We played Brattleboro HS for the first time and won 1-0 on a day when we had many more chances than the score shows. Striker Victor Kibuuka headed a long throw from Michael Hioe in the first five minutes and that goal stood as the winner for the remaining 75 minutes. Victor elevated nicely over a defender and skidded the ball off his forehead and by the near post. With such little rain this season, all of the fields we play on are dry, bumpy, and quick, making possession difficult to sustain and goals tough to come by. Both teams found good success dispossessing each other and yet neither could sustain attacks. Midfielder Jack Webb had another nice look (he’s due!); Andrew Lewis almost scored on a breakaway touched forward by Michael Hioe; and then Michael Hioe himself nearly headed a corner kick in. We were frustrated by a lack of connection, yet holding midfielder Oscar Sanford kept his cool, settled many balls, distributed well, and made 80 yd runs to defend our box. Keeper Joe Berman nailed down another clean sheet with only a few close calls, one of which on a long run from his line and saved curiously in the abdominal region to avoid contact with his hands. Coaches were proud that we introduced ourselves well to Brattleboro and glad to gut out another close win.