Brockton’s late goal lifts Boxers past Xaverian and into Div. 1 sectional final

PLYMOUTH — Missed opportunities throughout Thursday‘s Division 1 South semifinal brought frustration to Brockton.

But the Boxers remained undeterred and finally cracked the code to No. 2 Xaverian’s defense in the 89th minute.

Erick Brito sent in a long, arcing pass that Vanilton Xavier redirected with his head into the corner of the net for the game-winning goal to lift Brockton to a 1-0 overtime victory at Plymouth North’s Romano Field.

“Since the first half, we were trying to get him the ball to cross it over to me,” said Xavier, as Brockton advances to Saturday’s sectional final. “And it finally worked in the most important time when we needed it.”

Xavier started the scoring opportunities that went by the wayside for Brockton (16-5) a minute into regulation when Xaverian (13-4-4) keeper Thomas Rodia (seven saves) stopped his point-blank chance.

Brockton controlled play with its precision passing and Giovanni Martins almost put the Boxers ahead at the end of regulation with a chance inside the box, but Rodia came through with a crucial save.

Xaverian had its opportunities to find the back of the net, especially in the second half. Lorenzo Mancini couldn’t get his shot from within close past George Cheretakis (six saves) and Cheretakis denied Evan Sepe’s bid with 30 seconds left in regulation.

Brockton’s persistence offensively ultimately won out to keep its season alive.

“They had a wall back there that did a really good job minimizing our chances,” said Brockton coach Herminio Furtado. “But we had to be patient and sometimes you need luck.”

from Boston Herald https://ift.tt/32JVdqZ