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Pomfret
competes in
quarterfinals
POMFRET — The Pomfret School boys’ varsity team lost to Brooks School Nov. 17, 0-3 in the NEPSAC Class B Quarterfinals
Pomfret saves came from: Austin Kendig 7, Javier Alonso 5
Patrick Burke said: “Credit to Brooks for playing a fast, physical, skillful, and persistent game today. We knew Brooks would play with intensity and force, and they were able to do so throughout the entire 90 minutes today. While we prepared for that intensity, it was hard to duplicate in practice, and their drive caught us a bit on our heels today. We had strong moments in goal, in defense, and in attack, but Brooks was just able to put more of them together than us today.
Brooks challenged the backline but Eumir Rodrgiuez, Ryan Cho, Gerald Gao, Henry Cattell, and goalkeeper Austin Kendig stayed focused. Lawrence Viola and Cole Castro pitched in with timely track backs, while Grant Maurer and Caleb White worked to win second balls after clearances. After Austin blocked a penalty kick, Declan Chapman earned a free kick but it went just wide. Fred Coulibaly troubled Brooks’ backline throughout the first half, and the half was pretty back and forth.
Burke said: “Brooks would threaten with direct balls, we would win them, and then strive to play through Fred, Declan, and Dylan Tran. Dylan gave us great minutes in the middle, while Nate Watson and Kaya Horvath were vital on the flanks. Unfortunately, a turnover in our own half allowed a cross from Brooks to make it to our backpost where their #17 was able to take a touch and fire into the side netting. Down 1-0 we continued to fight as Nate, Grant, Declan, and Fred pushed forward. Lawrence gave us some quality clearances in the back, while Dylan almost snuck in a corner into the near post. At the half the score was 1-0 in favor of Brooks.”
He said Javier blocked another penalty kick and the Griffins defense continued to play solidly. Nick Ferrucci gave Pomfret some speed on the right flank while Lawrence almost snuck in multiple times on through balls from Declan and Fred. Brooks continued to be threatening on set pieces and diagonal passes and they would get their second on a corner kick. Javier made two good initial saves, but chaos ensued in the box and Brooks was able to finish it over the line. Brooks would get a third on a nice long shot from distance in the game’s final minutes.
Burke said: “While today was not how we wanted our season to end, our team has a lot to be proud of. The 17 guys who stepped on the field today worked hard, while Anson Meerbergen, Van Horvath, Tareq Altayyar, Lyle Bernard, Ethan Forbes, and managers Alex Kang and Harry Lee supported their teammates throughout the match. We missed Devin Walcott’s presence in the middle of the field today, but know he was supporting us from afar.”
By Patrick Burke
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