The Rhinos journeyed to the proverbial Berkshire Bear’s den on Wednesday, the setting decked in magnificent fall foliage, and a crisp northeast breeze blowing through the valley. Taft played an effective possession game through the first half, working the ball around the wings off the Berkshire side and trying to find their way through the dense defensive line. Kotaro Wato and Noah Cinel got shots on target during the 5th and 13th minute, respectively. Taft’s stalwart center backs only allowed Berkshire one shot on net in the first half, which Jack Eastman saved in confident fashion. The second half of the game saw a bit more action in front of Berkshire’s net, though unfortunately to no avail for the Rhinos. Wato rose over the mob in the box and got a head on the ball, thanks to a precise corner kick by James Cooper, but luck was not on his side. Brendan Staines fed a lovely through ball to Oliver Lefkowitz, who took a curling shot from outside the 18 that had the Taft bench roaring in anticipation. Once again, the shot flew just wide of the woodwork. In minute 60, the Bears came out of hibernation and took advantage of a breakdown in communication between the Taft defense and keeper to score the singular goal of the match. The Rhinos dug in with a vengeance for the last quarter of the match, but they did not connect midfield possession with the offensive line. Big red played a full game and dominated possession with very few substitutions and a stiff headwind in the first half. A special shoutout to captains Nero Maung and Andrew Jaroch for their composure and leadership after Berkshire’s first goal, and to Noah Cinel for a nail biter of a spotkick. Taft hits the pitch with renewed purpose in anticipation of a match with Trinity Pawling the Saturday to come.