Spackenkill edges Carle Place in penalty kicks to reach Class B state semis

Admitting the relief matched the exhilaration, the Spackenkill boys soccer team celebrated a hard-fought victory.

“It feels like we narrowly escaped,” reflected coach Brendan Cross. “We really lucked out.”

The Spartans were outplayed, relentlessly pressured, and on the brink of elimination during their Class B regional final against Carle Place, but they managed to overcome the odds. Spackenkill triumphed over Section 8’s Carle Place, winning 1-1 (6-5) in penalty kicks at Mitchel Athletic Complex.

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The Spartans (14-3) will now compete for a state championship, facing either Canton or Mechanicville in a state semifinal on Saturday at Goshen High School.

“The penalty kicks were nerve-wracking for everyone, so it was a very exciting finish,” said Cross. “We’re thrilled to be moving on and we’re determined to prove that we deserve this.”

Freshman Henry Stock scored the decisive penalty kick, while Samar Sahawneh made the game-saving save, handing Carle Place their first loss and giving Spackenkill a chance to win their first state title since 2007.

Dylan Updike, Davis Barnes, Dylan Breslow, Vincenzo Scala, and Nate Stout also successfully converted their penalty kicks. The Frogs matched them, prolonging the contest. Cross decided to nominate Stock, who hadn’t played a minute in the game, to take the crucial go-ahead kick. Stock delivered, exemplifying the fortunate turn of events for Spackenkill.

“He hadn’t seen any action during the game,” Cross explained, “but we took a chance on him and he came through. A lot of things worked in our favor today.”

Despite dominating possession and creating numerous scoring opportunities, the Frogs (15-1-1) struggled to finish. Cross praised Sahawneh’s exceptional performance, making 12 saves and intercepting several throw-ins and corner kicks. Defenders Chase Bosko, Selamu Gendron, Lucas Rankel, Daniel Kurdi, and Jacob Rivera also played outstandingly.

Stout broke the deadlock with 18:24 remaining in regulation, capitalizing on Breslow’s free kick and finishing amidst a scramble in front of the goal. Stratos Mehalakes equalized three minutes later.

It was Lourdes’ victory over Carle Place in the same round last season that propelled them to the state final. The Spackenkill players remained contemplative during the two-hour journey back to Poughkeepsie, occupied with researching their potential opponents.

“We know we didn’t perform our best today,” admitted Cross, “but the team showed incredible resilience, and that’s what matters.”

Stephen Haynes: [email protected]; 845-437-4826; Twitter: @StephenHaynes4

This article originally appeared on Poughkeepsie Journal: Boys soccer: Spackenkill wins in penalty kicks to reach state semis