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Boys Soccer Team Repeats as Central Mass Champions

Sophomore Matt Tornaritis scored twice in the first half and once after the break to lead Crusaders to a decisive 6-1 win over Tyngsborough in the MIAA Division 2 Central Mass finals. It seemed almost anti-climatic with Groton-Dunstable's trouncing the Tigers to successfully repeat as Division 2 Central Mass Champions. "Doesn't seem like a title game," shared varsity soccer coach Sean Wisbey.

GD got on board in the eighth minute when Paolo Filho sent Tornaritis into the 18 from the left side. The talented sophomore beat a Tiger defender and finished with his left foot just inside the far post.

Nate Pomeroy made it 2-0 on a penalty kick after Tornaritis was taken down in the box.

Tornaritis made it 3-0 starting off a Doug Rosa corner, weaving surgically through the defense, ending with a clinical finish. Morgan Manthous added a fourth goal in the 32nd minute when he stepped into a ball sent in from senior Alex Murphy. It looked and felt as though this game was over, all except the final score, yet to be determined.

In the three matches leading to the MIAA C-Mass finals, GD outscored its opponents 21-2.

Early in the second half, Tyngsborough got on the board on a direct kick with GD keeper Connor McGuire and the team scrambling to get in position, closing the advantage to 4-1. In a tight game that goal would hurt.

Matt Tornaritis and Nate Pomeroy both scored on headers from great crosses from Dan McGuinness and Morgan Manthous respectively to finish the scoring.

No. 5 GD defended their D-2 Central Mass. Crown and improved to 16-2-4 overall. No. 10 Tyngsborough ended its season at 12-8-2.

Teams have their hands full trying to keep high scoring senior Nate Pomeroy under wraps but they also must contend with Tornaritis who made it look easy with his three goals and assist. "He missed two weeks with a concussion but he has his legs back and is playing with confidence," Wisbey said.

"I thought that we were talented enough to be able to really come out in this game and score some early goals and settle this in the first 40 minutes," he continued. "I think what you're seeing is that a lot of teams are keying in on Nate and they're not remembering Matt (Tornaritis).

"We played a strong D-1 schedule. The play is intense and the team grows from the experience,"related coach Sean Wisbey.

The Crusaders have two wins over Marlboro, a season split versus Worcester North and a tie at Algonquin. "Strength of schedule has really helped."

Shots favored GD 17-3, corner kicks, 4-2 and fouls 12-6. No one can deny the Crusaders play big, physical soccer. MVP goes to So. Matt Tornaritis.

"It's a good victory for our team. But we still have to defend our state title, so I think that's our, kind of, end goal," said Pomeroy.

Groton Herald

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