MONSON, Mass. -- Ian Laurin converted a penalty kick in the 79th minute Monday to break a 1-1 tie and send the Lenox boys soccer team to a 2-1 win over Monson.

 

“From the opening whistle it appeared that both teams were on edge, playing very aggressively,” Lenox coach Matt Cote said. “We were able to score early on a long through ball from Matt Heim out of the back to Mike Abdalla.”

 

Late in the first half, host Monson found itself down a player after he took a red card for arguing a call.

 

But the Mustangs rallied and earned a PK early in the second half. The shot deflected off the crossbar, but Dylan Gunther headed the rebound into the goal.

 

“Much of the second half we pressed them in their end, but their back line and keeper did a nice job of holding us onside with little space to run behind the defense,” Cote said. “Late in the game we made some adjustments to our strategy, and quickly we started generating better looks, including a nice ball across the box, which deflected to Zack Suffish, who struck the ball on frame.”

 

Suffish was denied a goal, but Monson was whistled for a handball on the play. Laurin was chosen to take the penalty kick and delivered the game-winner.

 

Matt Tibbetts made one save to earn the win.

 

“It was a very good game, although it got a bit chippy at times,” Cote said. “Monson is very strong up the middle, and I'm certain they will be looking for revenge when we play them again on Oct. 27 at home.”

 

Lenox (3-0) goes to Pope Francis on Wednesday.