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PSA soccer gets
pair of wins
The Putnam Science Academy boys’ soccer team added a few years to coach Ryan Dunnigan’s 28 in a pair of wins last week.
The first one Oct. 19 against Pathfinder Academy. The Mustangs led by a goal for much of the second half before surrendering the equalizer with just four minutes to play. What could have been a deflating tie turned into a thrilling, heart-pounding 2-1 victory when Zach Vlachos scored the game-winner in the 90th minute to set off a wild celebration.
Vlachos’ goal came after PSA won a free kick just outside the 18 at an angle that required a cross. Tomas Melon delivered a perfect ball to the back post where Vlachos volleyed into the back of the net.
“Right as the ball hit the net it was amazing,” Vlachos said. “Definitely my favorite goal I’ve scored this season and I’m having trouble putting into words exactly that feeling. But the best thing I can say is relief for the team and for my confidence going forward. I’m super happy with the result.”
Melon dropped the cross perfectly before the keeper could come out.
“When Zach scored, I was so happy,” he said. “I started jumping and screaming at the top of my lungs.”
It was quite the rollercoaster for the Mustangs.
“To concede late after defending so well can be very disheartening but we picked ourselves up, kept pushing and thankfully got a goal out of it,” said Adam Azman. “The emotion when you score any goal is unbelievable but when you score so late especially after a game that eventful is difficult to put into words.”
Said Arthur Prates: “Winning at the 90th minute is amazing. Not something we plan to do because we want to win earlier, but when it goes in at the 90th minute, you just go crazy. You want to hug everybody to celebrate. “
Vlachos kept things rolling two days later when he again accounted for both PSA goals in another 2-1 win, this time over Massasoit Community College.
This one wasn’t quite as dramatic as PSA this time led 2-0 late. But a late MCC goal made the final minutes more interesting than Dunnigan would have liked.
PSA’s week ended on a sour note though, as Saturday the Mustangs were on the wrong end of a 2-1 score against the Hoosac School. Vlachos again scored for PSA, giving him seven on the season.
By Stephen Nalbandian
Sports Information Director
Putnam Science Academy
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