Lacombe Leads G-D Past Tigers

Groton-Dunstable won its home opener 3-0 against visiting Tyngsborough, thanks to a pair of goals by senior Ariana Lacombe in a soccer inter-divisional action.

The Crusaders' first goal was helped by divine power. Lacombe's throw-in from the far corner bounced in front of poor Tigers' keeper Sydney Fugendas, then over her and into the open net. The score came at 20:15 of the first half and proved to be the game winner. Freshman Maddie Tammaro was impressive making two good saves to keep Tyngsborough off the board in the opening half. Tammaro looks like a "keeper"...no pun intended.

Junior Kara Jussaume gave GD some breathing room taking a pass from senior Danielle Johnson and chipping a shot to the upper left corner of the net putting GD up 2-0. No chance for Fugendas.

Tyngsborough had an excellent chance to get back in the game in the second half. But Sydney Volpe, playing a strong game, ran down a Tiger forward who had a break-a-way, played the angle beautifully never allowing her a good scoring opportunity.

With less than two minutes remaining, Ariana Lacombe lofted a high shot that floated over the outstretched arms of the beleaguered Tyngsborough goalie.

"We started a bit rough, maybe a little nervous but we figured it out," said Coach Steve Naboicheck. "Lots of positives but we have to play better when we play teams like Wachusett and Nashoba."

Thanks to girls varsity soccer managers Eleanor Keydel and Maddie Semeraro for helping this sports reporter with stats.

Boys Soccer

Senior Matt Straw scored just 58 seconds into the contest to help pace the visiting Crusaders (1-0) to a 6-1 win over Tyngsborough (0-2) in boys' soccer. The Tigers struck back four minutes later when forward Steven Kordash picked up a loose ball and blasted it past Crusader keeper Chris Buzan to even the game at 1-1.

Seven minutes later, senior Matt Tornaritis (Eric Niemoller) broke in alone, split the defense and beat Tiger keeper Jack Simone low and to his left. At 18:58, Crusader Mitch Wheeler (Eric Niemoller) made it 3-1 when he poked the sphere past Simone.

The second half was all GD with juniors Matt Krikorian (Matt Straw) and Gabe Dingle (Matt Tornaritis) both scoring goals giving the Crusaders a 5-1 advantage.

Speedy Evan Lexo added the sixth goal late on a breakaway goal from a great feed from Mitch Wheeler as the Crusaders opened the 2014 campaign with a 6-1 non- league win.

The Crusaders received great play from Patrick Keating, Tyler Poitras, Dean Tornaritis and Eric Niemoller.

On Tuesday, Westford Academy defeated GD 3-0. Next game is Thursday at Quabbin.