MONROE, CT — Masuk boy’s soccer had a busy week with three exciting games in the books. On Sept. 9, Masuk played Bassick High School at home and prevailed 3-2 behind a hat-trick by Cash Dewey.
With a little less than three minutes in the first half, the Panthers gave up the first goal of the game and trailed 1-0 at the half. Dewey took a free kick with 32 minutes left in the game and it reached the back of the net making the score 1-1. Less than 10 seconds later, Dewey completed a solo run resulting in his second goal of the game for a sudden 2-1 Masuk lead.
It did not take long for Bassick to tie the game, again converting a penalty kick. The goal came with 26 minutes remaining in regulation. With 20 minutes left Dewey scored his third goal of the game to decide things.
“I’m very pleased with the win tonight versus Bassick. They are a fast and physical team and am glad we came out with the win,” Masuk Coach Brendan Cavanaugh said.
The second game of the week was a 1-1 tie with Weston in another home contest, on Sept. 10. The game was scoreless at the half during the defensive struggle.
Weston struck first, with 23 minutes left in regulation. Weston’s defense held its ground against an aggressive Masuk offense, until junior Jackson Thom scored his first goal of the season with just five minutes left in regulation.
“I thought we dominated at times versus Weston,” Cavanaugh said. “We made a mental mistake that cost us a goal, but I am happy we were able to bounce back late in the game to get the equalizer and tie it up.”
Masuk visited New Milford on Sept. 12 and came out on top 2-0. Both teams played stingy defense with Masuk’s senior co-captain Connor Kehlenbach keeping the Panthers in the game, while crafting stellar plays at the goalkeeper position.
The game was scoreless at the half and remained that way until 27 minutes into the second half. Dewey’s corner kick eventually connected with Cristiano Rivera leading to Masuk’s first goal.
Seven minutes later Nick Rodrigues took the ball down the line and was fouled in the box leaving Cole Rigby to take a penalty kick that would give Masuk a 2-0 lead.
“After a slow first half, it was nice to get the early goals in the second half. Nick Rodrigues made that incredible run to get us that penalty kick. Overall, it was a great win, and momentum we need to go away against a very good Pomperaug team,” said Cavanaugh, whose 2-1-2 squad visits the Pomperaug Panthers Tuesday, Sept. 17, at 7 p.m.
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That save by Connor K was sick