The Bulldogs ended a skid of tough results with a huge 1-0 win over Mansfield Friday night at Gillette Stadium. The win qualified the team for the MIAA state tournament for the 11th time in the past 12 years and improved the season's record to 7-6-4 with just one regular season game remaining.
The 'dogs came out flying playing into a stiff wind in the first half. Within the first 2 minutes, Canton had hit the post and forced two big saves by the Hornet goalkeeper, but despite the early pressure, the 'dogs were forced to hold on for most of the tail end of the first half as a relentless Hornet attack and a howling wind combined to make life very difficult on the Bulldogs.
The Bulldogs came out on the front foot in the second half and created many great chances to take the lead, but it wasn't until midway through the half that Griffin Roach collected the ball 25 yards out and hit a low, hard strike into the bottom left corner of the Mansfield goal. The Bulldogs would create several more excellent chances to double the lead and Mansfield had looks at a tying goal as well, but the game ended with Canton holding onto the key 1-0 win.
Jake Verille, Ben Waterhouse and Roach were dominant in midfield, controlling much of the game in the middle-third. Danny Hartnett, Pat McLaughlin, John Agnitti and Paolo Ruggeri were well organized and tough all night long in denying the Hornets many scoring chances. Goalkeeper Abe Garber did not have to make many saves but controlled his box all game long- earning his 5th shutout of the season.
The team travels to Stoughton on Monday afternoon for a 3:30 game- the last of the regular season. MIAA Tournament seeding is announced on Wednesday with play expected to kick off on Friday.
No comments:
Post a Comment