MONROE, CT — In an intense matchup, the Masuk High boys soccer team battled the Pomperaug Panthers to a scoreless draw on Sept. 17. The game, held at Pomperaug Stadium, showcased strong defenses and determined plays.
From the opening whistle, both teams exhibited tenacity, with midfielders battling fiercely for possession. Masuk’s defense kept a surging Pomperaug offense at bay.
Masuk’s starting defense, comprising co-captain, Tommy Warner, Joaquim Torre, Nick Rodrigues, and John Paul Lavaredas, kept an aggressive Pomperaug offense off the board. Senior co-captain Connor Kehlenbach continued to impress as goalkeeper.
“Our defense did a great job containing the attacks from their offense,” said Masuk Coach Brendan Cavanaugh. “Connor made some incredible saves in goal. Unfortunately, we could not finish the chances we had. I am glad we got the point and the tie.”
Masuk hosted the Kolbe Cathedral Cougars under the lights at Benedict Field on Sept. 19 and won 3-2.
The scoring started early in the game when Cash Dewey assisted Cole Rigby just three minutes in. Rigby assisted Dewey to give Masuk an early 2-0 lead 16 minutes later.
Kolbe responded with 10 minutes left in before the break leaving the score 2-1 at halftime. He assisted Kevin Carreon for a 3-1 Masuk lead just five minutes into the second half. The game remained 3-1 until Kobe scored a goal with three seconds left in regulation.
“I am happy with the result. Kolbe is a much-improved team that never gave up,” Cavanaugh said. “They kept us on our toes all game. Offensively and defensively, I saw some things that we will continue to work on and improve as we get deeper into the season.”
The Panthers (3-1-3 this season) are on the road for their next five games beginning Monday, Sept. 23, at Abbott Tech at 4 p.m.
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