What a week it has been for Boys Varsity Soccer!

On Monday, November 2, the team won 2-1 against Packer Collegiate Institute in a must-win playoff game to advance to the quarterfinals in the New York State Association of Independent Schools (NYSAIS) league. After the regular season ended, Riverdale finished with seven wins, four losses, and five ties, securing the fifth seed in the playoffs to play against the eleventh-seeded Packer Collegiate. Despite not playing Packer in the regular season, Riverdale diligently prepared for Monday’s playoff game by watching game film to identify the opposition’s strong players and how to effectively defend them. Supported by Riverdale faculty and students cheering in the stands of the Bertino Memorial Turf Field, the Boys Varsity Soccer team was determined to win.

Nonetheless, Packer Collegiate put up a fight. To some Riverdale soccer players’ surprise, in the first half, Packer was efficiently controlling the ball, allowing them to score an early goal. With Riverdale down 1-0 at the half, Head Coach Mr. Gaspar Epstein kept his composure, emphasizing the need for the players to not panic since this can translate to poor performance on the field. Also, sophomore and starter Luca DiFelice explained, “the fans really helped us keep [our] energy levels up.”

Feeling rejuvenated after halftime, Riverdale dominated the second half. After a powerful sideline throw from senior Shahe Jebejian, the ball deflected off a Packer defender towards midfielder Tomas Gutierrez at the top of the goalie box. Gutierrez smashed the ball into the top-right corner of the goal, tying the game. Despite tremendous pressure, Gutierrez later calmly scored a penalty kick after a Packer defender fouled senior Teymour Afkhami, putting Riverdale up 2-1. 

Able to maintain their lead and win, the Boys Varsity Soccer team played the fourth-seeded Ethical Culture Fieldston School yesterday on Fieldston’s turf field known as the “Nest.” Before the game, DiFelice said that the team must improve on “fully utiliz[ing] the width of the field and constantly look[ing] to switch the point of attack, especially at a field like Fieldston’s, which is very small.” Players on the Boys Varsity team encouraged Upper School students to join “The Trek” Down Fieldston Road™ at 2:00pm to cheer on Riverdale at the “Nest.” DiFelice knew that the team would need the Riverdale community’s support to win in what he called “the toughest match [they] will have in the playoffs.”

And win they did! With hundreds of Riverdale spectators in the student section, it truly felt like a home game. Riverdale’s energy and spirit was unmatched at the “Nest,” with senior JJ Davidoff leading the crowd. As hundreds of fans trekked down Fieldston Road, a caravan of Jeeps followed. Even the Falcon came out to play. The crowd was just what the team needed to bring home the win. With the incredible work of our defenders, Gutierrez once again scored two goals while Fieldston did not score. 

The “Nest” is ours now. 

Boys Varsity Soccer continues to the semifinals tomorrow (Friday) at The Masters School at 2:30pm. Riverdale will be providing busing to the game. The team needs our support, so come with your friends or come alone. Either way, the fans will be there to cheer on Riverdale.

Go Falcons!