First-year coach Dan Hoffay said the Franklin D. Roosevelt boys soccer team’s morale was somewhat down after its loss on Tuesday to open the season.
But the low spirits only lasted two days.
The Presidents defeated visiting Saugerties 2-0 on Thursday in Hyde Park in Hoffay’s first win as a varsity coach.
“The Wallkill game (Tuesday) was tough. A lot of heads were down,” Hoffay said. “(Thursday), we put together an 80-minute effort and got the win. That’s going to help us going forward.”
The Presidents’ (1-1) next test will come Tuesday, when they visit Poughkeepsie. The Pioneers are coming off a 4-1 win over Marlboro on Thursday.
From left, Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Brandon Garcias leads Saugerties’ Sergio Lemus during Thursday’s game in Hyde Park.
In order to win, Hoffay said, the Presidents must force Poughkeepsie into making mistakes — and capitalize.
“We have to pounce on them and hopefully punish them,” the coach said. “I think we have to play our style of game.”
From left, Frankin D. Roosevelt’s Brandon Garcias and Christian Santiago celebrate Garcias’ goal during Thursday’s game in Hyde Park.
Roosevelt certainly played its style against Saugerties.
Bryan Steigerwald scored the Presidents’ first goal on a direct kick in the seventh minute of the first half. Thirty-two minutes later, Brandon Gracias found the back of the net.
The Presidents’ offense was able to maintain possession, while their defense remained unflappable.
“We attacked very well,” Hoffay added. “We controlled the ball for the majority of the game. We were able to work the defense a little bit.”
Goalie Griffin Pelish helped solidify the defense, making five saves.
A.J. Martelli: amartelli@poughkeepsiejournal.com, 845-437-4836, Twitter: @AJM_PoJoSports