Boys Soccer Moves On
Seventh seed Brooks pulled a stunning upset of the undefeated Titans this afternoon in a highly paced and well played match in Wilbraham. Having only allowed seven goals all season, the WMA defense appeared everything it was cracked up to be with rangy central defenders who were hard to the ball and extremely well organized. Thus it was a shocker when, in the 12th minute, Jon Stronach sent an arcing ball between and over the two backs for Nick Vozzella, who raced through and cleanly found the far post by an onrushing Casey Marini. WMA, combining quickly through midfield, drew one back in the 18th minute when Alex Portno ripped a ball through a crowd and by Glen Martin.
The Brooks side responded with some furious play and managed a number of fine chances, all thwarted by the estimable Marini. Martin was even more spectacular in the late going saving two or three sure goals with acrobatic play. In the first minute of Golden Goal Brooks strikers Vieira and Vozzella made five passes inside the WMA box, only to have Vozzella push the final ball just wide of the post.
Overtime continued with Brooks having the slightly better chances, though both sides proved dangerous. Penalties ensued and the drama was every bit as exciting as the hundred minutes that preceded them. They, too, went to sudden death and the seventh round. Both teams had hit five of six. WMA's seventh shooter hit low to the right post. Martin dove, fully stretched, to trap the ball on the goal line. The referee hesitated and then declared no goal. It was left to reserve goalkeeper Cam Johst, who calmly walked to the spot and buried a low drive, to ignite a tremendous celebration. WMA finished a spectacular season in the most disappointing way possible and the Brooksians took their much deserved good fortune to go on and play Kimball Union on Saturday in the Semi-Final.
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