Big Red fall to Northfield Mount Hermon

On a beautiful fall day, as the leaves began to show a bit of color, SPS BVS traveled to Northfield, MA to take on the Hoggers of NMH; always a classy side, who are confident in their play, the Big Red knew they were up for a good challenge.  The game was open from the beginning.  SPS created the first bit of pressure with Will Iller leading the way making it difficult for NMH to play out of the back.  Three corner kicks were the result, but the visitors could not find the back of the net.  The possession swung to the Hoggers as they began created three corners of their own.  SPS was able to clear these from danger and keeper Teddy Sulger was at the top of his game making four quality saves from tight range.  NMH finally took the lead in the 33^rd minute as a through ball proved too much to handle.  The Big Red reacted well as within six minutes Iago Arango played an early ball forward to Matthew Jean Baptiste who received, turned and within one stride stuck a 25 yd bullet passed the surprised NMH keeper who had no chance on the ball.  1 – 1!  NMH's speed up top and the nice weight they put on their through balls caused problems for SPS.  Goals with twenty-one minutes and five minutes to play were the results of through balls followed by nice crosses to the back side to give the hosts the lead.  With three minutes to play in the half Teddy Sulger made three brilliant saves but the Big Red could not clear the ball from the box and NMH made it 4 – 1 as the half ended.

At the half, the Big Red talked about the moments that went well and what they need to do to grow together as a team.  A consistent 45 minutes was the goal – keep their shape, compete for balls, and build an attack that creates opportunities. As the half began the effort was there, and the positional play of the Big Red was solid.  Giving the ball away at times made the work harder for SPS.  NMH snuck one more in but the team in white saw some big heart from the likes of Theo Quan and Asun Zhu in the midfield.  Augustus Kang had a great chance as he crashed the far post on a quality service from Evers Saleeby.  SPS was able to capitalize with twelve minutes to play as a well flighted corner by Zhu found the head of AJ Zoltowski for his first goal of the season.  A learning experience for SPS from which to build upon as they grow each day.

The Big Red opens League play this coming Wednesday when they jump on I – 89 and travel north to Meriden, NH and the home of the KUA Wildcats.

Go Big Red!

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Players Mentioned

#10 Theo Quan: M; Senior; 2026

#20 Evers Saleeby: F; Junior; 2027

#6 Asun Zhu: M, F; Senior; 2026

#19 Matthew Jean Baptiste: Freshman; 2029

#27 Augustus Kang: Freshman; 2029

#23 Iago Arango: Junior; 2027

Players Mentioned

#10 Theo Quan
: Senior; 2026
: M

#20 Evers Saleeby
: Junior; 2027
: F

#6 Asun Zhu
: Senior; 2026
: M, F

#19 Matthew Jean Baptiste
: Freshman; 2029

#27 Augustus Kang
: Freshman; 2029

#23 Iago Arango
: Junior; 2027