Indians defeat rivals at home in “knock-em out fight”

Spencer Goldstein and BJ McGrane|September 11, 2019

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Matt Austin
Senior Nate Dedrick celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal. He would finish with two of Valleys three goals in the win

“[The game was] a knock-em out fight, and we were able to come up on top,” head coach Luciano Cofrancesco said of Wednesday night’s varsity boys soccer game against Old Tappan in which the Indians edged out the Golden Knights 3-1.

Senior Nate Dedrick led the charge with two goals, and the win also came on Valley’s annual Zack Latteri Foundation Fundraiser Night.

“It’s great playing OT,” Dedrick said. “They’re our rivals. It’s good to get a win against them. Last year we lost 3-1 so it’s great to win and it’s great to score and help out anyway I can.”

Valley would strike first about midway through the first half.

This yellow card would be the first of many, as both teams seemed unable to avoid penalties all game.

“A game like tonight is always a great game,” Cofrancesco said. “[Old Tappan] is always a good program, and we always want to come out and perform. The boys did that tonight, right from the beginning. There were some yellow cards on us but also on them.”

Valley would add to their lead later in the first half.

Valley continued to control the game throughout the first half, leading 2-0 at halftime. Old Tappan would put themselves on the board after scoring on a penalty kick about ten minutes into the second half.

Dedrick’s second goal of the game provided Valley with a two-goal cushion that they would retain until the final whistle sounded.

The Indians (3-1) look to continue their success on Saturday morning in Ramapo when they take on the Raiders.