Canton, Foxboro field hockey squads battle to scoreless tie

FOXBORO — It has become the norm for there to be little to nothing separating Canton and Foxboro.

The Hockomock League Davenport Division field hockey powers have split the divisional crown evenly over the the last four seasons and half of the last 14 meetings between the foes resulted in ties.

The Bulldogs and Warriors played to another stalemate in a late-season matchup Tuesday as the two sides battled to a scoreless draw at Sam Berns Community Field.

“We’re very similar teams,” said Foxboro coach Melissa Bordieri. “Both teams always have a skilled goalie. Both teams always have some speed and great skills in our midfield.”

Foxboro’s potent offense had plenty of chances early to crack a stout Canton defense, which has surrendered only two goals this season.

Dylan Rappoli had two quality opportunities in close in the first quarter, including a charge on net with 30 seconds left in the frame, but Allie Gefteas made a terrific defensive play to not allow Rappoli to get a shot on net.

Foxboro (6-1-2) continued to threaten for a majority of the first half, but either their shots sailed wide of the net or were turned away by goalie Riley O’Connor, who finished with six saves.

“They are very settled and comfortable with each other, so they’re able to withstand that quick pressure that Foxboro tends to put on,” said Canton coach Chrissy O’Connor of her defense, which also received strong performances from Carly Fitzgerald and Lizzie Tassinari.

With Canton (6-1-2) never breaking under Foxboro’s pressure, it found its footing in the second half even with Maria Femia, the Hockomock’s leading point-getter, sidelined due to an ankle injury.

Mary Kelley nearly broke the deadlock for the Bulldogs with 10:54 remaining when she pounced on a loose ball in front but couldn’t get her shot past Hannah Trombly.

Canton stayed on the attack until the closing seconds, but Foxboro held off the late charge to settle for another tie with the Bulldogs.

from Boston Herald https://ift.tt/2TQ4BqV