Pittsfield Takes Win in Defensive Battle in Division 3
PITTSFIELD, Mass. – Mateo Yepez struck from about 35 yards out late in the first half, and the Pittsfield boys soccer team Monday went on to a 1-0 win over Dedham in the first round of the Division 4 State Tournament.
Carlos Lagos made nine saves, and the Generals posted their fourth shutout of the season – three 1-0 wins and a 0-0 tie – as they advanced to the Sweet 16 with a victory in their final match of the season at Kirvin Park.
The Generals had the better of play in the first half, but neither team was able to put too many quality chances together in a match contested mostly in the middle third of the season.
But after a late timeout by the Generals, Pittsfield was able to get some pressure going toward the visitors’ goal.
A Dedham defender attempted to clear the ball from just outside the top of the 18, but Yepez made the interception and then launched a shot that curled under the crossbar to break the scoreless stalemate.
After the teams combined for just five shots on goal in the first half, they amassed 10 in the second – most of them directed at Lagos, who continued to step up for PHS.
“Really proud of how our reserve goalkeeper stepped up today in a massive way, claiming crosses and making the box his own,” Pittsfield coach Ryan Wanek said. “Second half we were much more defensive but we were able to keep their chances to a low amount. They were very dangerous on corner kicks but we were able to do just enough defensively.”
Pittsfield did generate a few opportunities to build on its lead after the break.
In the 45th minute, Kevin Campo got a shot on goal from 19 yards off a corner kick.
Midway through the half, Amos Ezan broke in on a through ball from Daniel Ezan and made it inside the 6, where a pair of Dedham defenders were able to shut him down.
Later, Amos Ezan had a try off a cross from Campo that went just off frame to keep it a 1-0 score.
As the time wore on, though, the visitors ramped up the pressure, and the Generals were able to weather the storm, particularly as the corner kick opportunities started to add up in the closing minutes.
“Defensively we were on point the entire game, one of our best performances defensively of the season,” Wanek said.
“Really proud of the team overall and excited to move onto the next round.”
Pittsfield’s next opponent could be a familiar one. It awaits the winner of Tuesday’s game between North Reading and No. 2-seeded Pope Francis. The Cardinals won a pair of regular season meetings against the Generals by scores of 2-0 and 5-1.