Red Hook boys soccer still uneven

When winning, Red Hook boys soccer has been burying their opponents offensively, beating Saugerties and Kingston by a combined total of 10 goals to 1 –- a barrage by any metric. When losing, not so much.

Red Hook dropped 3-0 against Rhinebeck in the championship game of the Andy Bennett Tournament Sept. 8, 2-1 to Rondout Sept. 13 at home, and 2-0 at Marlboro Sept. 20. Red Hook is 1-3 in regular season play, and was to face FDR at the school’s annual Joel Tomson Tournament Sept. 21 as well as MHAL opponent New Paltz tomorrow at 4:15.

The game against New Paltz will be a must-win for the struggling Raiders, who need to gain a little cushion after falling to 0-2 in MHAL division play regular season play.

“Our play has been up and down in our first five matches,” says Red head coach Steve Sutton. “We play well at some positions and make errors at others, then the roles change. Consistency will be required for us to win titles this year.”

Sutton told the Observer that individual players are looking keen: “Several guys are playing well thus far. Mike Whitman’s versatility has been huge for us. Maclyn Willigan is really our key player and leader. Zac Sivulich has rejoined the team and he allows us to do some different things. Dennis Hare has been very good – especially for a freshman.”

That said, he adds: “We are going to have to start putting together 80 minutes of effort and concentration all over the field. I believe that there is more than enough talent on this team to do very well. I just have to figure out how to put it all together.”

Righting the ship shouldn’t be impossible for Red Hook, but it may not be easy. Division opponent Marlboro is cruising through the section right now, and Red will face them again on Oct. 16.

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