1 goal with 18:48 left in the game would be the deciding factor in a hard-fought rivalry game between the Ranger boys varsity soccer team and the FHN Huskies. FHN is ranked as one of the top teams in the state, and for Head Coach Caleb Postlewait, FHC put up a great effort.

“Compared to how we played our very first game to tonight against one of the top teams in the state, we looked like we deserved to be out there,” Postlewait said. “As a coach, all you want to see is your team progress over time. So with that, I think we are becoming a more cohesive unit and it looks like we are getting some results as well.”

The veterans from FHC were a clear bright spot in this one. Seniors Beck Norris and Geoffrey Batterbee continue to be lockdown defenders and didn’t give up anything easy to a great FHN team. Junior goalie Kyler Williams had some outstanding saves, including a deflection above the crossbar in the first half.

“I knew it was going to be a tough battle,” Kyler said. “FHN is one of the best teams in the state right now, so everyone had to give it their all.”

FHC played an outstanding first half defensively, as they were locked in from the very moment FHN tipped the ball in to start the game. The Huskies looked a little scattered, and the Husky defense kept them in the game early. The Rangers ended the half on a high note, holding a talented to no goals after one half.

In the second half, FHN came out firing on all cylinders. They were starting to get much more shots than in the first half, and the Huskies scored after a couple of tries with just under 20 minutes to go in the game. The Rangers had no answer after that, and the Huskies defeated FHC 1-0.

This loss puts the Rangers at 4-5-1, with an opportunity to bounce back against the Lowell Red Arrows Tuesday night at Ranger Stadium. This game will definitely play a big factor in FHC’s season, as this is the last game before the second round of conference play begins.

“We need to work on our communication [going forward],” Kyler said. “That’s one thing that’s really important in soccer and that could help us out a lot.”