NEW PALTZ – After their 1-0 win over the Saugerties Sawyers in the first round of sectionals, the Liberty Redhawks boys’ soccer team met the New Paltz Huguenots in the Section IX semi-finals. The Redhawks fell to a 1-0 loss against the Huguenots on Monday, putting a damper on their advancement. 

Head Coach Richard Feeney had nothing but positive things to say about his team, “We exceeded our season goals for the season and brought some excitement to our school and community which was amazing to see.” 

“Having the 3 seed this year with a home sectional game was a special experience that I’m glad our team, and especially the seniors got to be a part of!,” Feeney said. “Once we went on our 9-game unbeaten run we felt as if we could make it all the way, but needed to be perfect to do so as the competition is tough in the postseason. We executed our game plan to perfection against Saugerties and was able to come out with a great team win.” 

Feeney said, “New Paltz was a very good team, and I feel like the game was pretty balanced for the most part. The difference was they capitalized on their opportunity, and we hit the post on ours.” 

“The boys showed great determination and played with passion until the final whistle, and even though that was a tough loss we still competed until the end,” Feeney said. 

“We are so proud of the growth this team showed all season,” said Feeney.

Coach Feeney also shared that despite the team losing many seniors at the end of this season, the program numbers are strong.

“I know the underclassmen are hungry now that they got a taste of a postseason victory.”