The Rhinebeck High School boys soccer players are preparing to take their season a little further in 2024. The Hawks lost about a dozen players to graduation from a team that reached the Section IX final, but return several seniors for this season.
Rhinebeck will start the season with road matches at Pine Bush on Sept. 10, Webutuck on Sept. 12 and Millbrook on Sept. 16. The Hawks will host Pine Plains in their home opener on Sept. 18.
“These guys have come out with a lot of energy and hard work,” said Justin Wiesenthal, who begins his 20th season as varsity coach. “There are a lot of guys who are hungry to work.”
Rhinebeck reached the 2023 Section IX Class C final, losing to eventual state champion Mount Academy on penalty kicks. The two teams split two regular-season matches.
In 2024, the Hawks remain in Class C while Mount Academy is now in Class B. The two teams will play in Esopus on Oct. 7, and may meet a second time in the Mid-Hudson Athletic League playoffs. By being in different classes this year, Rhinebeck and Mount Academy will not play in the sectional playoffs.
“It feels great to be back,” said senior Brady Fischer. “After our exit in the postseason last year, we are ready to get back at it. We have a good group of guys this year.
“We have a lot of high expectations for the group and ourselves. Our main goal is to make a deeper run in the postseason.”
The Rhinebeck boys soccer program has a rich history, winning state titles in 2014 and 2019.
“There is a lot of hard work in intensity in practice, which is good. That’s what we need,” said senior Parker Ruger.
Wiesenthal said this group is preparing to play a different style of soccer this season.
“These guys are ready to take on that challenge of playing a different game of soccer,” he said.
“These guys need to commit to the season. If they can commit to the season, make sacrifices and really focus on soccer, I think these guys can do great things. They are a close group. They support each other really well and learn from each other.”