On Saturday Deerfield traveled to a neutral site in Farmington, CT to participate in the inaugural New-England Prep-School Soccer Showcase, an event which brought together 8 teams from New England and New York for games in front of parents, friends and numerous college coaches. Deerfield was well-prepared and motivated for the contest with Brunswick, a team which is always tough and disciplined. The DA boys thoroughly dominated the first half of play and created a handful of excellent scoring opportunities. Captain Zach Davis ’20 was particularly active down the right side of the field, repeatedly getting around and behind the Brunswick backline and delivering balls into the penalty area; and forwards Marcel Aziamale ’20 and Skye Bacon ’20 combined frequently with center-midfielder Brendan Kish ’20 to break through on goal. Deerfield was rewarded midway through the first half when Marcel Aziamale skipped around Brunswick’s centerbacks and put a driven ball past the Brunswick keeper. True to expected form, Brunswick did not shrink from the challenge, and managed to tie the game at 1-1 late in the half. After the break, the DA boys continued to dominate the play, maintaining possession for long stretches and repeatedly probing the Brunswick defense. Then, in the 75th minute – and against the run of play – a Brunswick cross from the right spun wildly and somehow founds its way into the top left-hand corner of the Deerfield goal. Suddenly down 2-1 in a match they had dominated from the outset, DA pressed forward again and again in search of the equalizer. Brendan Kish, Achille Sarachek ’21, Skye Bacon, Tynan Creagh ’22, and captain Luca Antongiovanni ’20 all came close to scoring. The final whistle blew with Brunswick up 2-1. Given the quality of their attacking play, it was a difficult result for the DA boys. But they look forward to meeting the challenge that will surely come next Wednesday when they host a talented and ambitious team from the Taft School.
Game Location: Farmington Sport Arena (11 Executive Drive, Farmington, CT 06032)