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Oct. 30 the Pomfret School boys’ varsity soccer team beat Wilbraham & Monson 2-0. Pomfret goals came from: Frederick Coulibaly 70th (unassisted); and Devin Walcott 75th (unassisted). Saves came from: Austin Kendig 7; and Javier Alonso 5.
Coach Patrick Burke said: “While the first half was a back and forth affair, Pomfret had more of the possession and opportunities in the second half and our persistence paid off with goals in the 70th and 75th minute. In the first half our defense of Eumir Rodriguez, Gerald Gao, Ryan Cho, Lyle Bernard, Ethan Forbes, and Henry Cattell did a nice job of dealing with Wilbraham’s counter attacks while goalkeeper Austin Kendig responded well to Wilbraham’s free kicks and shots including one great diving save. Our midfield of Caleb White, Grant Maurer, Kaya Horvath, Lawrence Viola, Anson Meerbergen, Nick Ferrucci, Devin Walcott, and Nate Watson strived to facilitate play for us while also working hard to get back when Wilbraham pushed numbers forward. Van Horvath, Dylan Tran, Declan Chapman, Cole Castro, Jerry Da, Fred Coulibaly, and Tareq Altayyar were instrumental in our attack and their hold up play allowed us to get forward. “We found more time on the ball and more possession in the second half. Declan, Cole, Lawrence, Kaya, Grant, Dylan and Devin were consistent threats. On the other side of the ball our defense remained solid while goalkeeper Javier Alsono controlled his box well. We got a spark from Nate streaking down the flank. Although the shot this run gave us momentum and just a few minutes later we broke the deadlock. A nice combination from Caleb, Devin, and Grant put Fred through and, although the ball was a bit out of reach; Fred’s pressure forced a mistake from Wilbraham’s keeper which resulted in a deflection goal for Fred. Minutes later another nice play in the midfield got the ball to Devin who went on a strong solo run. Devin kept his composure and coolly finished low and hard into the net. Up 2-0 we continued to attack as Fred, Devin, and Declan all went close again.”
Loss to S. Kent, 5-0
Oct. 27 the Griffins lost to South Kent 5-0. Pomfret Saves: Austin Kendig 7; and Javier Alonso 3.
Burke said South Kent was able to capitalize on a number of Pomfret errors. "Pomfret’s offensive opportunities came mostly through Fred Coulibaly and Nate Watson on the wing, while Declan Chapman, Devin Walcott, and Dylan Tran found some time on the ball. Goalkeeper Austin Kendig came up with some nice saves early and things seemed to be settling in, but a loose ball in our box resulted in a penalty kick for South Kent. Their talented #2 scored and seven minutes later South Kent had a second goal. We responded well and the final 25 minutes of the half were pretty even. Caleb White, Kaya Horvath, Ethan Forbes and Lawrence Viola gave us strong minutes in the back and midfield while Cole Castro and Nick Ferrucci gave us a spark up top. Our defense (Gerald Gao, Henry Cattell, Eumir Rodriguez, Ryan Cho, Lawrence, and Ethan) reorganized and focused, and we had some run outs and chances with Fred testing South Kent’s keeper, but we went into the half down 2-0. In the first 15 minutes of the second half, Grant Maurer came the closest while Dylan, Fred, Devin, Cole and Declan all found time on the ball. In the 60th, 62nd, and 75th minute some mistakes in our back line and lapses in focus allowed South Kent to increase their lead to 5-0. Jerry Da, Nate, and Kaya played a strong final 15 minutes, and we were a bit unlucky to not get one after Declan put Nate through and the South Kent keeper came up with a strong save. At the final whistle it was 5-0 in favor of South Kent.”
By Patrick Burke
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