FALLSBURG –– The O’Neill Raiders paid a visit to the Fallsburg Comets in a big mid-week league showdown on the pitch on the boys’ soccer schedule. The game was delayed about a half hour due to the visiting Raiders dealing with traffic getting to Fallsburg. Once O’Neill arrived the team conducted an abbreviated warm up prior to the action getting started. Pregame Fallsburg took advantage of the late start with extra practice and preparation. 

Fallsburg Coach Dylan Gaucher said during warmups he expected a good matchup today and their team had been playing solid so far this season. However, with the home field advantage Gaucher said he expected the Comets to win this contest. 

The game started in the first half with a fast pace up tempo style of play from both teams. Both teams were looking to set a tone with physical play and a swift pace. The Comets drew first blood 10 minutes into the contest with a goal by Junior Striker Iker Canales, to go up 1-0. Following the restart of the action the Raiders followed the Fallsburg goal with an instant answer to level the score 1-1. The match would settle in after the rapid start with both teams looking to grab the lead. Fallsburg would add 2 goals at the end of the first half to go up 3-1 before the break. 

The second half saw a sense of urgency from the visiting Raiders as the Comets play and multiple goal lead seemed to wear on them throughout the match. Fallsburg did a great jump being relentless and tenacious with their style of play throughout the duration of the match. Fallsburg pushed their lead to 4-1 off a beautiful strike. The Comets would add a late Penalty Kick by sophomore Dylan Dubon to go ahead 5-1. Working with a lead for most of the match Comets Senior goalkeeper Selvin Reyes played an outstanding match with several key saves and allowing only goal. 

The final whistle blew, and Fallsburg would prevail 5-1 over league rival O’Neill.