The postseason ride hasn't been smooth for the Bolton Eagles, but the team overcame enough obstacles in its first year in the Section II Boys Soccer Tournament to make the Class D final.
On Monday, Bolton's entire starting lineup was out of school and out of commission with the flu, according to head coach Francisco Roca. The team's semifinal match against Fort Ann was postponed to Thursday, when the fourth-seeded Eagles rose above their lingering wooziness to top the No. 1 seed, 1-0, in overtime.
After the initial celebration of making Saturday's sectional championship against third-seeded Northville, scheduled for 2 p.m. at Colonie High School, Roca realized his team had another problem - standardized tests, which several of his players signed up to take until 1 p.m. on Saturday. Fortunately, Bolton Central School offered to pay the rescheduling fees for the students.
Section II chairman Jim Gillis said the game would not be moved regardless.
"It's been a hectic, hectic week," Roca said, referring to the widespread illness that nearly closed the school.
"I told the kids, in life, you are going to have adversity. You just have to deal with it and overcome it. There's no excuses."
Heading into the title game, Roca said he is well-aware Northville will actively defend its championship.
"They have a phenomenal, phenomenal team, a strong offensive line, and a very good defense, probably the best in the section," he said. The Falcons boast last year's Class D goalkeeper of the year, Mike VanNostrand, and are led by defensive standouts Zach Bedell, Dylan Allen and Nick Visco, according to Roca. Mackenzie Groff leads the team's midfield, and Josh Ostrander and Jimmy Cole combine for a dangerous offense.
Bolton achieved its success with sophomore keeper Mitchell Jordon, with 11 shutouts, as well as Eric Fisher, Kyle Vilmar, Jake Nittman and Todd Markham on defense. Dan Brown, Matt Peterson and Dominick Pfau control the middle, and Harry Caldwell, Conor Smith and Rob Shane run the offense. Caldwell remains a section points leader with 12 goals and nine assists, but Shane may still be out sick.
"This is a group that's going to make this happen, we have to make this happen," Roca said, "and it's been a very successful season because these kids are willing to work for it."
Posted in Boys on Saturday, November 7, 2009 12:25 am Updated: 1:23 am.
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