By Rich Fisher
Fish4scores.com
Oct. 12: Despite a 3-8-1 record, Nottingham High boys soccer coach Mike Braender feels somewhat lucky.

Or, should we say Luckie.

Freshman goalkeeper Pat Luckie has been a highlight for the Northstars this season, having played every minute of every game. He made seven saves in Tuesday’s 4-0 loss to visiting Trenton, but really had no opportunity on any of them as they were well set up by the Tornadoes.

“Luckie’s been outstanding,” Braender said. “He’s improved every day. The goals he’s given up have not been a reflection of how he’s played. Some of the games that were 5-0 could have been 9-0 if he wasn’t in there.

“He’s kept us in games and he’s clearly made a huge improvement as the year’s gone on. He’s getting more confidence in there. For a freshman he’s doing an incredible job.”

Stalin Cabrerra attempts to control a pass against Trenton. Photo by Wes “The Media Mogul” Kirkpatrick.

Unfortunately for the Stars, they are not finding offense to support the keeper. Nottingham actually got some opportunities in the first half against a red hot Trenton team that has won eight straight. But goalie Raul Mendez came up with five saves, while another Nottingham shot went off the crossbar.

“We had some good chances, in the early going especially,” Braender said. “That kind of set us back, not putting a few in early in the game.

“We have a tough time putting the ball in the goal, that’s really been our problem. Defensively we’ve started to play a lot better as a team. We made some moves early on after we went 0-4. We’ve been in a lot of these games, we’re just having a tough time putting balls away.”

Trenton coach Joe Fink has praise for the Northstars, saying “They played well, I give them a lot of credit. They’re doing a great job and so is Mike.”

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Fink, a Steinert grad and lifelong Hamilton resident, has shown little mercy to his hometown during his first year as Trenton head coach. The Tornadoes have gone 3-0 against Nottingham, Steinert and Hamilton this year.

Steinert has a winning streak

For the first time this season, Steinert won back-to-back games by taking a 3-1 victory at Hightstown Tuesday.

Tristan Spadola had a goal and assist for the Spartans (4-7-1), and leads the team in both categories with 8 and 4. Justin Brunow and Adrian Strawinski also tallied. Thomas Kozemchak made seven saves in goal.

Steinert took a 1-0 lead and the Rams tied it before the Spartans got two goals in the final 24 minutes.

Hamilton falls to Notre Dame

Hamilton’s struggles continue since starting the season 3-0. The Hornets dropped a 4-0 loss to Notre Dame Tuesday, marking their seventh loss in eight games.