MG earned a hard-fought 2-0 win over visiting Longmeadow. The Lancers needed two wins and a tie in their last three games, but MG ended their post-season hopes.
Grant Raphael picked up a rebound from his own blocked shot and fired a hard and low shot to the lower left corner of the net from 20 yards out for the first goal and Grant's first goal since September 11th.
Eric Hirsch essentially finished off Longmeadow with a backbreaking goal just over 5 minutes into the second half. From the right flank, Crow Brennan played a perfect ball to Benni McComish on the top of the 18 box. Benni's perfect first touch behind him and toward the goal created enough space for him to hammer a hard pass across of the top of the 6 box. Eric Hirsch was positioned perfectly to slide and knock the ball into the net on his first touch.
"We put together a solid 80 minutes tonight against a highly energized, desperate team. Even though they won't make the playoffs, they were a very good team and tested us throughout the game despite the statistical advantage we had."
"It was great to get Grant back [he missed Tuesday's game because of illness], and his goal tonight was well deserved. If he can find the scoring touch heading into the playoffs, we'll be that much more dangerous offensively."
"Filson patrolled his box well tonight. He made a great diving save on the last play of the game to preserve the shut-out."
Monument Mountain (away) on Monday.