LENOX, Mass. -- Zach Suffish scored twice and set up a goal in a four-goal second half for the Lenox boys soccer team as the Millionaires defeated Drury, 5-2, on Wednesday night.
Hunter Sarkis scored on an assist from Max Daugherty in the 37th minute to erase a 1-0 deficit and send the Blue Devils into the break level in the rematch from last year's Western Massachusetts Division 4 title game.
“At the half I gave my boys instructions to simplify things in the final third -- not wasting shot attempts, and looking for better, easier chances,” Lenox coach Matt Cote said. “Andre [Collins] was able to spring Zach loose on a through ball, where he beat the keeper 1 v. 1. Then Andre and Zach traded assists on some nice combination play at the top of the box, each time sneaking through the defense.”
Suffish’s second goal, in the 60th minute, made it 4-1, Lenox.
Drury’s Reece Racette scored on a penalty kick six minutes later to get the Blue Devils within a pair, but Lenox drew a penalty kick of its own in the 69th minute, and Isaac Tabakin converted to provide the final margin.
J.T. Novitsky scored the game’s first goal midway through the first half.
Jacob Munch earned the win in goal with three saves, and Corbin Rumbolt stopped four shots for Drury.
“It was a very even game for about 50 minutes, and I am pleased that we finally managed to connect on some good, unselfish combination play up top,” Cote said. “My midfield did a nice job of switching fields, and in the second half in particular, we stopped sending early through balls and started finding feet in the space just in front of their defensive back line, making creative runs off the ball for some great goals.
“Drury is a tough D4 opponent, and I wouldn't be surprised to see them again in the tournament.”
Drury (4-4) hosts Belchertown on Monday.
Lenox (4-3-1) goes to Wahconah on Friday.