The Rye boys soccer team, known as the Garnets, captured the imagination of Section 1 fans when they reached the Class A state final for the first time since 1979, a milestone that has set the stage for an ambitious push back to the league’s elite tier.
A Season of Renewal
After a two‑month unbeaten streak last fall and an average margin of 2.4 goals per game against a demanding schedule, the squad returns with a core that includes Kasen Scarperi, Peter Wilmot, Alec Dodge Terra, Connor Dehmer, Cole Furber, Felix Wismer and Harrison Zimmer, all of whom contributed to the previous run.
Coach Jared Small stresses that the team’s early success must not breed complacency, urging players to find new ways to win and to stay hungry for improvement.
The coaching staff has been bolstered by the addition of Conor McGlynn, a former USL midfielder who brings fresh tactical insight, while assistant coach Jon Tuttle has overseen a strength and conditioning program that began in January.
Peter Wilmot, who experienced the sting of a loss to East Aurora in the prior state final, speaks of the group’s resilience and the importance of turning disappointment into motivation.
Midfield depth and defensive reliability, highlighted by six shutout performances in the playoffs, give the Garnets a solid foundation, and the goalkeepers have refined their skills over the offseason.
The upcoming schedule pits Rye against traditional powerhouses such as Sleepy Hollow, Byram Hills and Pelham, with matches set to begin in September, promising early tests that could shape the team’s trajectory.
Beyond tactics, the offseason workouts and shared experiences have forged a tighter bond among the players, a factor that the coaching staff believes will translate into on‑field cohesion and collective growth.
Looking Ahead
With a blend of seasoned veterans and emerging talent, the Garnets are poised to translate their offseason momentum into a season that could restore the program to its historic prominence.