The Tyler Consolidated Silver Knight boys soccer team will lose nine seniors to graduation in June and recognized their dedication to the sport and team last week at Burgbacher Field. Pictured left to right above, front row are: Gian Melchionna, Dylan Reynolds, Matthew Goudy and Nathan Heintzman; back row - Austin Souders, Dylan Romine, Mason Dawson, Ryan Dalrymple and Chase Cornell.

The Silver Knight boys soccer team hosted Parkersburg Catholic on Oct. 15 with senior night ceremonies taking place at half-time of the game. The Knights played a solid, physical game, taking the win from the Crusaders 3-2.

Federico Perez scored the first goal for the Silver followed by a goal from Jonas Bach and then one from Austin Souders before the game ended. Perez had two assists on the day and Gian Melchionna was credited with one assist.

Senior Nathan Heintzman had three save in goal for the Silver.

“This was a very good game,” said Knight head coach Scott Wall. “I knew it was going to be a close game going in and the guys knew it too. But they stepped up and played very well at every position.”

“To name a few that made a difference, Matthew Goudy at sweeper was incredible on the night, Mason Dawson did an excellent job on defense, Bach and Tachi really stepped up and played where they were needed, and Josh Wayne came off the bench and gave us the added spark we needed. I was very pleased that we showed our resilience.”

“We’ve been playing a man down without Dylan Romine due to injury and he was such a huge part of our team, and I think this game showed us that we’re capable of moving forward, that we’re not a one player team. I was very pleased that the seniors were able to win their senior game at home.”

The Silver played their last regular season on the road at South Harrison on Oct. 17, playing the Hawks to a tough 0-0 tie when all was said and done.

Playing in miserable wet, cold and rainy conditions, the two teams forced the ball back and forth throughout the 80 minutes on the field. The Knights took seven shots at Parkersburg’s goal while holding them to only three decent looks.

“Goudy had a good opportunity to score, hitting the ball off the bottom right corner, but we didn’t get the bounce and Chase Cornell had a header to Quentin Richmond who also headed it towards the net but their goalie had a tremendous save on that one,” said the coach. “So, we had opportunities to score and we took them, the ball just didn’t find the net.”

Playing their last game for the Knight soccer team, the nine seniors have seen their last home field advantage of their high school career and coach Wall said they will be sorely missed when the 2014 season begins.

“I don’t know how we’ll replace nine of them next year,” the coach said. “These have been great seniors, great leaders and nine exceptional kids to work with.”

“Dylan Romine is one of our co-captains, and a four year player for us and through his hard work and individual skills he has received statewide recognition on an individual level which has brought attention to our team and program in a good way. He is the school’s all time leading scorer with 60 goals and the single season high scorer with 26.”

“He’s a great soccer player and has been our leading scorer for the last three years. I look forward to watching him play at the next level.”

“Dylan Reynolds is another of our co-captains, also a four year player who has brought so much to our team. He never, ever stops. His endurance is unmatched on the field and he works at his game. He’s so much more soccer-smart now than when he was a freshman and it shows in his level of play. His reliability and trustworthiness makes him the guy you want representing you on the field. He’s tied for second for scoring this season.”

“Matthew Goudy is another four year player who was one of our co-captains this year and is easily the most consistent player on the field. He’s worked hard to get stronger and it shows in his increased skills. He’s always been the best player at practice and this year he found a way to bring it onto the field at the games. Matthew has really come into his own and has had a great season both for the team and individually. He also is tied for second for scoring this season.”

“Another four year player for us, Chase Cornell has always had the foot work to play the game very well. We’ve watched him mature over the years and come into his own as a very good soccer player. He’s had some time-outs due to injury, but he’s one of those guys everybody wants on their team.”

“Our main goal keeper, Nathan Heintzman has been with us for three years and has earned his stripes in the net. He’s a solid athlete, a solid player and took over at the net with gusto. He had eight shut-outs as a junior, which is quite an accomplishment. He’s very good in the field too, but in my opinion, he’s one of the best goal keepers in the state.”

“Austin Souders is a three year player for us, choosing to sit out his sophomore year. But he returned last year ready to play and earned a starting position right away. He has the ability and confidence to carry the game and his skills have improved greatly. He’s an important part of our team and has played a large role in our successes.”

“Mason Dawson is a first year player as a senior but has contributed to the team in more ways than I can count. He had quite a growth spurt there for a bit and had to make adjustments to how he played, but he did it and made it work. He’s a true team player, never complains and is very vocal on the field as well as on the bench. We’d liked to have had him for four years.”

“Tachi Melchionna is an exchange student from Venezuela with us for his senior season and has been a real addition to the team. He has good skills and does whatever is asked of him on the field. We certainly enjoyed having him as part of the team this season.”

“Another first year player as a senior, Ryan Dalrymple is another one we’d have liked to have on the team for four years. He’s improved one thousands times over his beginning skills and because he is also a cross country athlete, has great endurance. He’s a great team player and a good defender.”

“Overall these are great kids who I am very honored to have spent time with through soccer. Each of them have brought something to the team that has made us a better team, a better program. I’m very pleased with the way we finished their senior year with a plus nine in the win column.”

The Silver Knights completed the 2013 regular season with a 9-5-3 overall record and will move onto Sectional play on Wednesday facing the winner of the Magnolia – Wheeling Central game played on Tuesday night.

The Sectional semi-final will be played at the Wal-Mart soccer field in New Martinsville with a 5:30 start.

The winner of this game will play at Oak Glen on Saturday at 4 p.m. in the Sectional championship.