Powered by four goals from senior attackman Levi Kessler and a blistering 5-0 first-quarter start, the Ridgefield High School boys lacrosse team opened its 2025 season with a commanding 15-7 road victory over Somers on Saturday night.
Facing a Somers squad that had rolled past Scarsdale 17-4 in its opener, Ridgefield wasted no time asserting control. The Tigers scored five unanswered goals in the first quarter, setting the tone with fast-paced, efficient offense and a stifling defensive presence that kept the Tuskers from gaining momentum.
Kessler led a balanced scoring attack that featured seven different Ridgefield players on the scoresheet. Seniors Brandon Gmelin and Jake Carney each recorded hat tricks, while sophomore attackman Chris Colsey netted two goals. Seniors Des Couri, Brandon Penn, and Walker Fiore chipped in a goal apiece. Carney also dished out two assists, while Gmelin, Colsey, and Kessler each contributed one.
Brandon Penn stood out at the faceoff X, winning 13 draws and giving Ridgefield a consistent possession edge that allowed the offense to stay in rhythm.
On the defensive end, Ridgefield was just as sharp. Senior Jack Kirchner anchored the back line with a poised, physical performance, and the cohesive, disciplined defense repeatedly turned away Somers’s scoring efforts. The Tigers effectively neutralized Somers’ top offensive threats, holding Notre Dame-bound star Miguel Iglesias to a single goal. Brian Brush scored three for the Tuskers, but Somers struggled all night to generate consistent opportunities.
In goal, senior Dylan Penn was a steady presence, making 11 saves and finishing with a 61% save percentage to keep Ridgefield in control.
The win marked the first for new Ridgefield head coach James Goldmann, who took over the program from longtime coaching legend Roy Colsey—now the head coach of the Carolina Chaos of the Premier Lacrosse League. Goldmann previously served as head coach at Archbishop Stepinac High School, and clearly the Tigers are not skipping a beat with him at the helm.
Next up, Ridgefield faces a demanding three-game stretch this week:
• Tuesday, April 8 (7 p.m.): Home opener vs. John Jay
• Thursday, April 10 (7 p.m.): Road matchup at Long Island powerhouse Manhasset
• Saturday, April 12 (1 p.m.): Back home to host top Long Island contender Wantagh
Scoring Summary
Goals: Levi Kessler (4), Brandon Gmelin (3), Jake Carney (3), Chris Colsey (2), Des Couri (1), Brandon Penn (1), Walker Fiore (1)
Assists: Jake Carney (2), Levi Kessler (1), Brandon Gmelin (1), Chris Colsey (1)
Faceoff Wins: Brandon Penn (13, 52%)
Saves: Dylan Penn (11, 61%)
Quarter Scores:
Q1 – Ridgefield 5, Somers 1
Q2 – Ridgefield 7, Somers 4
Q3 – Ridgefield 9, Somers 5
Final – Ridgefield 15, Somers 7