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Griffins lose close game
POMFRET — The Pomfret School boys’ soccer team lost to Westminster School, Oct. 2, 3-2.
According to coach Patrick Burke, Pomfret goals came from: Fred Coulibaly 13th minute (assist to Nate Watson) and Eumir Rodriguez, 30th minute (assist to Devin Walcott) Javier Alonso had five saves.
Burke said: “Games like tonight’s game under the lights at Westminster are the epitome of what we missed during our hiatus from competitive play last fall. Two evenly matched teams battled for the entire 90 minutes tonight, and both teams can be proud of their effort. As is often the case with soccer, the difference in the game came down to a couple of crucial moments, and Westminster was able to take advantage of their final one to earn the win.”
The game started off on the wrong foot for Pomfret as Westminster was able to score on a relatively routine action just 1 minute into the game. Pomfret needed to respond and some nice play from Cole Castro, Declan Chapman, Grant Maurer, Nate Watson, Devin Walcott, and Fred Coulibaly got us momentum. Cole put Declan through for a nice run and in the 13th minute a great combination between Devin, Nate, and Fred allowed Fred to drive home a shot to the near post.
Griffins’ defense of Ethan Forbes, Gerald Gao, Eumir Rodriguez, Lawrence Viola, and Henry Cattell remained solid and goalkeeper Javier Alonso cut out a few crosses and attempts from Westy’s talented attacking threats. Pomfret would take a 2-1 lead in the game’s 30th minute. Devin’s dangerous set piece was met by Eumir. His first attempt was saved, but his follow up effort allowed him to put a high quality finish into the top of the net. Up 2-1, Westy continued to attack and in the 40th minute were able to score on a quick counter that evened up the scoreboard.
With the score tied 2-2 both teams knew the second half would be highly competitive, and Westy had the first great opportunity. Javier made an outstanding one-handed save to keep the score tied, and a few minutes later Grant and Devin sprang Declan who forced Westy’s keeper into a fine save of his own.
Then Caleb White, Dylan Tran, and Kaya gave Pomfret valuable minutes and the game was quite even. Unfortunately, in the game’s 79th minute a routine ball from Westminster was able to get through Pomfret’s lines and allow their hardworking forward to go in for a finish. Down 3-2 Pomfret continued to push. Devin went close on a set piece and then set up Grant on another. Grant’s header hit the goal post and went wide.
It was a bit frustrating to lose tonight as we felt we deserved, at minimum, a point (a tie).
Loses to Williston
POMFRET — Earlier in the week, Pomfret lost to Williston, 3-1
The Pomfret goal came from Dylan Tran, 75th ( assist Declan Chapman) and Javier Alonso had 10 saves.
Coach Patrick Burke said the boys’ varsity soccer team knew they were in for a test with Williston, which recently become one of the strongest class B teams in New England.
In the first half, Williston dominated the pace and possession of the game. Fortunately for Pomfret’s defense and goalkeeper Javier Alonso were up to the task. Gerald Gao, Eumir Rodriguez, Ethan Forbes, and Lawrence Viola faced pressure but responded effectively each time. Javier came up with some strong saves, while defenders were winning one-on-one battles. Then midfielders Grant Maurer, Devin Walcott, Declan Chapman, Kaya Horvath, and Caleb White found more of the ball. An unfortunate PK call in the game’s 28th minute gave Williston a 1-0 lead and just two minutes later a long shot also found the back of the Pomfret net and Pomfret was down 2-0.
After a tactical change at half time, Pomfret out more organized and energetic. Nate Watson, Caleb White, Fred Coulibaly, and Cole Castro worked hard on the flanks and the defense remained poised. Midfield pressure allowed Grant to put Declan through for a close chance that went just over the crossbar. A few minutes later the pressure kept mounting, and a strong win from Grant led to a through ball to Declan whose cross found the feet of Dylan. Dylan calmly powered a shot past the on rushing keeper to make the game 2-1. Van Horvath gave Pomfret a spark and they had a few opportunities as Nate, Grant, Eumir, and Declan came close. Pomfret was pushing for an equalizer but a mistake from a Pomfret set piece gave Williston a free run.
By Patrick Burke
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