SPORTS: Second Half Dooms Crusaders
Visiting Westborough (8-1-2) scored all three goals in the second half to take a 3-0 decision over Groton-Duntable (4-5-2) in Midland B soccer action.
After difficult losses to Marlborough, (1-0) and Dracut (2-1), the Crusaders were hoping to go over .500 for the season with the game against the Rangers. Unfortunately, Westborough is loaded. "We have 21 players on the team including 15 seniors," said Rangers coach John Hillier. "They all play," he continued. "The team is deep and talented."
While much of the play was in the GD end in the first 40 minutes, the defense, in front of keeper Jamie Bailey kept shots on goal to a minimum. Bailey made the save on the only shot he faced in the first half.
"We have a lot of injuries so we have to play a style that gives us the best chance to be successful," said GD coach Sean Wisbey.
But after the break, Coach Hillier made some changes. "They (GD) were playing four deep in front of their goalie and not allowing good scoring opportunities. I told the kids to spread out, stop trying to dribble through their defense. Get some shots on goal," stated the Rangers' coach.
Thirteen minutes in, Westborough's Steve Frame scored from a scramble in front of the goal to give Westborough a 1-0 lead. Frame picked up his own rebound and finished after Bailey made the initial save. Not even Revolution goalie Matt Reis would have made that stop!
"I think we just wore them out," said Hillier after Westborough scored their second goal on a pretty move by Carlos Macario down in front of the GD goal. Macario gathered the pass from Frame and deftly chipped it over Bailey. Tyler Slicklen scored the third goal in the 80th minute. GD received great play from Dean Tornaritis, Chris Buzan, Matt Werner and Alex Dumont.
"Crunch time," said Wisbey. "Five games remain and we need to win three of them to qualify for districts."
The Crusaders' remaining opponents all have winning records. They defeated Quabbin and Hudson earlier in the season, must repeat and win a game against either Marlborough, Bromfield and Westford.
