Tigers Catch Crusaders for Tie
Goals by senior Olivia Rubeski and freshman Sydney Volpe had Groton-Dunstable ahead 2-1 early in the second half but Tyngsborough's Maddie Vigneault scored on a direct kick from 25 yards out in the 63rd minute to give the host Tigers a 2-2 tie in the season opener for both teams.
The Crusaders certainly had the edge early, controlling midfield and outshooting Tyngsborough 12-2 in the opening half. Much of the pressure came from Rubeski's strong rushes down right wing and smart crossing passes to sophomore Brittany Belanger who had several shots on Tiger keeper Kaylee Morin (15 saves). Belanger crossed a nice ball to Callie Sebilian whose header was just over the Tyngsborough net.
The Crusaders continued dominating play. A Volpe break-a-way was stuffed by Morin and senior Vicki Prescott's blast over the net kept the pressure in the Tyngsborough end.
The Tigers managed a strong rush with a good scoring opportunity from Vigneault but GD keeper Lindsay Werner dove to her left, just managing to flick the ball wide of the goal. Big stop!
Groton-Dunstable took its first lead at 33:40 with Rubeski finishing from 25 yards out, compliments of a feed from Vicki Prescott. "I received a great pass from Elena (Biasi)," said Prescott. "I saw Rubes and threaded the ball through their defense."
"I think I was 25-30 yards out on the right side and drove the ball to the upper left corner," smiled Rubeski. The teams went to the half with GD ahead 1-0.
"You understand that we are only ahead by goal," cautioned Coach Steve Naboicheck at the break.
Even before the fandom could get back to their lawn chairs, the Tigers responded. Jenna Durkin, from Maddie Vigneault, made Naboicheck's unease a reality, scoring in the 41st minute of the game, to knot the score at 1-1.
Moments later, Sydney Volpe gave the Crusaders their second lead of the afternoon, breaking through the Tigers' defense and scoring an unassisted goal.
Late in the contest, Vigneault's score off a direct kick evened the score and that was that.
"Brianna Considine had an excellent game," said Naboicheck. His sentiments echoed by both referees.
"We certainly had our opportunities," continued Naboicheck. "Still work to be done but we played a good game."
GD is away against North Middlesex on 9/12
