Report submitted by Austin Dibiasio- CHS Class of 2024
Canton HS vs. Nashoba Regional HS
11/5/2022 6:00PM WWII Veterans' Memorial Field
The Bulldogs come into the round of 32 as the #14 seed and the Wolves #19.
Just 2 minutes into the match, Canton had won a throw-in from around midfield, that was intended for a Bulldog sprinting down the left wing, he fought to get the cross into Carson Eagles who was in the box but the attempt was intercepted by a Nashoba defender, his clearance was poor and the ball fell right to Drew Garrett who put a move on a defender and fired the ball into the far right side of the net. Just a minute later Nashoba would get a shot from about 25 yards out after some good skill from the Wolf, but his shot would be an easy save for Canton Goalkeeper, Nick Ruggeri. About 4 minutes later after a midfield free kick from Canton, Nashoba struggled to get the ball cleared, and after a defensive lapse, Sophomore, Owen Morrisey put a foot in and tried to flick it in for a goal but the Nashoba keeper was right there to make a great save. Just 12 minutes in, Canton would get their second as McCabe would send a low corner into the box, passing everyone the ball fell to Morrisey who tapped it in over the line just before the keeper got to it. Shortly after, Canton would get another chance as McCabe made his way into the box from the left wing, his shot intended for the short side was blocked by the keeper. 22 minutes in Nashoba would get a similar chance as one of their attackers cut in from the left and released a shot from the corner of the box that was blocked and eventually cleared away by Ruggeri. About 5 minutes later, Nashoba would send the ball into the box from a free kick, and after a scramble in the 6 yard box, the ball was tapped just wide from a Wolf. With just under 10 minutes left in the half, Nashoba would send in a volley from just outside the box that required Ruggeri to get a quick palm to it to force a corner. Just about 3 minutes later, Nashoba sent in a corner kick, and after a jumble in the box, a Wolf was there just feet away from Ruggeri who sneaked the ball in the back of the net and halved Canton’s lead.
HALFTIME - Canton definitely had more chances, but occasionally were cutting it close at the back seeing as Nashoba were getting some decent looks. Overall Canton has been the better team.
After a quiet first 11 minutes in the second half, Nashoba looked like they were past all defenders on a through ball, but some great hustle and a great challenge by Chris Hamilton stopped the attacker from getting a clean shot. 19 minutes into the second half Canton would get some insurance as Eagles played McCabe through the Nashoba defense, and as the captain danced around a Nashoba defender, he passed the ball into the net beating the Nashoba keeper. 3 minutes later McCabe would get another chance at goal from just inside the box, but his shot was saved by the keeper. Just before the end of the game, McCabe would get another shot but another low save from the keeper.
FULLTIME - The Bulldogs had a pretty dominant performance and came out with a big playoff win, they look to continue in the tournament and get a big win vs. Bedford on Wednesday the 10th.
Canton Goalscorers:
Drew Garret (2’)
Owen Morrisey (12’)
Jake McCabe (59’)
Next Game: #3 Bedford HS vs. #14 Canton HS 11/10 7:00PM Bedford HS
