On a wet fall afternoon, the boys varsity soccer team traveled to Phillips Exeter Academy for a game under the lights on the turf at Phelps Stadium. Having played all but one game on turf this season and with the short week of practice allowing for only one day on the turf prior to Saturday, it proved difficult for the big green to adjust to the slick surface. Exeter put the pressure on early, knocking balls into our defending third and creating numerous dangerous opportunities to notch the first goal of the game.
After a number of big saves from goalkeeper Tim Gerber ‘17 and some solid defensive work from Pitcher ’19, Shea ’17 and Davis ’17, the boys were able to possess the ball and create some quality scoring chances. However, the messy conditions made it tough to finish for both sides and the game went into the half tied 0-0.
At the start of the second, DA seemed reenergized and put a lot of pressure on the Exeter backline. Our best opportunity of the evening came when a great service from Angel Paes ’17 found the foot of Chad Haggerty ’17 inside the six, but a brilliant defensive play by an Exeter defender cleared the ball off the goal line.
The big green would eventually break through with 15 minutes left in the game when a long throw in from Luke Crimmins ’17 was headed on by Paes ’17 and was finished by Haggerty ’17 for his fourth goal since returning to play. That goal would prove to be the only score of the day as Gerber ’17, with the help of his backline earned his third shutout of the season. The boys soccer team is now 3-0-1 over their last four games.
The big green will travel to Worcester Academy on Wednesday, eager to take on the #3 team in New England.