Newton North upsets East Boston in boys soccer

To counteract speed, one needs precision passes and an ability to capitalize on set pieces.

Fifteenth-seeded Newton North was able to punch it in off a 20-yard free kick to upend No. 2 East Boston, 1-0, in the Division 1 North first round at East Boston Memorial Stadium Tuesday night.

“Set pieces are something we have had success on this year,” said Tigers coach Roy Dow. “(East Boston’s) coach said that is something they focused on in preparation. We got a good set piece and we packed it in. In close games, it is going to be those sorts of things that get you the result. That’s what happened today.”

Senior Max Johnston put the ball on net and senior midfielder Matt Nielsen headed it in around the 47th minute to put Newton North (9-6-5) in front for good after a scoreless first half.

East Boston (16-3) had a couple chances in the final eight minutes and stoppage time, but senior captain PJ Membrino made diving saves to keep the Jets out of the net.

“PJ is a four-year varsity guy and has shared starting responsibilities the last two years,” Dow said. “He stepped up in being that senior leader.”

In the first half, both teams had chances and East Boston controlled the tempo with their speed in the middle of the field. The Tigers responded in the first 10 minutes of the second half with a strong possession game to set up the game-winner.

“We made a bunch of adjustments to deal with (their speed) all game long,” said Dow. “That definitely helped.”

Next up, Newton North will head to Framingham to play the No. 7 Flyers on Thursday at 3:30 p.m.

from Boston Herald https://ift.tt/2qoKQLK