By S. Quinn DeJoy and J. Murrer

Sep. 14, 2016:  It was a hot week for the start of the Bronco season, and by Saturday the heat index had reached 100°, forcing the cancellation or rescheduling of several games. Hopefully this coming Saturday will be cooler when the boys' and girls' soccer teams play in the championship games of the annual Broncofest tournament at Chambers Field. The girls' team defeated Arlington B, 4-2, on Monday and will play on Saturday at 4:00 pm. The boys' team moved on to the championship round after defeating Tuckahoe, 6-1, and will play at 2:00 pm.

The girls' soccer game against Arlington B. Photo by J. Murrer.

Girls' soccer

The Bronco girls opened the season with wins over Blind Brook and North Salem. In the North Salem game, the Broncos were down 1-0 at halftime, but in the second half, goals by Rachel Peacock and Mason Warble and assists from Maeve Sullivan and Catherine Faville led to a 2-1 Bronco victory. Senior goalkeeper Maddie Coyne had five saves for Bronxville.

The Bronco girls are ranked at the top of Class B and are #10 in the Lohud Power Rankings. Leadership this year will come from senior captains Natalie Kister and Mason Warble, along with sophomore Peacock. The third captain, senior Beth Finely, tore her ACL during the lacrosse season and will not be back on the field this fall.

"Obviously, losing a player such as Beth Finley is tough," said Coach Don Cupertino. "She is a player that can not be replaced. We will miss her leadership and, of course, her offensive contributions." There are four seniors on the team, eleven juniors, five sophomores, and five eighth-graders. The Broncos will be starting two eighth-graders, forward Alex Doukas and defensive mid Victoria Ruffo.

"This year's team has a lot of ability, but success will depend on our leadership and playing as a unit and not individuals," said Cupertino. "This could turn into something special--time will tell."

On Sunday just before the start of the boys' Broncofest final, Cupertino will be presented with the 2015 Sectional Coach of the Year award from the National Federation of High School Coaches. Cupertino was chosen from coaches in the Northeast Section, which includes states from Maine to New Jersey.

The boys' soccer game against Rye Neck. Photo by J. Murrer. 

Boys' Soccer

The boys' soccer team has had a busy opening week schedule and posted wins against Tuckahoe, Briarcliff, and Solomon Schechter. The Broncos, who are ranked #3 in Class B behind Hastings and Rye Neck, lost to Rye Neck last week, 3-1. They will meet Rye Neck again at the end of September but won't face Hastings until the last game of the regular season.

The boys' team, led by senior captains Matt Toal and Will Vranka, has a very competitive schedule this fall. According to Coach Donny Lucas, every game will be difficult, and the team is working hard to be competitive in each one.

Offensive leaders include Vranka, juniors Jeb Burnell, Alston Tarry, and Zack Zucker, and freshman Luke Doukas. Toal, senior Jason Cushman, and juniors Mac Crawford and Cameron McKhann should be big contributors to the Bronco defense. Senior James Swartz and junior Eddie Connors will defend the goal.

In the game against Solomon Schechter on Sunday, September 11, the players and fans honored the 9/11 victims and their families with a moment of silence before the game, followed by a playing of the national anthem. The Broncos defeated Schechter, 3-0, with a hat trick by Burnell.

The Broncos have a busy schedule and will play at Valhalla today and at home against Pleasantville tomorrow.

Go Broncos. 

Bronco girls gather at the end of the game against Arlington B. Photo by J. Murrer.

Broncofest Schedule

10:00 am:  Boys' consolation game
Noon:  Girls' consolation game
2:00 pm:  Boys' championship game
4:00 pm:  Girls' championship game

Pictured at top (rotating):  The boys' soccer team against Rye Neck; the girls' soccer team against Arlington B. 

Photos by J. Murrer