The sweet sound of season-opening boys soccer was harmonious for some and not so for others, as Freedom defeated Bethlehem Catholic, 2-0, and Liberty lost to Nazareth, 3-0 last Wednesday.

Two well-fought-for goals by Freedom midfielder Michael Krents, both within the six-yard box, gave the Patriots the victory over the Golden Hawks at Becahi.

Scoreless at halftime, both teams struggled to get into the final third until the 51st minute when a Freedom striker was clipped from behind inside the 18. Then, in the 58th minute, a Becahi striker was in on goal but pulled the ball back, allowing Freedom to regroup.

Soon after, Krents came up with the first of his two goals for the Pates.

Also worth noting was the play of Becahi senior Alberto Cocirio, who controlled the midfield, keeping and distributing the ball well, and staying composed for the match’s entirety.

Two days later, Becahi lost to Easton, and Freedom lost to Nazareth, while Liberty defeated Dieruff, 1-0, on a goal by Jacksen Jobes, before falling to Whitehall on Saturday night, 3-0.

“We’ve lost some senior leadership the past few seasons, but we’ve deputized our young players to step up and fill the void, so there will always be tough times, but these guys are resilient and will learn from it,” said Liberty head coach Ian Larimer.

Whitehall took a 2-0 lead partway through the first half when the Hurricanes regrouped and took back control, advancing the ball on penetrative passes, but not far enough to get into the final third.

“It’s about getting our players to recognize that, regardless of opponent, opposition, when we step on, we must try to implement our game. So we saw that at times, but when we avert away from our game, when we let the opposition control, we are not a senior-enough team to respond to it,” Larimer said.

The Hurricanes have only two seniors on their roster this year.

“Josh Lee (a sophomore striker) is certainly a key member of our team,” said Larimer. “I think he’s started every game that he’s been available for since his freshman year, but in that cohort of sophomores, there are four team players who we really believe in.”

Liberty fought back in the second half, allowing just one goal early.

“That Whitehall team is certainly well-coached, they’re a well-organized group with, yes, size, and I expect good things from them this year, however, our group needs to be resilient when we play strong opposition,” Larimer said. “Futbol, in my opinion, is a short blanket, so if you lift it above your neck, your feet are going to be cold, and if you pull it down over your feet, your neck is going to be cold, so it’s about finding the opportunities in the opponent’s strengths.”