BY JERRY LIPTAK
The 2-0 victory over host Coe-Brown Northwood Academy on Saturday, Sept. 8, was methodical, marked by an occasional flash of athleticism from the victors. It certainly wasn’t exciting or nail-biting. Bow High School boys soccer coach George Pinkham wouldn’t have it any other way.
His team hasn’t lost a regular-season contest since 2005, which Pinkham said is a testament to Bow’s talent and competitive nature.
“Teams look at us as a measuring stick,” said the 11-year BHS mentor. “When we win a game, we’ve got to take it.”
Bow has taken four wins in 2007. Against the Bears, the seniors once again led the Falcons.
Midfielder Kyle Geddes put Bow on the board less than two minutes into the game. That was all goaltender Alex Grip needed, though the senior had to make one terrific save at the 10-minute mark to preserve the lead.
Forward Ryan Obolowicz nearly scored eight minutes into the second half, clanging a shot off the left post, but midfielder Clay Niemiec was in position to end the sequence, depositing a rebound to account for the final score.
Pinkham spent the majority of the game using equal parts encouragement and chastisement to push his charges. But having outscored their first four foes by an 18-1 margin, the Falcons seem to need little motivation.
That’s not true, said Pinkham. The coach seeks more consistency from his bench and open minds from his talented upperclassmen, especially the imposing 6-foot-plus Geddes.
“He’s an excellent player, an incredible player,” said Pinkham. “But I told him, ‘You’re a better player when you pass.’ He’s not a selfish player, but sometimes he just wants to take over a game.”
After the early goal, Geddes sent some sterling touch passes to his mates for scoring chances.
It’s the bench players, though, who currently concern the coach. As the season progresses, Pinkham said he hopes to rotate the backups onto the field in close contests. For now, they’ll receive pats on the back for solid play and a seat on the sidelines for ignoring instructions.
“This team has a chance, but we’ve got to find more depth,” said Pinkham, who coached for 11 years at Concord High before coming to Bow when the school opened. “You put kids in a position (to succeed), and sometimes they surprise you.”