McCann Tech Explodes for Five Goals in First Win
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. -- Connor Griswold scored a pair of goals, Andrew Levesque made nine saves, and McCann Tech coach John Bresett Monday picked up his first career win, a 5-1 triumph over Hampden Charter in the Hornets Nest.
Bresett, who took the long-vacant position after the preseason got underway, said it was a “weight off his shoulders,” to see his team’s hard work pay off with a positive result.
Senior captain Brandon Vallone said this year’s Hornets (1-4) have more wins in them.
“Obviously, it's a very young team,” Vallone said. “I'm the only senior. It's hard to keep these young boys disciplined. But it means a lot. I was afraid we weren't even going to have a team this year. But this team has come together. This won't be the last win.
“We have a lot more in store.”
The Hornets showed some veteran resolve early in the second half, when the Wolves (0-5) rallied trimmed a 2-0 lead in half.
Less than two minutes later, the Hornets earned a free kick about 20 yards from the goal, and Nick LaForest rocketed a shot into the back of the net to re-establish the two-goal margin.
“I was telling them at half-time, the most dangerous lead is a 2-0 lead,” Bresett said. “And I think they turned on a switch when [Hampden] scored a goal. They realized, 'We have to fight harder. We've got to work harder.' And they came down and scored a goal and answered right back.
“I'm proud of the way they played.”
Hampden Charter kept the Hornets on their heels early, pressuring McCann Tech in its end and limiting the hosts to just one quality chance -- an Omar Uqdah header off a corner kick -- in the first 30 minutes.
With about 10 minutes left in the half, Levesque made a diving save to deny a Hampden Charter chance from deep on the right wing.
Moments later, McCann took the lead when Matt Bailey stole the ball at the top of the 18-yard arc and ripped a left footed shot into the goal to make it 1-0.
In the 37th minute, a LaForest free kick into the box was headed from Uqdah to Griswold, who headed it home for the two-goal advantage.
Levesque made four first-half saves to keep Hampden scoreless.
“The one down here, they could have brought it back to 1-1, and he got a hand on that -- that’s probably the play of the game,” Vallone said. “I don’t think there was a play bigger than that. Big ups to this kid. He’s worked hard. We’re glad to have him out there.”
And Levesque was glad to see his team produce offensively, equalling the goal output from its first four games in one afternoon.
“We were executing really well,” Levesque said. “We were passing and and trying goals, we were giving good through balls -- and especially our defense. I can't give enough credit to them. They were holding it up, and they were able to send good balls to the offense, who was able to make good transition plays and get good shots on net.”
After LaForest’s free kick made it 3-1, the Hornets dominated the remaining 27 minutes.
With 13:57 left to play, Michael Harris raced up the right wing and converted a through ball from Justin Chen to make it 4-1.
Moments later, Harris was hauled down inside the 18 on another run and earned a penalty kick, which the Hampden keeper was able to turn aside. But McCan got its fifth goal of the game in the 63rd minute when Griswold converted an assist from Uqdah.
“It feels like a weight off my shoulders,” Bresett said. “It's a young squad. I knew it was going to take a while getting there. It's kind of a surprise win. It's a team I thought we could compete against well, and they brought it to the next level. I think if they played Hoosac at this level, I think they could give them a run for their money, or some of the other teams around the county, too.
“First win is always good. I think it's going to go a long way with this team. Positive thoughts and a good result is always good, because I know they've been itching for one since the start of the season.”
VIDEO: @mthornets McCann Tech’s Michael Harris runs on Justin Chen through ball and scores in Monday’s win.
McCann Tech hosts Duggan on Wednesday.