Hayward's reward

The final game of the season held special meaning to the 8th graders: Thomas Berkowitz, Matthew Chun, Alan Donatelli, James Judelson, Peter Koch, Matthew Lau, and James Wagner, as it was likely their final JV Soccer game at Buckley.  But it was extra special for Hayward Berkowitz as it was his first and only game of the year.  Hayward cracked a section of his femur during tryouts in September and has served admirably as the team manager and captain the entire season, attending all of the games and most of the practices despite not being able to participate.  He was however cleared to play between the pipes against St. Bernard's.  It was clear from the start that both teams wanted this victory to cap their seasons.  The effort on display was immense and Hayward played without fear coming off of his line to stop a fast break in the 15th minute, colliding with the opposing striker.  Thomas Berkowitz had his own fast break opportunity in the first half that he put just wide of the net.  The game was destined to enter the half nil - nil, until Jon Yalof was pulled down in the box in the 30th minute.  Jon took the Penalty Kick well, sending it low and left past the goalie.  The second half was just as physical with Jon getting shoved off the ball in the Penalty area in the 37th minute.  This time Griffin Spolansky hit the Penalty Shot with authority, billowing the net to the goalie's left.  The defense, led by Mohammed Diaw, James Wagner, and Henry Larsen, held for much of the game allowing only a handful of chances and one goal in the 53rd minute.  Bill Langdon put the game out of reach in the 59th minute, scoring with a long left footed shot that cleared the goalie.  The coaches would like to thank all of the parents for attending so many games this year.