Rebels Win Season Opener at Dutchess County
The Albany Rebels cruised to a season opening victory against the Dutchess County Griffins 4-8 (20 points) to 0-7 (7 points) on Saturday at Tymor Park in Lagrangeville, N.Y. It was the first match for the Rebels in 22 months due to the 2020 season being canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the first match ever between these two clubs.
Forward Ryan Moloney led the Rebels in scoring with two goals and four points (10 points). Other scorers included RC Helsing (1 goal and 1 assist), Joe Bradley (1 goal), Pat Curran (1 point), Mikey Heiserman (1 point) and Aibhne O’Kane (1 point).
“What a start to what will hopefully be a great yearly competition between ourselves and Dutchess County,” said Moloney. “After a long wait, it was a great feeling to not only get back out there for returning players, but to get the new guys game experience, and ultimately get a win under our belt.”
Dutchess County took an early lead one minute into the game when they scored off a free kick from 25 yards out. But the Rebels responded with two goals later in the quarter, one by Moloney on a build up down the right side of the pitch, and then Helsing scoring off a restart when he made a run through the box, caught a kick pass from Tim Gerrish and fired it past the goalkeeper.
The Rebels played strong team defense, led by Henry Best, Charles MacGowan, Scotto and Helsing, limiting quality goal scoring opportunities and forcing Dutchess County to settle for points from distance.
Rebels Goalkeeper Mark Adam made three saves, including a diving stop on a penalty kick, and provided steady kickouts. He regularly found Heiserman in the midfield, leaping over opponents to secure possession.
“Mikey had a great game," said Adam. "He was a force in the midfield winning balls in the air and he looked really comfortable taking on defenders and moving the ball forward."
Following the match, Dutchess County hosted the Rebels for a postgame party at the field.
Albany returns to action on June 12 when they open league play at Syracuse.
Rebels Notes: The seven points allowed by the Rebels were the fewest since July 20, 2019 against Syracuse (0-5) … Pat Curran, Mikey Heiserman and Aibne O’Kane each scored their first career points for the Rebels … Rookies Rod Aldrich, Pat Curran, Aibne O’Kane, Dustin Moore and Brian Nolan all made their debuts.