psa pg 7 10-3-24
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PSA soccer kicks off with mixed results
PUTNAM — The Putnam Science Academy boys’ soccer program began its 2024 season with mixed results, as both the Varsity and Prep teams split their weekend games. Following the program’s recent split into two squads to maximize player development, the Varsity team lost their season opener 3-1 to Woodstock Academy Sept. 27 but bounced back with a 3-1 win over South Kent Sept. 28.
Meanwhile, the Prep team fell to South Kent 7-2 in its first match of the season.
For Head Coach Christopher Steele, who leads the Varsity squad, the split was a strategic decision to ensure every player in the program gets ample time on the field.
“Ultimately, the split was necessary to help all the players grow,” Steele said. “The goal is to make sure everyone gets on the field, improves, and gets to college.”
In their Friday season opener, PSA’s Varsity team faced a tough challenge against a strong Woodstock Academy side. Despite Guilherme Vieira scoring the team’s only goal, they fell 3-1. Steele acknowledged the loss but saw it as an opportunity for the new-look team to develop their chemistry.
“It was our first time playing together as a team, and we held our own for long stretches,” he said. “We had chances to score but came up short. Still, I saw some positives.”
The Varsity team quickly turned things around the following day at South Kent, earning a 3-1 victory. Goals from Mario Camacho, Rafael Costa, and Hugh Copley secured the win, while goalkeeper Phone “Patrick” Paye Sone had an outstanding performance, highlighted by a crucial penalty kick save that energized the squad.
Prep Recap: Tough Loss but Signs of Growth
Following the Varsity game Sept. 28, PSA’s Prep team took the field against a formidable South Kent side, falling 7-2 in its first match of the season. Despite the result, there were individual bright spots, with Tanaka Makechemu and Pedro Rosa (via a penalty kick) scoring the goals for PSA Prep.
For Steele, the Prep team’s early struggles are part of the growing process, and he remains optimistic about their future as they continue to build chemistry and develop their game.
Unity Within the Program
One of the key takeaways from the weekend was the strong sense of unity between the Varsity and Prep teams. Even with their own challenges on the field, the Prep players were seen in the stands supporting the Varsity team, a gesture that didn’t go unnoticed by Steele.
“The sense of unity was really strong,” Steele said. “Prep was in the stands cheering for Varsity, and that type of support is going to help both teams grow. We’ve only been together for three weeks, but that bond is already building.”
With both teams now holding a record of one win and one loss, Steele is confident that both the Varsity and Prep squads will continue to improve as the season progresses.
“We have 6 returning players and 23 new faces between the teams. For only being together for three weeks, I’m proud of where we are, and I know we’re going to keep getting better,” Steele said.
By Rebecca Townes
Sports Information Director
Putnam Science Academy
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