Chen Scores Two in Bounceback Win for McCann Tech

By Stephen DravisiBerkshires.com Sports
Print Story | Email Story
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. -- The McCann Tech boys soccer team Monday bounced back from a weekend loss and a first-half goal to rally for a 5-1 win over Putnam Voc.
 
Justin Chen scored twice for the Hornets, who took their first loss of the season on Saturday.
 
On Monday, Chen opened the scoring by heading in a cross from Col Boisvert in the ninth minute.
 
But Putnam responded with a goal nine minutes later before the Hornets were able to score four unanswered.
 
"After a tough game [against Taconic], we wanted to play hard, we wanted to show up today and prove that we're one of the best teams in this county," Chen said. "We came out played hard.
 
"Defense did their job, offense did their job. It was just really a team effort."
 
Nate Biagini had a pair of assists, and Michael Harris stopped seven shots to earn the win for the Hornets, who outshot Putnam by a margin of 20-8.
 
McCann Tech coach Stephen McAllister said the team used the most of the brief break between Saturday's loss and Monday's kickoff.
 
"I had a practice yesterday on a Sunday," McAllister said. "We had a nice, light, easy practice. We actually changed up the formation from the prior game. We wanted to try something a little different.
 
"It seemed to work out really well today. They liked it. I had a few of the players come up to me and asked if we could us it again. opefully, we'll use that same formation we used today get another 'W' on Friday."
 
With the new formation, McCann Tech (4-1-3) Monday scored more than two goals for just the third time this season.
 
The game-winner came late in the first half.
 
The play started when Dominic Pause played a ball up the field to Zach Gelinas, who worked a give-and-go with Biagini before lofting a shot on goal from the right side of the 18.
 
With Liang putting pressure on Putnam keeper Andrew Ortiz (15 saves), the ball snuck under the crossbar to put the Hornets up, 2-1.
 
Chen scored on a breakaway in the 49th minute to start a flurry of three McCann Tech goals in less than seven minutes.
 
Carter Foucher converted a direct free kick from about 40 yards to make it 4-1, and Biagini set up Liang, who capped the scoring in the 56th minute.
 
After playing two gams at home in 72 hours, the Hornets have a few days to get ready for Friday's rematch under the lights at Renfrew Park against Bi-County Rival Hoosac Valley.
 
When the teams met in the season opener, they played to a 1-1 draw.
 
"We're actually all pumped for this Friday's game," McAllister said. "It's usually the most interesting game of the year when we play Hoosac. So it's going to be a battle on Friday."
 
Print Story | Email Story