it was a little back and forth.  Sometimes games are like that.  we got going forward which was important.  We just didn’t get it in the net.”  - Leonow on bouncing back after giving the two quick goals

“Going into next season…we had a young core group from the beginning that started a lot of the games.  It is a young team coming back next year.  This season, everybody worked hard and there was passion on the field.  That’s a key element that you need for success, to help us going forward.”  - Leonow on taking positives into next year

“It’s great.  This is my favorite game of the season after having these kids for four years.  Seeing them during their last game work hard, it’s just a favorite of mine every season.”  - Leonow on his seniors

They Said It

Phil Reytan

“It was important to come out here one last time with all my friends and all my seniors together.  Even though we had a tough season, we fought hard.  We tried our best and that’s all I can ask for.  It’s something to be proud of, even though we don’t have a record to show for it.” – On Senior Night

“It’s been a lot of fun.  I’ve been in this program for four years.  The coaches have been great, the players are all together.  I’ll definitely miss all the guys the most out of everything.” – On what he’ll take away from being in the soccer program

Joe Kinsella

"We had a good season…made a lot of friends and had a lot of fun with everyone.  Even though we didn’t always get the wins, I don’t have any regrets.” – On Senior Night

Greg Stone

“I’m really going to miss these guys.  We played hard the whole season.  We have a young team…our starting lineup is very young.  Good things are definitely coming for them.  It’s going to be hard to leave.” – On Senior Night

“The coaching…the coaching is great.  They’re great guys…good to be around.  The friends you make will last forever, even outside of soccer season.” – On what he’ll take away from being in the soccer program.