SCORES

Shen hosted Shaker in front of a packed house on Saturday night under the lights with a playoff atmosphere and the teams played to a dramatic 2-2 tie. Shen's Ben Tymeson got free on a direct kick only 6 minutes into the game and placed the ball into the back of the net to give Shen the 1-0 lead. The 10 minutes later, however, Shaker was winning 2-1 behind 2 goals from Owen Brant. 1 was a finish from a through ball from Spencer Subik, the other was a free kick. 30 minutes into the first half Shen equalized with a free kick of their own when Advaith Ramani scored. After halftime both teams made defensive adjustments and each team had a few chances, but were turned away by goalkeepers PJ Strand and Sam Tymeson respectfully. The crowd was amazing and the game was fast.

The Shaker Soccer JV traveled to Shen today in a massive rivalry game. From the opening whistle everyone could tell it was going to be an intense, fast-paced game. The first 10-15 minutes was all Shen, creating multiple half-chances, including one in the first 45 seconds. But the Bison remained strong defensively, behind the centerback-duo of Patrick Gauna and Matt Psomas, along with great goalkeeping from Alex Cross. Around the fifteen-minute mark, Shaker started to grow into the game and put pressure on Shen themselves. At the twenty-minute mark, Fynn Sarfoh was taken down in the box, which Tyden Levy step up to take. While he slotted it home, a Shaker encroachment penalty negated the goal. It continued to be a back-and-forth half, with the teams entering the break at 0-0.

The second half was no different from the first half, extremely up-and-down, with both teams generating chances. But now, Shaker was generating the better chances more consistently. Harrison Yu broke through on a break-away, but the Shen keeper made a fantastic save to keep the game even. But five minutes later, Harrison Yu forced a diving save, which caused a rebound and John Park was there to slam it home. From there, Shen continued to apply pressure, but the Bison held strong defensively.

Shaker takes home the 1-0 win over rival Shen, to continue their perfect run at 11-0!

Guilderland visited Shaker and both teams battled to a 0-0 draw. PJ Strand and Ryan Kuk each recorded shutouts respectively in net. Strand had 2 saves and Kuk had 3. Each team had 3 corner kicks. Guilderland had a few chances early in the game, and Shaker had a flurry of chances late in the game, but no one was able to convert. A midfield battle type game that was even throughout.

The Shaker Soccer JV team faced off in an intense match-up against Guilderland today. From the opening whistle it was a battle amongst two great teams. The game was back-and-forth, with both teams being extremely dangerous. About 25 minutes in, Aditya Singh drove the left flank and drew a penalty. Aiden Brady stepped up and slammed it home to put the Bison up 1-0. Shaker took that lead into the halftime break.

At the start of the second half, Guilderland pressed hard out of the gates, looking to throw off the Bison. But Shaker was up for the challenge, and continued to battle right with them. The physicality and intensity of the game was high, as Shaker looked to extend their lead and Guilderland looked to even the score. With about 5 minutes left, Anthony Tleiji slipped a ball across the box that Hamza Sayed put home to double the lead and secure the win for the Bison.

Shaker moves to 10-0 and faces rival Shen on Saturday.

The undefeated MOD 9 boys traveled north to take on a very tough Saratoga Blue Streaks team. Both teams came out strong with plenty of back and forth action in the mid field. Shaker began to own the midfield behind the play of team captain Aiden Donohue. Aiden won the battle in the middle and allowed the Bison to maintain the bulk of the possession, leading to several good opportunities. Shaker broke through Saratoga's back line and appeared to earn a goal after Gerardo Lopez pounced on a ball parried away by the Saratoga keeper and drove it into the back of the net. After a short discussion the officials waived off the goal on a very close offsides call. Saratoga's defense hunkered down after that and took away passing lanes and collapsed on any Shaker player that stepped inside the 18. Shaker had the edge in corners, possessions and shots but Saratoga's defense was disciplined, and the Blue Streak's GK was quick to come off his line and disrupt several breakaway opportunities, while making some very difficult saves. The Shaker defense was equally up to the task limiting Saratoga to 1 corner and only 1 decent shot opportunity that was just off target. Shaker GK, and Team Captain, Avery Subik earned his 4th clean sheet of the year. The match ended in a draw. A much anticipated re-match will take place under the lights on 10/16 at Shaker HS on the "Swamp". Thanks again to the "Herd" that traveled to support the Bison! The Bison are back in action on Friday 9/29 as they take on Guilderland at home.

The Shaker Mod 7/8 team had their first loss of the season in a tough away game at Saratoga. The first quarter — much like the rest of the game — swung back and forth. The Bison found a good bit of possession in the attacking half to start but Saratoga defended well were able to build their own attack. The first quarter ended without a score, partly thanks to two saves by Ben Harkavy. However, Saratoga quickly found the opening goal in the second quarter and were able to control much of the game during the second and third quarters. In the final 15 minutes of the game, Shaker found another gear and played with more intensity as the searched for the equalizer. The nearly got it when Alek Brehm was tripped up in the box and won a penalty. Unfortunately, the Bison were unable to convert from the spot and dropped their first loss of the season.

In a showdown of two undefeated teams at Saratoga, both Shaker and Saratoga left still unbeaten after a 1-1 draw. The first half ended 0-0 after Saratoga's Ryan Farr hit the post and Owen Brant had a great chance for Shaker denied by Valkenburg. About 5 minutes into the second half Owen Brant played Kofi Sarfoh through who found the back of the net on a breakaway for Shaker. About 15 minutes later, Xavier Ruscio fired in a world class free kick to level the game. Both teams generated decent chances after that, but no one was able to find the second goal. An incredibly tight contest where both teams had 6 shots on goal and 3 corner kicks.

The Shaker Soccer JV team made the trip to Saratoga for a big match up against two of the top teams in the league. Out of the gate, Saratoga took control of the possession and looking to go on the attack. The Bison were more than willing it sit back and look for their opportunities. About 10 minutes in, Tyden Levy found Hamza Sayed, who made a streaking run into the box, bot put Shaker up 1-0. Not even five minutes later, Tyden Levy created another goal for the Bison, slipping Sami Terra through - who had a thunderous finish to double the lead. To finish out the scoring this half, Rikhil Katpally made a fantastic run, finding Emeryk Lagace in the box, who calmly slotted the ball home - putting the Bison up 3-0. Shaker maintained that lead into the break.

The second proved to be a back-and-forth 40 minutes. Saratoga came out on the front foot, sticking to their guns and pressing the Bison all over the field. But Shaker held strong, despite several attempts by Saratoga to break through. The Shaker backline of Keene Kellerhouse, Patrick Gauna, Matt Psomas, Eyad Sayed, Anthony Tleiji and Drew Waldorf - along with solid goalkeeping from both Alex Cross and Gannon King - allowed the Bison to secure their 6th consecutive shutout. With about 15 minutes left on the clock, Tyden Levy completed his hat-trick of assists, finding Patrick Gauna on the back post to put the lead at 4-0.

An exciting and tough battle from both teams. Shaker continues their season on Thursday at home against Guilderland.

Today, the Shaker Soccer JV team traveled to Schenectady for a mid-season game. Shaker won 10-0, including goals and assists by Anthony Tleiji, Chris Hansen, Hamza Sayed, Alex Cross, Matt Psomas, Drew Waldorf, Keene Kellerhouse and Jackson Majewski.

A well fought match by both teams.

The Shaker Boys' Mod 7/8 team continued their strong start to the season with another win on the road against Albany. Shaker scored within the first few minutes when Dan Portocarrero scored his first goal of the season. The Bison dominated possession and had several chances after the goal but Albany's defense held strong to close the first quarter at 1-0. In the second quarter, Albany were able to equalize when Shaker had a miscue on a back pass that ended up in the back of the net. However, Shaker retook the lead later in the quarter thanks to a Walid Adjei strike from the right and the half ended 2-1. The third quarter saw a flurry of goals for the Bison. After receiving the ball at the top of the box, Dan Portocarrero ripped a shot that found the top of the goal. Then, Dylan Bailie picked up a loose ball on the right and took a shot outside of the box that was deflected by a defender and found the bottom left corner. Shaker continued the scoring with when Garrett Levy scored a tap in from a Alek Brehm cross. Then, just a few minutes later, Garrett Levy repaid the favor when he played a through ball and Alek Brehm slotted the ball into the back of the net. That goal rounded out Shaker's 6-1 win over Albany.

The Mod 9 squad traveled to Albany on a great day for soccer. Both teams came out fast, there was a battle for the midfield control that lasted the entire game. Shaker pressed and drove several great runs from game captain Jack Wicklund that put Albany's back line under pressure. That pressure was rewarded when Eddie Larson connected with a bouncing ball from his wing position just off the end line and beat the keeper near post for the first goal. The second goal came a few minutes later when Braddigan Lanfear slotted home his shot to make it 2. Albany grew into the game and settled in, from that point the game became much more balanced. The falcon's GK made some spectacular saves (including one that temporarily took him out of the match) to keep them within striking distance. While Shaker held the majority of the possession Albany had some good break away opportunities that were pushed aside by GK Avery Subik. Collin Sickinger found the back of the net in the 3rd to make it 3-0. It was a well played match against an athletic and well coached team. Shaker mod 9 is back in action on Wednesday 9/27 as we travel to Saratoga to face the Blue Streaks. Thanks again to the herd of Bison supporters who lined the sideline and cheered the boys on!

Albany and Shaker squared off under the lights at Albany and the crowd was electric with an unbelievable atmosphere. Both teams flew around the field and the game was fast and physical, but Shaker's Owen Brant received a pass from Spencer Subik and then was taken down in the box. Brant converted the PK himself to put Shaker in front 1-0 about 25 minutes into the game. About 10 minutes later Albany's Hameedullah Zadran leveled the game. The second half saw Shaker put Albany under pressure, but Albany goalie Logan Ferro made several spectacular saves, including stopping a penalty shot. However, Shaker converted one of their corners when Patrick Flaherty headed the ball back into the middle and Kofi Sarfoh found the back of the net to give Shaker a 2-1 win. Action packed night game in front of a fantastic crowd!

The Shaker Soccer JV team traveled to Albany to face off in a fast-paced match on the turf. The Bison got off to a quick start when Brodie Garland found Sami Terra for a nice finish in the box - putting Shaker up 1-0. From there Harrison Yu scored two goals to get a brace on the day, assisted by Brodie Garland and Aiden Brady. The Bison continued to dictate play throughout the half. About five minutes before halftime, Matt Psomas struck a beautiful free kick, which found Emeryk Lagace's head, giving Shaker a 4-0 lead going into the break.

Only a few minutes after the start of the second half, Hamza Sayed whipped in a cross that found Sami Terra - completing his second consecutive brace. From there, Sami Terra found Tyden Levy, who brought the score line to 6-0. With about 15 minutes left, Fynn Sarfoh completed the scoring with a well-struck free kick.

The Bison come home with the 7-0 win.

The Mod 9 squad hosted Nisky for their first home match of the campaign. Shaker started off slow allowing Nisky to gain possession for much of the first 10 minutes of the match. The Bison gained their composure and began to win more possession in the middle of the pitch, the mid filed play of Aiden Donohue, Elliot Zhou ( game captain), Trent Lyons, Jude El-Hajjar and Issac Deyoe began to force the outside players form Nisky to drop in more centrally to challenge for possession, this allowed wingers Braddigan Lanfear, Gerardo Lopez, Eddie Larson, Keffy Diefenderfer and Collin Sickinger the opportunity to run in behind the defenders creating several great cut back cross opportunities. Nisky's physical play especailly in the middle of the field casued problems for the shaker midfield. Shaker began to whip the ball around and kept Nisky off balance despite their physical play. Shaker was rewarded for it's patience in possession with the opening goal off a cut back cross sent into the box by Eddie Larson and finished cleanly by Gerardo Lopez. Braddigan Lanfear struck a free kick around the wall from 25 yards out to bring the score to 2-0. Aiden Donohue cut across the top of the box and drove his laces through a power shot that beat the keeper brining cheers from the Varsity and JV teams that came to support the Mod 9 squad. Keffy Diefender added a well placed shot to the far corner for his first goal of the year. Collin Sickinger picked up a bouncing ball and managed to find a path through traffic in the box finding the back of the net. Shaker's defense played solid allowing very few opportunities for the Nisky strikers and GK Avery Subik managed his backline well, the defense played the ball back to him several times through the game to settle and distribute out of the back to start our attacks. In the 4th quarter Braddigan Lanfear added his second of the day to bring the final to 6-0.

The Mod 9 Squad is back in action Friday when they travel to Albany to face the Falcons.

Shaker Mod 7/8 played a difficult home opener against Niskayuna. The Bison dominated much of the first quarter and took an early lead. Ziada Fageir picked up a loose ball on the left and was able to dribble by three defenders. His shot on goal was saved but Evan Clemente came in to finish the rebound. Niskayuna defended well after the goal and Shaker could not add to their lead despite having a good amount of possession in the attacking half. Niskayuna had an opportunity to pull even off a free header from a corner but Ben Harkavy preserved the lead with a save. In the second and third quarters Niskayuna grew into the game and found more possession in their attacking half. Shaker was able to keep them off the scoresheet until the third quarter when a deflected clearance looped into the net to bring the game to 1-1. The fourth quarter was very back and forth with both teams pushing to find the winner. Shaker pushed forward and Niskayuna found space on the counter. Eventually, Alek Brehm found the bottom left corner after Jackson Carter played him down the line on a throw in to give the Bison a 2-1 win at home.

Shaker earned a difficult home victory over Niskayuna 4-1 in very windy conditions. Both teams had several misplays due to the wind and both teams had several dangerous offensive plays. Shaker got on the board twice in the first half with goals from Owen Brant and Spencer Subik and assists from Spencer Subik and Imran Shukralla. Some great defending by Logan Mitchell Rosa and the rest of the Niskayuna defense kept the game tight and allowed Niskayuna to pull within 1 with only about 10 minutes to play on a goal from Bradyn Lewis. In a furious last 10 minutes that saw 3 goals, 1 by Niskayuna and 2 by Shaker, Shaker was able to extend their lead to close out the game. Owen Brant scored twice to complete his hat trick with both assists going to Kofi Sarfoh. Exciting game settled in the last 10 minutes.

The Shaker Soccer JV team faced off against Niskayuna on a windy, mild day. The conditions provided for a tough game for both teams, and it was very apparent in the first half. Both teams battled throughout the first 15 minutes, going back-and-forth on the pitch with multiple chances for each team. Soon after, Aiden Brady managed to find Tyden Levy to help the Bison break through and grab the 1-0 lead. From there, the teams continued to battle into the break with Shaker managing its one-goal lead.

With the wind at their back now, the Bison looked to attack from the start, and that they did. 45 seconds into the second half, Aiden Brady found Sami Terra, who danced past a few Niskayuna defenders, and put Shaker up 2-0 with a strong finish. Not even 10 minutes later, Hamza Sayed had a blocked shot fall to Tyden Levy, who put away another goal to complete his brace on the day. As the half went on, Shaker continued to dominate with their intensity and pressure. Off a Tyden Levy corner, Fynn Sarfoh headed the ball on and it fell to Brodie Garland, who fired the shot home.

The Bison left with a 4-0 victory, improving to 6-0-0 on the season, with a string of three straight shutouts.

In a game that is much closer than the score line indicates, Shaker battled Colonie to 5-1 victory. Both teams had trouble keeping the ball due to high pressure from the opposition. Owen Brant scored 2 first half goals for Shaker, assisted by Imran Shukralla and Nathanael Chung. Dominick Acosta pulled Colonie within 1 with less than a minute to go in the half when he forced an error on Shaker's backline and then hustled to put the ball in the back of the net. Halftime was 2-1 and Jasiah Goddard looked dangerous on a couple chances for Colonie, but Shaker was able to score 3 goals in 5 minutes with about 20 minutes to go in the game. Kofi Sarfoh and Imran Shukralla (2 goals) both scored for Shaker with assists from Brodie Flaherty, Owen Brant, and Vidun Perera. If Colonie would have capitalized on some early chances it would have been a very different game. Exciting and well played game!

Shaker Soccer JV team faced cross-town rivals Colonie in big game. Both teams came out of the gate playing well and organized. The Bison quickly began bombarding the Raiders' box with crosses, but the Colonie defenders and goalkeeper were up to the task, cleaning up everything that came to them. Just pass the 30 minute mark, Tyden Levy found Harrison Yu wide, who whipped in a dangerous cross and forced an own goal. Shaker would hold that 1-0 lead into the break.

The second half was just as intense, but Shaker really took a hold of the flow, creating many half chances and putting Colonie under constant pressure after a change in systems. But again, the Raiders defense held strong. With about 10 minutes left in the game, Shaker managed to double the lead after Fynn Sarfoh slipped Tyden Levy through on the wing, we beat the on-rushing keeper, and then put in a beautiful cross back post - which Sami Terra finished with a strong header.

Shaker took the win, 2-0, against their rivals. A very fun game, from two well-organized sides.

The Shaker Mod 9 team opened their 2023 season away at Ballston Spa. The rain cleared out and it was a great afternoon for soccer. The game started off choppy for both sides as both teams tried to maintain possession. Shaker's front three pressed the Scotties defense all game creating several turn overs and created great opportunities that were turned away by the Ballston Spa keeper. The pressure that Shaker put on the Scotties defense, particularly by game captain Isaac Deyoe, was rewarded with several corners and throw-ins deep in their territory. In the second quarter Shaker earned a corner and Jack Wicklund stepped up from his right back position and placed a perfect ball in the box that found a rising Aiden Donohue who hit a glancing header into the corner for the opening goal. Both teams settled in and the level of play for both sides improved, Shaker continued to press and maintained long stretches of possessions. Even though much of the game was played in the Scotties half and Shaker held the majority of possession, shots and corners The Scottie's played tough and held strong, it was still 1-0 going into the 4th. Shaker continued to press and created great opportunities but still could not capitalize hitting the post and being the victims of several offside calls as they tried to slip behind the very disciplined Ballston Spa defense. The second goal came when Team Captain Braddigan Lanfear split the defense from his left wing position, cut to his right and laced one past the keeper. With a few minutes left Braddigan tallied his second of the match to lead the Shaker Blue Bison to their first win of the 2023 season. A big thanks to the herd of Bison parents who made the trip to support the Mod 9 Boys, it is much appreciated!

Mod 9 takes on cross town rivals Colonie on Monday at home 4:15pm at Blue Creek middle school.

The Shaker Mod 7/8 team traveled to Ballston Spa to open their 2023 season. The Bison dominated possession straight from kickoff but Ballston Spa proved difficult to breakdown in the first 15 minutes. However, Walid Adjei found the opener for Shaker after a lovely one-two with Ameer Salamah. Alek Brehm added two more goals to bring Shaker's lead to 3-0 by the end of the half. Shaker continued the scoring early in the second half on a breakaway. Nick Lyons ran onto a through ball from Mehdi Benantar and crossed the ball for Landon Falzo who slotted it in the net. A few minutes later, Garrett Levy would combine with Landon Falzo for his first goal. Mehdi Benantar and Ziada Fageir would add goals before the third quarter ended to take the lead to 7-0. Garrett Levy would add another from the penalty spot and Evan Clemente would finish the scoring for the Bison's 9-0 win.

The Shaker Soccer JV team traveled to Ballston Spa to face off for a second time this season. From the opening whistle, the Bison took control and never looked back. However, Ballston Spa put up a very good fight for the first 20 minutes of the game. But then Tyden Levy whipped in a beautiful corner to Sami Terra, who was arriving at the back post and got a head to it, to put Shaker up 1-0. Less than three minutes later, Harrison Yu beat his defender 1v1 and drove into the box, and played Sami Terra with a beautiful outside-of-the-boot pass, and Sami claimed his brace and doubled the lead. From there, Ballston Spa fought back some into the half, but the Shaker defensive line and keeper Alex Cross kept them at bay. The game remained 2-0 at the break.

The second half was still all Shaker, with them increasing their dominance and influence on the game. Early on, Sami Terra slipped a through ball to a running Eyad Sayed, who forced the keeper to make a play, which allowed the ball to fall to Aditya Singh - who slammed home the finish, put the Bison up 3-0. From there, Tyden Levy found Aiden Brady to make it 4-0. Eventually, Tyden Levy found the goal column as well off a nice through ball from Rikhil Katpally, to put it at 5-0. Finally, Brodie Garland rounded out the scoring off a nice pass from John Park.

The Bison, in still a very young season, kicked their play into another gear and put on their best performance thus far.

Shaker earned a tough road victory over Ballston Spa on their beautiful new grass field. Both teams came out fast, but it was Shaker's Owen Brant who scored 2 goals 10 and 15 minutes in assisted by Kofi Sarfoh and Lucas Rivera. To close out the first half Spencer Subik and Vidun Perera scored with assists from Nathanael Chung and Imran Dalil. In the second half Imran Dalil added another assist, as did Owen Brant with goals coming from Kofi Sarfoh and Ryan Griffin for Shaker. Ballston Spa kept fighting and with only a few minutes left in the game Ballston Spa was rewarded for several good changes of field with a goal. Final score was 6-1.

Shaker @ Schenectady Boys Varsity Soccer
Saturday 9/9

Shaker 9 - Schenectady 0

Schenectady Saves
Nova - 9

Shaker Saves
PJ Strand - 2

Shaker Goals
Owen Brants assisted by Adam Singaporewala
Kofi Sarfoh assisted by Spencer Subik
Spencer Subik assisted by Aidan Bailie
Griffin Ryan assisted by Imran Dalil
Griffin Ryan assisted by Imran Shukralla
Owen Brant assisted by Kofi Sarfoh
Mason Perry assisted by Owen Brant
Imran Dalil assisted by Jack Keegan
Deen Magdon assisted by Imran Shukralla

Shaker defeated Schenectady on the road 9-0 on a very hot and muggy Saturday game. In a game that was much closer than the score line indicates, Shaker utilized their bench and kept applying pressure to Schenectady. Shaker had 8 players record their first varsity point including Griffin Ryan, Mason Perry, Imran Dalil, Deen Magdon, Adam Singaporewala, Aidan Bailie, Imran Shukralla, and Jack Keegan. Schenectady's goalie Nova made several great saves to keep Schenectady in the game early, and Chemms Djoubani had 2 close chances to getting on the score board. A clean and well played match by both sides.

The Shaker JV soccer team took on Burnt Hills in a sunny and hot game. Both teams were struggling with the heat early, with play going back and forth. Despite Burnt Hills constant pressing, the Bison finally broke through on a Sami Terra goal - assisted by Keene Kellerhouse. With the, Shaker continued to score over the next 10-15 minutes, with Harrison Yu capitalizing on mistake by Burnt Hills, and another when Tyden Levy slipped Harrison Yu through for the finish. Burnt Hills wasn't out of it though, as they slipped through right before half to put one on the board. Shaker led 3-1 at the break.

As both teams came out of the half, Shaker looked to pick the play up, but Burnt Hills constant pressing caused them fits. Play was back and forth through the first 15 minutes. Eventually, Harrison Yu capped off his hattrick on a mistake by the Burnt Hills goalkeeper to bring the game to 4-1. From there, the game opened up for the Bison. Alex Cross found Tyden Levy off a goalkick, who managed to tuck it past the keeper. Finally, Aditya Singh tucked home the final goal after a scrum in the box, off a Tyden Levy pass.

Despite a tough performance, Shaker managed to show up with a gritty performance, coming away with a 6-1 win.

Burnt Hills @ Shaker Boys Varsity Soccer
Tuesday 9/5

Burnt Hills 0 - Shaker 4

Burnt Hills Saves
Yerina - 4

Shaker Saves
PJ Strand - 2

Shaker Goals
Kofi Sarfoh assisted by Owen Brant
Kofi Sarfoh assisted by Spencer Subik
Patrick Flaherty assisted by Lucas Rivera
Owen Brant assisted by Patrick Flaherty

Shaker defeated Burnt Hills 4-0 on Tuesday in a physical suburban council game. Both teams generated chances from the start, but Shaker got on the board twice in the first 10 minutes with both goals coming from Kofi Sarfoh with assists by Owen Brant and Spencer Subik. 20 minutes into the game Lucas Rivera put the ball into the box and Patrick Flaherty headed it home. Patrick Flaherty then assisted a goal of his own when Owen Brant scored Shaker's fourth goal of the game. Shaker's goalie PJ Strand earned the shutout behind great centre back play of Mason Perry. The game was fast until the final whistle and both teams played well.

Ballston Spa @ Shaker Boys Varsity Soccer 8/31
(Non-League Game)

Ballston Spa 0 - Shaker 1

Ballston Spa Saves
Miller - 9

Shaker Saves
Jack Keegan 4

Shaker Goals
Lucas Rivera assisted by Nathanael Chung

Shaker won 1-0 in their home opener against Ballston-Spa in a non-league contest. Both teams played physical and fast and there were many chances on both ends. The goalie play of Shaker's Jack Keegan and Ballston Spa's Justin Miller kept the scores low, with each goalie making 2-3 great saves. Shaker's Lucas Rivera scored his first career varsity goal, assisted by Nathanael Chung, when he headed in a corner kick to get the lone goal of the game. Ballston Spa had 3 good chances late, but were unable to find the back of the net. The teams will play again for their league contest on 9/12.

The Shaker Soccer JV team faced Ballston Spa in their first home game of the 2023 season! The Bison began the scoring quickly behind a Tyden Levy effort only four minutes into the game. From there, Shaker kept it rolling with four more goals in the half by Aiden Brady, Mudaser Nawaz, Eyad Sayed and Fynn Sarfoh. The Blue Bison took the 5-0 score line into the break.

About ten minutes into the second half, Ballston Spa caught the Bison sleeping and put one in the back of the net, making it 5-1. But that woke Shaker up, who picked up where the left off in the first half. The Bison proceed to score four more goals by Aiden Brady for a brace on the day, Harrison Yu, Gannon King on a penalty won by Tyden Levy, and Aditya Singh. Shaker takes home a 9-1 win in their home debut.

Shaker @ Utica-Proctor Boys Varsity Soccer
8/29/23

Shaker 3 - Utica Proctor 1

Utica Proctor Goals
La Eh Soe

Utica Proctor Saves
Ervin Ferkic - 5

Shaker Goals
Owen Brant assisted by Nathanael Chung
Owen Brant assisted by Kofi Sarfoh
Spencer Subik assisted by Aiden Garland

Shaker Saves
PJ Strand - 5

Shaker opened their season with a tough 3-1 road victory over Utica Proctor. In a fast paced game that went end to end with lots of transitions, Shaker was able to get on the board first 20 minutes into the game when Nathanael Chung played Owen Brant down the line who cut inside to score the first goal of the season for Shaker. Utica Proctor had a lot of dangerous attacks as well and were rewarded a few minutes later when La Eh Soe collected a ball over the top and slipped it into the net. Halftime was 1-1 and Shaker regained the lead 10 minutes in when Owen Brant scored his second of the night from a pass from Kofi Sarfoh. With about 10 minutes left in the game Spencer Subik extended Shaker's lead after a pass from Aiden Garland. First game of the season for both teams that led to a wide open exciting game to watch.

The Shaker Blue Bison traveled to Utica Proctor to open the 2023 season, and left with their first win. From the start of the game, Shaker maintained possession and dictated the play until the end. Shaker's Rikhil Katpally scored the opener off a Brodie Flaherty shot, to put the Bison up 1-0. Despite several chances, including two ringers off the crossbar, Shaker maintained their 1-0 lead at half time.

Early in the second half, with the Bison pushing to extend their lead, Rikhil Katpally put away another ball from an Eyad Sayed goal to double the lead. Soon after, the Bison made a big mistake, putting a goal past their own keeper on a 35-yard ping. With the game at 2-1 now, Utica Proctor began to push even more, but Shaker managed to stay resilient and keep the game under control. The last 8 minutes proved to be an exciting end to the game, with the Bison scoring 3 late goals to seal the game. Harrison Yu tucked away two, with assists from Aiden Brady and Fynn Sarfoh. And with the last play of the game, Mudaser Nawaz hit a banger off a ball from Harrison Yu.

A great start to the season at 1-0!

I really hate to write up this report as it means the end of the season for the Blue Bison of Shaker, and they are a fun group to watch on the pitch. Led by their talented midfielder, #11 Lesedi Sekhobo, they are a skilled group, and I personally came into this match expecting the Blue Bison to have a great chance to make it to Middletown.

Was there a bit of a letdown after that thrilling OT win over Saratoga in the sectional final? I really don’t think so, what I think is that Shaker tonight ran into a Cicero-North Syracuse team with a workrate second to none. These players challenged every play, they cut off passes, they went to every ball hard and 50-50 balls became 60-40 balls as the Northstars played with a dogged determination.

Few first half shots were taken by either side as a lot of the play was in the middle of the field. Sekhobo did make some of his great runs and plays where he shredded defenders and got up the field, but on this night, he always seemed to pass and not shoot at the end of those forward forays.

Early in the first half, Cicero-North Syracuse put on a huge rally as they earned three corners in succession as they camped out in the Shaker box, but couldn’t find the nets. In particular I remember one mad scramble in the box that ended with a hard shot from C-NS, but it went wide of the target. In fact, there were lots of scrums in the Shaker box in the first half, and the Blue Bison defense was under the gun.

A direct kick for the Northstars resulted in a score by #5 Jacob Dietter to break them on top.

Late in the half, Sekhobo’s talent was on display as he split two Northstars, spun by a third and carried the ball forward, but his pass was cut off by the hustling Northstar defense.

Just seven minutes into the second 40, Shaker appeared to tie the match as their low shot rippled the nets, but in a close call, it was ruled the player was offside. The crowd let all in attendance know their displeasure with that call ( sounded like the crowd at a Phillies game! Holy Cow!!)

The dagger happened with four minutes to play when #13, Sean Graves, scored on a counter attack breakaway to make it 2-0, which was the final score. Shots for the game were Cicero-North Syracuse 6, Shaker 3, and corners were 4-2, Northstars.

Coach Dan Fountain and his Blue Bison were a great group to watch play the game and congratulations to them for an outstanding season. For Coach Mike McDaffery and his Northstars, good luck as they now head to Middletown and the Final Four, and if they play as determined as they were tonight, they will be a tough squad to knock out.

Saturday at Colonie, we witnessed the small school game of the tournament. Tonight at Colonie, all in attendance witnessed the large school game of the decade – or at least one of the games of the decade – highly entertaining, plenty of drama, and skill exhibited everywhere on the field – a great soccer match that neither Saratoga nor Shaker deserved to lose.

However, undefeated Saratoga, fell tonight in overtime to Shaker, 4-3, in a rollercoaster of a ride for both teams. After 80 minutes of exciting up and down the field attacking soccer by both, Shaker advanced on a PK just two minutes into overtime.

Back in 2015, Shaker was a sectional co-champion, but failed to advance due to PK’s, so this is Shaker’s first regional journey??? This writer thinks so.

Brendan Degan, who had been a menace all evening to the Saratoga back line, burst by two defenders into the Saratoga box, and was taken down, resulting in a PK. Ben Halek roofed the game winner to make the final 4-3, and a wild celebration broke out for the Blue Bison.

The match started off with two of the most skilled Suburban players punch and counter punch for a 1-1 start to the match. Saratoga’s Ryan Farr, turned on his defender, 11 minutes into play, and as he sped into the box, his low shot to the corner was unstoppable. Less than a minute later came the counter punch as Shaker’s Lesedi Sekhobo intercepted a defender’s pass and from 30 yards, stuck the corner of the net, 1-1.

Every single free kick for Shaker was dangerous. Nathaniel Fesel’s long lofted free kick drifted wide of the keeper and clanged off the post. Saratoga was back on the attack with some nice combination play entering the box, Farr to Owen Winter, back to Farr, with Shaker’s Kyle Harriman rushing out just in time to block it.

Saratoga’s Theo Paladini showed some great decision making and his passes were constantly key to Saratoga’s offense. The two sides went to the half with nearly identical scorelines. One to one on the scoreboard with Shaker taking 4 shots, 2 on target, and Saratoga 3 shots, 2 on target, and Shaker 2-1 in corners.

The second half was a roller coaster for both squads. Saratoga was hot and had the possession edge early as they moved the ball with precision and took the early upper hand. Their quickness stopped Shaker from connecting on as many passes and the Blue Bison were at times losing their shape.

Don’t count Shaker out, however. Eighteen minutes into the second half, Nick Pepe had a line drive service, and Kofi Sarfoh’s header just cleared the outstretched arms of rushing keeper, Ben VanValkenburg, 2-1, Blue Bison.

Sarfoh was far from done. He beat three Saratoga backs into the box, but his shot was wide of the target. Next, Sarfoh’s service sent Brendan Degan racing into the box and with defenders draped all over him, Degan finished to make it 3-1 and this set off a wild celebration on the Blue Bison sidelines as the entire team was really into the match and could almost taste victory. “It’s not finished”, Shaker coach Dan Fountain warned them.

Not finished? As long as your team has Ryan Farr, you are never finished. Farr scored twice in the final ten minutes to tie the game and send it into OT. Farr was double teamed, triple teamed ,and yet he found a way.

Ryan Farr could conduct a clinic and how to turn on a defender and in this match, that is exactly what he did! A mass of humanity was in the box on Farr’s goal to tie it, but Vincent DeVito got the assist, and Farr found a way, 3-3. What a comeback – what a game!!

Then came overtime and between Degan’s hustle and Halek’s shot, Shaker was celebrating long after this match was over. What a match this was, too, congrats to both teams who were winners in my book, and despite the scoreline, both were just that.

Everything was on display tonight, speed of play, skill, work ethic- all by both sides. Two outstanding Suburban teams played their hearts out. For the match: Shaker ten shots (6 on frame) and Saratoga ten shots (6 on frame). Corners were 6-3, Saratoga.

Shaker now moves on into a regional final Saturday night at 5:00 PM at LaSalle Institute where they will face Section III's Cicero-North Syracuse Northstars for the chance to advance into the NYS Final Four in Middletown!

Shaker High School defeated Shenendehowa in a classic semi-final tonight, 2-1. With the win, #2 Shaker will face #1 Saratoga Springs in the championship match next Tuesday night at Colonie HS at 6:30.

Now, if you are playing against Shaker, a lot of your game plan must center on how to contain Lesedi Sekhobo. I mean, Sekhobo is a soccer player who has such quickness and skill, that every player on the other side has to be totally aware of where he is at all times, and his skill was on display Thursday night at Mechanicville HS in the semis, as he had moments of taking over this game.

This game was a wonderful match to watch as it was such a contrast in style, and the nearly filled house seemed to enjoy it just as much as I did by their reactions to the pace and play of the game.

Shen is quite probably the best possession team in Section Two. Their style is to keep possession, probe, and play the chess match, and I have always enjoyed watching this style. Shen is such a different team when Mark Makhatadze is back in their midfield. He has had to miss much of this season due to injury, and he adds so much when he is on the field, even tho' he is still not at full strength. If Shen plays the game like a chess match, Makhatadze is the chessmaster, always thinking three steps ahead of everyone else.

So, there is the picture of this game - Shen keeping possession, and Shaker picking and choosing when to counter and their counter attacks were dangerous, no doubt. Shaker made tremendous decisions in a good way as to when to counter and with what numbers to go forward.

Shen scored first when eight minutes in, Makhatadze placed his corner kick at the far post where Conor Brown headed it back toward the near post, and Lochlain Clarke was there to head it to the net, 1-0. Shaker leveled the score when midway thru that first period, Brendan Degan was taken down in the box. That drew a PK and Ben Halek made sure of it, 1-1.

It looked like it would be 2-1 Shaker at the half when Sekhobo intercepted a pass, blew by two defenders and at the top of the box unleashed a shot - just wide of the target. Thus, the two sides went to halftime, 1-1. Shots at goal for the first forty: Shen 3 (1 on frame), and Shaker 4 (1 on frame). Corners were 3-1, Plainsmen.

In the second half, again, some amazing counters were triggered by Sekhobo and Makhatadze continued directing the Plainsmen possession. Thirteen minutes remained when another quick counter came about as Patrick Flaherty's pass put the Shen goalmouth at risk as Brendan Degan came flying into the box with yet one marker. Degan cut the ball just enough to put the defense leaning the wrong way, then cut it back, and squeezed his shot into a narrow opening to find what turned into the game winner.

Second half shots on frame were 1-1 and at goal were 4-2, Shaker. Corners were 1-1 for the second 40.

Sometimes when I go out to play golf, I enjoy the time so much I wish it could last another hour. That is the feeling from this soccer match - two special teams playing at such a high level- how about OT? Congratulations to both for a tremendous display of soccer tonight.

Second seeded Shaker won a dramatic 2-1 sectional quarterfinal game against #7 Albany on Monday in front of a packed crowd under the lights. The game was moved to the turf due to the rain, and Albany used their size and speed to their advantage putting Shaker under a lot of pressure early on. Albany saw the run of play until Shaker really started to grow in the game and missed several chances, but Shaker was rewarded for their efforts just before halftime when Nick Pepe passed to Ben Halek who fired in the go ahead goal. Albany had chances of their own and drew level when Denis Luila found the back of the net. The game flew from end to end until about 10 minutes left when Lesedi Sekhobo passed to Andrew Kang who fired in a cross that bounced off a player and into the net for the eventual game winner. Both teams had chances in a fast paced great sectional atmosphere quarterfinal. Congrats to both squads for their efforts and Shaker now moves on to Thursday night's semi-finals at Mechanicville High School.

Shaker put their 10-0 perfect season on the line as we hosted Bethlehem at the "Swamp" at Shaker on Friday night. Shaker was led by game captains Lucas Rivera, Divansh Pramanick and team Captain Adam Singaporewala. Both teams were coming off strong performances and this was the last match of the season for both squads. There was plenty of emotion from both teams as they faced off for bragging rights and the top spot for the 2021 season. The game opened with a frantic pace, both teams testing the other from all angles, Shaker pressed high and Bethlehem responded by trying to beat the press with long balls into Shaker's defensive third. Shaker's defense and goalkeepers were up to the challenge. Most of the 1st half saw very few opportunities for either side with both team keepers making some nice saves to keep the match knotted at 0 at the break.

The second half saw the intensity pick up from both sides as they realized the season was 30 minutes from being over. The balance of the game was almost completely played in the middle 3rd of the field where both teams' midfielders played physical, aggressive "blue collar" soccer. Neither team backed down, they both dug in, it was a dogfight. There were a few opportunities on both sides that were quickly thwarted by the defenses. The game ended in a 0-0 tie, an acceptable result for both sides, neither team deserved to lose. It was an entertaining game and a great way to end the season.

The support from the families and parents (especially mine who traveled 2 1/2 hours to watch the Bison in their final game) was great, the positive encouragement kept the team's energy high all season long.

Shaker finishes the 2021 campaign undefeated with a record of 10-0-1. Outscoring their opponents 45-4.

The defense of Matt Psomas, Brodie Flaherty, David Musser and Ryan Griffin (Team Captain) along with the goal keeper trio of Will Hartman, Tyler Shull and Gannon King combined for 8 shutouts and allowed only 4 goals for allowed goals/game of .36 goals/game.

Shaker midfielders Vidun Perera (Team Captain), Adam Singaporewala (Team Captain), Dylan Carron (Team Captain), Aiden Brady, Brodie Garland, Tyden Levy, Cole Murley, John Park, Charlie Bevevino and Shriyan Ahuja dominated possession and disrupted the opposing teams attack with their relentless defensive press.

Strikers Griffin Ryan, Harrison Yu, Imran Dalil and Lucas Rivera and Divyansh Pramanick created problems for opposing defenses all season long with their speed, making great runs off the ball and creating space for themselves or their teammates to finish plays with the ball in the back of the net 45 times this season.

This team was relentless in the pursuit of their goals. We talked early and often about playing with class and dignity and winning would take care of itself. This team is made up of a group of individuals that came together to become a team, supportive, encouraging and holding each other accountable, they never backed down or gave up. I could not be prouder to be part of this program or this team. The future of Shaker Soccer is bright.

Can't wait to see what next year brings! Thanks for a great year.