Crusaders Boost Record to 8-2-2 and Qualify for CMass Divsion 2 Tournament

"We want to qualify for the post season and then defend our Central Mass. Division 2 title," said coach Wisbey earlier in the season. With two wins and a tie in their last three games, the Groton-Dunstable boys soccer team has accomplished one of their goals.

Sophomore Matt Tornaritis scored three goals, including the game winner, to lead the fifth-ranked Crusaders (7-2-1, 5-0 Midland B) to a 6-2 win over No. 6 Marlborough (5-2-2, 1-1-1). Nate Pomeroy added two goals and an assist while Dan McGuiness had a goal and Doug Rosa added two assists.

GD got on board early when Nate Pomeroy broke in alone and beat three Panthers for the finish. Tornaritis (assist: Nate Pomeroy) made it 2-0 eight minutes later when Pomeroy sent him in alone from great 1-2 feed. Marlborough responded minutes later when Armondo Canela sent a ball into the back post and Marcello Cunha headed it home.

Four minutes into the second half, Gabriel Gomes Perreira finished on a header set up by Marcello Cunha knotting the contest at 2-2. Starting at 53:52, Tornaritis (2), Dan McGuiness (Doug Rosa) and Nate Pomeroy ( Alex Murphy) put the game out of reach scoring four goals in the next 12 minutes. The Crusaders received great play from Mike Keating, Paolo Filho, Alex Murphy and Tim Hilbrunner. Tim Higgins (1), Doug Rosa (2) had assists in the game. The game's MVP was Matt Tornaritis. GD favored in shots 15-5, corner kicks GD 3-0 and fouls GD 7-5.

Against Bromfield (5-2-3), Tornaritis continued his outstanding play tallying a goal from a great pass by junior midfielder Dan McGuiness. The sophomore striker beat two defenders and the Bromfield keeper before blasting a shot into the net for the 1-0 lead. The Crusaders fought a tough wind for the first 40 minutes failing to convert several chances.

"Early in the second half, a hard rain storm began and the wind changed direction forcing the Crusaders to fight the wind for the remainder of the match," commented varsity soccer coach Sean Wisbey.

The Trojans began to pick up the pace and got a goal when Mark Ferguson (assist: Eli Wood) headed a great feed into the near post beating Crusader keeper Jamie Bailey.

GD had a few chances late but they were unable to capitalize and the game ended 1-1. Connor McGuire, Eric Stone, Tim Hilbrunner, Ben Lutz and Mike Keating had outstanding games against rival Bromfield. GD outshot Bromfield 15-11, corner kicks GD 6-2 and fouls GD 15-5.

In the Tuesday game versus a weak Fitchburg (0-5, 0-9) team, Wisbey subbed freely including utilizing keepers Connor McGuire, Jamie Bailey and John Nyilis at mid and forward. Ryan Hardy (2 goals), Nate Pomeroy (2 goals, 5 assists), Ben Lutz (goal), Brogan Walsh, ( goal, assist), Dan McGuiness(2 goals), Matt Krikorian (2 goals), Connor McGuire(2 goals), Morgam Manthus (assist), John Nyilis (assist), Jamie Bailey (assist), Tyler Belenger (assist) scored.With the 12-0 win, the Crusaders (8-2-2) qualify for the Central Mass Div 2 tournament in November. GD is at Westborough on Thursday for a 4pm clash.