Warriors edged by M.L. Freedom division rival Watertown in first round contest
SENIOR FORWARD Neil Fitzgerald (#10) scored the lone Warrior goal last night in Wakefield’s Div. 3 North first round tournament game against Watertown. Wakefield was edged by the Red Raiders, 2-1, at Victory to have its season come to an end. (Donna Larsson File Photo)
By DAN MARGARITA
WATERTOWN — The Wakefield Memorial High boys’ soccer played in the state tournament for the first time since 1999. The Warriors wished their postseason stay had lasted a little longer, however.
The season came to an end for Wakefield when it was knocked out of the Div. 3 North Tournament by Middlesex League Freedom division rival Watertown, which defeated Wakefield by a 2-1 score last night in a first round game at Watertown’s Victory Field.
“They really gave it everything they had for the full 80 minutes against a good team. We had our chances. It wasn’t like we caved in and Watertown took it to us. No, we took it to them plenty of times. I’m proud of what we put out tonight. The scoreboard doesn’t reflect how hard they worked. I feel bad for them because I know they’re hurting,” said Wakefield coach Matt Angelo.
After Neil Fitzgerald’s first shot went wide left, Watertown took advantage of a defensive lapse but Roman Davis’ shot was deflected high by Wakefield keeper Tyler Strauss off the cross bar.
Wakefield escaped another close call when a Hermes Melo header was saved on a diving stop by Strauss.
“Tyler Strauss is outstanding. He seems to always have a great game against Watertown. He definitely made some huge saves that kept this game from getting out of hand. He’s just been spectacular. We’re really going to miss Ty next year because he’s been nothing short of outstanding for us,” praised Angelo.
Wakefield took the lead when senior Neil Fitzgerald got by Watertown keeper Dante Cimino to score and make it 1-0.
The teams continued back and forth until Watertown’s Rafael DeSouza tied the game with a goal from the right side of the box with a shot just outside of the dive of Strauss to make it 1-1 where it stood at halftime.
Watertown came out strong in the second half but Strauss and the Wakefield defense was able to fend the Red Raiders off.
Mo Janga had a shot from the right side that was stopped and a Cam Yasi header was also saved by Cimino.
“Every time Wakefield and Watertown play it seems to be a nail-biter. You’ve got to tip your cap to Watertown. They played well. They’re a very good team and I wish them the best of luck for the tournament. As for us, I just told them, ‘I know it hurts. It’s never easy getting knocked out of the tournament. But they have a lot to be proud of,” noted Angelo.
Late in the game DeSouza got the ball to Davis who was able to put the ball past Strauss to give Watertown a 2-1 lead where it would stand.
The game marked Wakefield’s first tournament appearance since 1999. However getting their first tournament win since that year will have to wait until next fall at least. Wakefield finished the year with an 8-7-4 record.
Watertown (9-5-5) advanced to the quarterfinal round and will face top-seeded North Reading (12-3-3) on Thursday night at 5 p.m. in North Reading.
As for Wakefield, the program has turned the corner after some lean years in the early part of this century.
“Four years ago I got hired as the freshman coach and the (varsity) team unfortunately went 0-17-1 and when the position opened, I was gung ho for it. I wanted that position and everyone looked at me like I was crazy, like, ‘Why would you take a team with a winless record?’ and I kept telling everyone, ‘This team has talent. These guys have the best work ethic of any teenage group of high school age kids have.’ In three years they went from an 0-17-1 team to a tournament contending team and almost put it away to qualify for the next round. so you’ve really got to tip your cap to these guys,” said Angelo.
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MIAA Div. 3 North
Boys Soccer Tournament
First Round
At Victory Field, Watertown
WAKEFIELD…………1 0 — 1
Watertown…………..1 1 — 2
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First Half — Wak, Fitzgerald (Winsor) 7:54. Wat, DeSouza (U. Zamora) 26:44.
Second Half — Wat, Davis (DeSouza) 33:11.
Saves — Wak, Strauss (9). Wat, Cimino (4).
