Boys, Girls Soccer Qualify for Tournament Play!
BOYS SOCCER
Groton-Dunstable sophomore Matt Krikorian scored two second half goals to pace the Crusaders to a 3-0 blanking of visiting Marlborough (7-6-1, 3-3-1). With the win, GD improved to 7-5-2, 5-3 in Midland B and secured a birth in the Central Mass. Division 1 Tournament.
Against the Panthers, it was a tale of opposites. Marlborough dominated play in the first half outshooting the Crusaders 5-0 and controlling midfield. "They certainly had better offensive chances in the first half while we struggled," said varsity coach Sean Wisbey.
Marlborough defeated GD 1-0 earlier in the season and this looked like it could go the same way. But after the break, with the sun in Panther reserve goalie Arthur Torres' eyes and the wind in the Crusaders favor, GD made their move in this very important game!
In the 60th minute, Krikorian received great feed from Matt Tornaritis and beat Torres low and to the far post to give GD a 1-0 lead. At 69;56, Dean Tornaritis made a great play, sending a pass to Tyler Belanger who sent Matt Straw in alone. Straw, who can score with the best of them, finished high to the far post pushing the Crusaders' advantage to 2-0.
With less than six minutes remaining, Krikorian scored the team's third goal when he broke in alone from a feed from Dan McGuinness and beat the diving Torres.
GD received great play from Brogan Walsh, Ryan Hardy, goalie Connor McGuire, Anthony Resca. The game MVP was Matt Krikorian.
The game against Bromfield this past Saturday was as expected. "A very even event throughout most of the match with both keepers making some great saves. I always enjoy games against Tom Hill," said Wisbey. "They are always well prepared."
Unfortunately for GD, Bromfield's Andrew Collinan scored 12 minutes into the second stanza and that proved to be the difference in this always very competitive game.
The Crusaders will host Westford Academy on Saturday 10/26 at 2:30 p.m. on Senior Day and then wait to see the Div. 1 Central Mass. District draw which will be announced on Oct. 30.
GIRLS SOCCER
Shutout wins over Hudson and Bromfield sandwiched around a 1-1 tie against Marlborough secured a spot in Districts for the Lady C's (7-5-3) soccer team.
GD posted 5-0 win over Hudson (0-11-2). In the 31st minute of the first half, Brittany Belanger (assist, Nicky Little) gave the Crusaders the only goal they would need. Second half goals from Lindsay Werner (assist, Brianna Considine), Olivia Rubeski (assist, Kara Jussaume), Olivia Rubeski (assist Nicole Moody) and a Hudson own goal completed the scoring.
The Lady C's hosted Bromfield (7-4-2) Saturday for their final home game of the season and played some of the best soccer they have displayed all season. Their dominating performance allowed Bromfield a mere six shots while GD had 11 on net. Vicky Prescott (assist, Nicky Little), Olivia Rubeski (assist) and Sydney Volpe) tallied first half goals and Vicky Prescott (assist, Olivia Rubeski) scored after the break.
Junior keeper Elysa Briggs had the shutout for GD. The defensive line of Brianna Considine, Danielle Johnson, Marielle Beyh and Sydney Volpe and substitute Marianna Murphy did an outstanding job shutting down the Bromfield attack. The trio took turns marking Bromfield's leading scorer Reiny Foster limiting her to only two shots. GD's Nicole Moody played a strong game off the bench.
Marlborough (4-4-5) played a very physical game fouling the Crusaders 17 times in an attempt to intimidate and disrupt GD's offense. This strategy was successful with GD uncharacteristically turning the ball over numerous times.
The Panthers early goal by Casey Sibole (assist, Molly Farrell) resulted from a poor clear by the Crusaders back line. That was the only blemish the defensive line of Brianna Considine, Danielle Johnson, Marielle Beyh and Syndey Volpe allowed, limiting Marlborough to five shots the remainder of the game. Goalie Elysa Briggs made several key saves to keep the game even.
"Our win against Bromfield (Saturday) improved our record to 7-5-3 and qualified us for the playoffs," said Coach Steve Naboicheck. "We currently stand in fifth place overall in Division I for Central Mass. and have locked up second place in Midland B."
With luck the Crusaders could host the first playoff game.
"This is the best performance for GD girls' soccer since pre-2008 based on the MIAA records we could find. Given the team moved to Division I recently, not a bad result," added Naboicheck.
Current standing for top 10 Division I teams:
1-Westborough, 2-Nashoba, 3- Algonquin, 4-Wachusett, Groton-Dunstable, 6-Quabbin, 7-Tantasqua, 8-Marlborough, 9- Doherty Memorial High School, 10-Shrewsbury.
