(Herkimer, NY) The #10 NJCAA ranked tigers went on the road to start their season.  Making the long trip up to Herkimer, NY for the Coliseum Classic.  The weather was uncharacteristically hot for the Upstate New York area.  With almost no clouds in the sky, and temperatures reaching 90+ degrees on the turf the tigers were pushed to their limits.  The weekend double header started the soccer season's schedule against one of the top teams in the country.  

Day 1
The tigers faced the Herkimer Generals, who came into the fall season ranked #3 in the preseason polls.  The tigers had only had 6 days of prep time for their toughest opponent of the season, and they made a statement that shocked the upstaters.  Taking the Generals 0-0 into the half, the tigers looked like they were in mid season form.  Senior captain Stephanie Roberts had two amazing brilliant 1 on 1 saves that kept the score level after 45 minutes.  As a young team the tigers newcomers played like seasoned veterans.  Anna Vidakovic and Sienna Cassillo played a stand out game in the center of the field that kept the Herkimer team on their heels.  

"Taking a team like Herkimer 0-0 into half is a huge win for us" said Assistant Coach Carrie Godas.

Unfortunately the combination of heat, lack of playing time, and the constant attack of the Generals proved to be too much.  In the 80th minute the Generals broke through the back four and put a ball on frame that was originally saved by Roberts, but not cleared from the area and was ultimately put into the back of the net.    This proved to be the only goal, and game winner.

After the game Coach Bevivino had this to say, "I couldn't be more proud of this team, 6 days on the field together, never playing on a full field, and playing a team like Herkimer and falling to the 1-0 is a huge accomplishment.  We are still (as a coaching staff) trying to figure out who plays where and what they are capable of, Claire and Christina (Claire Anvelt, Christina Schumchyk) in the back were amazing, they played like they have been paired together for years.  I am beyond optimistic for what this team is going to be capable of later this season."

Day 2
Only one word can be used to describe the conditions for the day.  HOT!  Playing at noon, no clouds in sight, and temperatures in the high 90's the team playing a very conservative game.  After a very difficult game Saturday, the team played a very defensive formation.  With a few players who didn't do well with the sun the day before, the team had to be smart with their runs and subs.  The temperatures were so high the referee's and coaches all agreed to water breaks halfway through each half.  

Again, the team played beyond expectations.  Nicole Saade and Hunter Wellford stepped up huge to suppress the outside attack of the Genessee Cougars.  With the score 0-0 at half time, credit again went to the amazing saves by the senior Stephanie Roberts.  The luck turned in the second half.  The heat some how seemed to get worse and legs got tired.  To compound the problems, freshman Jenny Landells was injured only 10 minutes into the half.  At the second half water break the coaches and officials had a discussion about the weather.  Both coaches agreeing that the weather and condition for our players was getting to a dangerous level.  

Coach Bevivino said after the game, "first and foremost the concern will always be for the safety for my players.  I will never put them in a dangerous situation and jeopardize their health."

With ten minutes left in the game, the Cougars capitalized on a scramble situation.  Roberts made the initial save on the cross of the ball pushing it back out.  Unfortunately during that save she was injured.  And the ball was played into the net as she remained on the ground.  

"During the evaluation of Steph, the officials, Genesee Coach and I met to discuss the remaining time.  We had already been talking about problems of the heat on the sideline and the safety of our players.  Losing Jenny and Steph in a non-region game and girls from both teams showing signs of heat exposure, there was no opposition to calling the game for safety.  If taking a loss means protecting my players I'll do that any day.  

Jeff  (Genesse's Head Coach) and I were having a constant dialogue throughout the game about the heat and safety.  Right around the 75' mark we both decided that overtime was not an option, it was just unsafe.  We were both looking to get the center's attention about our options.  We both decided at the next stoppage to see what could be done, unfortunately it happened to be a goal." Bevivino explained.

Although starting the season 0-2, the tigers are not worried at all.  With a very short preseason, and carrying 16 Freshmen some would be less optimistic, but after seeing how well they did no one has any doubts that as the season progresses the team can only get better!

The tigers can be seen playing their first region game against Suffolk CC on Sunday September 4th at 3pm at Kingsborough CC.

Video of FIT vs Herkimer
Video of FIT vs Genesee