The Haldane Boys Varsity Soccer Team had a season mixed with tough losses and high-scoring wins, but it wasn’t just about headlines or scoring; it was more about teamwork. Under head coach Ahmed Dwidar, the Blue Devils didn’t just step out onto the field to win, but grew as athletes and teammates, learning what it truly means to come together and play together.
The season began with promises and nerve. Their opening match, a 0-0 tie against Hendrick Hudson, showed their defensive strength. In the weeks that followed, the boys’ soccer team faced its share of challenges: a loss to Peekskill and Leffell tested their patience, but rather than losing their spirit, the team found motivation to correct mistakes and push harder. When asked about what his outlook was at the start of the season in late August, Dwidar stated that, “Going into the season, we weren’t sure what team we were going to have after losing two key players who were on our state run in 2022. But with five great seniors with great leadership on and off the field, and a young group that we have around them, we were able to battle every game and stay in the moment.”
Then came the breakthrough- the kind of game that reminds everyone why they play. Against Webutuck, the Blue Devils fought through a wild, high-energy contest that ended in a 5-4 win. It wasn’t just a figure on the scoreboard; it was proof that their teamwork was beginning to pay off. They carried this energy into their next game against Tuckahoe, which they defeated 6-3.
The perseverance showcased throughout the regular season was on full display during the playoffs, where the Blue Devils won a hard-fought overtime victory against Leffell, propelling them into the Sectional Finals against former state champion North Salem. They went up 1-0 by halftime, but unfortunately, their season ended with a loss in the finals. Dwidar said, “The boys fought to get back to the sectional final for the first time in 3 years, but we came up short against the number one team in Class C, North Salem.”
Yet as Dwidar could attest, the season was a success in more ways than could be measured by the wins and losses. When asked about the end of the season, Dwidar stated, “ I couldn’t be more proud of this team. This program is only getting stronger, and there is so much talent that is coming up, so our future is bright for sure.”
