WESTFIELD – Call it a trifecta, call them a triple-threat, but whatever you label them – don’t call them lucky.
The Westfield Technical Academy boys’ soccer team has solidified its spot atop the Tri-County League with a league-clinching, 5-0 win over Pathfinder Thursday night at Bullens Field.
For the Tigers, it is their third straight league championship title.
“What makes this year so special is that it was a brand new bunch of kids,” said Westfield Tech coach Kyle Dulude, who continues to build a strong soccer tradition at the school. The Tigers opened the season with a 12-0 loss, but have excelled ever since.
“With minor adjustments, a lot of hard work, and a tremendous understanding of teamwork, they have something to be extremely proud of,” Dulude said. “It was great to see the smiles on all their faces and their family members as well.”
Westfield Tech began cracking smiles early on Thursday.
Philip Lisyanyy netted a first-half hat trick for Westfield Tech. Tigers’ Sam Kiforishin and Ruvim Vdochenchenko each had a second-half goal.
Kirill Ohkrimenko, Brad Nelson, Yeremy Kovylyak, and Ruvim Poznyer all had assists.
Westfield Tech’s Dan Kontsimal, Dave Tikhonchuk, and Maiden Feist anchored the defense, keeping Tri-County leading scorer Ted King in check. Brothers Anatoly and Ruvim Suprunchuck provided great leadership.
All of those things made a huge difference, considering Westfield Tech tied Pathfinder 1-1 earlier this season.
Said Dulude: “Going forward, we just want to stay consistent, avoid injuries and try to increase our shape and conditioning, knowing that sometimes becomes the difference in tournament match-ups.”
