Stone’s Cardinals Win 100th

By Christopher Shaban
EAGLE TIMES STAFF
CLAREMONT — Stevens Head Coach Jason Stone picked up his 100th varsity win as the Cardinals grabbed their first win of the young season on the backs of an offensive explosion on the pitch at Monadnock Park, 10-0. Stone is entering his 11th season as the Head Coach and is playing Division 3 for the first time after battling Division 2 foes.

With the Huskies content to put as many defenders in the box as it would hold, the Cardinals prodded their way to three first half goals. Trystan Lane got the Cardinals on the board off a beautiful corner compliments of Sam Dalke then, when Connor Miller squared a pass, Landon Norton-Avery caught every inch of it on the fly with a tremendous hit that rose all the way into the twine. Mason Ferland grabbed the third goal of the half for Jason Stone’s Cardinals, but the best was yet to come. “We are not an 0-3 team, and this win was big for us, we’ve been fighting so many things this season, this is what we are capable of, this was a statement game for us,” said Cardinal midfielder Dalke.

“We are playing well but we really need to raise our game, be more technical, look for the runners and get wide and have some fun, ‘’ said Stone at halftime. That pep talks really resonated with Miller as he scored three of the next four Cardinal goals as the shooting gallery was open. With players feeling more and more confident, Stevens ripped off seven second half goals led by Miller and Norton-Avery. Logan Mikckler, Lane and Dalke would all hit the back of the net with Minckler’s the nicest one after his header found the upper corner.

With the game out of reach and Monadnock running out of gas and players, the game ended a bit early as both coaches were class acts discussing things at midfield before letting the referees know that things could finish early.

As the teams lined up to shake hands, the Cardinal players were already setting into motion a plan to celebrate Stone’s achievement. With players in front hiding the culprits, Dalke and company secured a water bucket and as Stone’s back was turned, the celebratory shower took place with lots of smiles and cheers from the crowd. “Man, that was freaking cold,” said Stone, as the chunks of ice scattered all over the field.

“I knew about the win, but I had no idea anyone on the team did, it’s about them and the accomplishments this program has achieved. This team is getting closer and closer to taking off, we’ve had some setbacks, but this team is so coach-able, it’s just a pleasure to be at practice and just be with this group,” said Stone. “We are young and the younger kids waiting in the wings watch these guys and are learning, the future of Stevens soccer is right in front of us, and I like what I see.”