Warriors score three goals, but drop high-scoring 5-3 game
Published in the September 14, 2015 edition.
SWAMPSCOTT — Playing outside the Middlesex League didn’t help the Warrior boys’ soccer team earn a win, although its offense received a nice boost.
Wakefield dropped its third straight game as it lost a high-scoring 5-3 contest to Swampscott on Saturday afternoon at Swampscott High School.
Wakefield’s early struggles continued with the tough loss to Swampscott. Wakefield is still looking for its first win of the season. Wakefield played the Big Blue in a very physical and tough back and forth shootout type game.
“This was one of the most physical games I’ve been a part of. There is definitely no love loss between these two teams. Both teams woke up sore the next morning,” said Coach Matt Angelo.
Swampscott scored very early on a Wakefield miscue right from the kickoff. Used as motivation, Swampscott put the pressure on Wakefield and made the Warriors defend early. The pressure was too much for Wakefield as its let up another goal about 15 minutes later.
Wakefield regained its composure and began implementing its game plan.
“After that second goal we finally woke up and began playing well. We picked up our tempo and began winning 50/50 balls.That’s huge for this team. They need to command the field and dictate how the game is played. When we do that we play well,” said Angelo.
Wakefield responded when junior Juan Maysonet beat multiple defenders and crossed a ball into the box. After a scrum, senior captain Mark Melanson made a long run into the box and put the ball into the back of the net. Wakefield cut the lead to 2-1.
However another miscue led to a third Swampscott goal. Wakefield went into halftime down 3-1.
“We were not happy at halftime. We were making silly mistakes that were costing us greatly. It’s one of those situations where we get going and one mistake leads to a goal. It’s very unfortunate,” said Angelo.
The second secnd half was much better for Wakefield. Although Swampscott scored two more goals, Wakefield’s young guys stepped up and produced two of their own.
“I’m very happy with our bench right now,” said Angelo. “Our young guys are so hungry for playing time. They proved themselves worthy today.”
Freshman Carter Margolis got big minutes at center mid. He controlled the game and focused on possession soccer. His vision set up Anthony Spagnuolo for his first varsity goal.
“Carter was awesome today. He’s a freshman competing against upperclass men at the toughest, most demanding position on the field. Not many freshman can do that,” said Angelo.
Freshman Aidan Cusack also showed his worth. Coming off the bench to play center back, Aidan was influential in stopping Swampscott’s counter attack. He even helped the offense when he played a through ball to Maysonet which led to Wakefield’s third goal.
“I’m so impressed with Aidan’s progress so far this season. Every day he’s getting better and better. He was huge for us today.”
It wasn’t just freshman who impressed Coach Angelo. Sophomores Cole Krauss and Dan Kerrigan were praised by Angelo.
“Cole and Dan played big time minutes for us today, Dan as a right back and Cole as a striker and outside midfielder. They give us 100 percent effort every time they step on the field. Their work is noticeable and should be admired by young soccer players watching.”
Junior Andrew DeCecca and also played well.
“We need to play better. We show flashes of it. But it hasn’t been for 80 minutes. We have three days of practice in a row,” said Angelo. “We will be working tirelessly to figure this out and prepare to battle Arlington for 80 minutes on Thursday.”
The Warriors will host the Spy Ponders in their first home game of the season Thursday night at 6 p.m. at Walton Field.
