BRUNSWICK — The Brunswick boys soccer team knew they didn’t need to force any plays in Saturday against Mt. Ararat. Even as the clock wound down and the game was still scoreless, the Dragons knew they could wait for a mistake and capitalize.
In the 75th minute, they got their chance.
After a Brunswick pass was popped up by the Mt. Ararat defense, Liam Rapoza used the back of his head to guide the ball forward to Oliver Gorchoff. The junior couldn’t gather the ball in stride, but Gorchoff regained control and chipped the ball past keeper Evan Weymouth (eight saves) to lift Brunswick to a 1-0 win.
It was third-straight Battle of the Bridge victory for Brunswick (5-1). Mt. Ararat fell to 4-1-1.
The Dragons held considerable advantages in possession, shots on goal (9-1) and corner kicks (4-0), but the Eagles did not make it easy with high-pressured marks up the field and swarming defenders on the backline. Mt. Ararat made key defensive clears in the 48th and 64th minutes to keep the game scoreless.
“I’ve played against (Mt. Ararat coach) Jack (Rioux) for a long time, I know what we’re up against,” Brunswick coach Mark Roma said. “…They’re going to come, they’re going to play hard, they’re going to be so defensively sound and so organized that any goal you score, you’re going to have to earn it from the back of your 18 all the way up.”
Gorchoff said his team struggled with the defensive pressure early, but Brunswick was able to eventually adjust. It helped that the Dragons defense, anchored by Brendan Shaw, was just as stingy. Mt. Ararat could not attempt a clean, non-set piece shot until the second half. The only attempt on-goal came in the 68th minute and was saved by Declan Theberge.
“We were really composed on the ball, and we just moved around them,” Gorchoff said. “They usually just kicked it up and long, (so) we dropped. We realized that early (in the) game, and we just played simple and didn’t want to force anything.”
Rioux said the game plan involved less possession and offensive pressure in favor of a gutsy defensive effort.
“Brunswick is a state championship quality team,” Rioux said. “They got some great individual players, they’re well coached, so we knew what we’re up against. We had a game plan. We stuck to it. We missed one assignment in the last five minutes, and they made us pay. Happy with the way we played, just the result a little bit unlucky.”