Valeo FC Defeats New York Shockers 3-2

By Carter Hochman/Valeo FC

Last week it was a windy and sunny 3:00 pm kickoff.  However, this matchup between Valeo FC and the New York Shockers took place during a hot and humid night in Newton, Massachusetts.  The weather would be a strong metaphor and foreshadowing for the game that would take place.

The game would start off hotly contested by both squads; New York and Valeo were not willing to give an inch to the other.  In a game filled with grittiness and chippiness, the chances would be few and far between for either team’s forwards. 

That would change, however, when in the 38th minute, Valeo’s Lucas Spinola would send in a cross that would be headed past New York’s goalkeeper Ryan Henning to give Valeo an early 1-0 lead.  The chances would continue to come but both Henning and Valeo goalkeeper Zach Rowell would stand strong, not allowing any to get past their endlines. 

The first half would finish at 1-0, but that’s not where the goals would stop.

Valeo would shortly double their lead with a goal by Jamar Campion-Hinds in the 50th minute after a shot that was saved off the crossbar initially by Henning fell ever so kindly to Campion Hinds’ feet gobbling up the rebound. 

That’s when the Shockers decided to attempt to mount a comeback.  In the 57th minute, Antonio Linge would be on the receiving end of a fantastic corner kick cross, heading it past Rowell. 

But in the 71st minute, Matthew Bell would take charge and give Valeo a two-goal lead.  Valeo midfielder Dane Golding would dribble past two defenders and set up Bell beautifully to put their third goal past Henning. 

The Shockers, however, refused to give up hope.  In the 85th minute, a cross would be sent into a dangerous area of Rowell’s box to be headed home by Adetayo Adefioye.  It was officially game on. 

New York would push for several opportunities missing high, wide, and the rest were saved by Rowell who would end the night with five saves.  Henning would finish with four saves.

Speaking with Valeo head coach John Hablitz, he mentioned that he was incredibly pleased with the build-up play, all it comes down to is finishing the game earlier and not allowing the opposing team a chance to come back like New York was almost able to tonight. 

Valeo FC is set to take on Cedar Stars FC on the road on Saturday May 21st at 7:00 pm.  That game will take place at Faller Field in Middletown, New York. 

Photo Credit: Ben Reimann/Valeo FC