Rebels Win Season Opener Over Hartford

The Albany Rebels won their season opener in convincing fashion on Sunday, defeating the Hartford Gaels 6-6 (24 points) to 1-11 (14 points) in the first leg of the Greenwood Cup at the Albany College of Pharmacy Turf Field in Albany.

The victory ended a 4-game slide against Hartford and creates a cushion for the return game later in the season.

The Rebels opened up the scoring quickly, moving the ball easily through the midfield and into the full forwards. Forward Chris Poggi was a target throughout the match, dominating any defender he faced and scored four goals and two points (14 points).

Other Rebels scorers included Mike Lee (1 goal, 1 point), Tim Gerrish (1 goal), Mark Adam (1 point), Brendan Rock (1 point), and rookie Matt Skalak, earning a point in his first career match.

The Rebels were able to get significant minutes for their new players early in the season.

"This was a good win for us, and offered an important look at our players in game situations," said Adam, Rebels midfielder and co-head coach. "We're happy with the team effort and our finishing on goal."

The Rebels next play in the Montreal Tournament on Saturday, May 18 in Montreal, Quebec.