The Rhinebeck High School boys soccer team is getting ready to, as coach Justin Wiesenthal put it, run the gauntlet.
Soccerball
And the Hawks will do it coming off a win.
Entering a stretch of the season that includes games against Section 1’s Bronxville, as well as Ellenville and Spackenkill, Rhinebeck shut out John A. Coleman Catholic 4-0 on Thursday.
“We’re looking forward to playing some great competition next week,” Wiesenthal said. “We have to beat the best in order to compete for a section title. We’re happy to get out there and get experience playing some of the better teams in our area.”
The Hawks play Bronxville at Valhalla in a tournament on Monday, then travel to Ellenville Tuesday. On Thursday, Rhinebeck will host Spackenkill.
Ryan Euell made sure the Hawks head into their next three games on a winning note, scoring three goals against Coleman.
“He’s able to finish the ball,” Wiesenthal said of Euell. “The special part about him is that some games he scores two or three goals and some games he’s the guy feeding the other players.”
Walter Gasdby added a goal and an assist, while Adrian Cruz and Matt Flanagan each distributed an assist.
Spencer Hutchins made no saves, as Rhinebeck kept Coleman away from the net. Wiesenthal attributed the feat to possession and solid defense.
“We moved the ball well through the midfield and kept up high pressure defense,” said Wiesenthal, whose Hawks are 10-1. “Credit the team. They worked well and shared the ball.”
A.J. Martelli: amartelli@poughkeepsiejournal.com, 845-437-4836, Twitter: @AJM_PoJoSports