Drury Boys Top Lee

LEE, Mass. — Jonah Miles converted a penalty kick to break a 1-1 tie, and Joe Liporace made nine saves to lead the Drury High School boys soccer team to a much-needed, 2-1 win over Lee on Wednesday afternoon.

 

"This was a big win for us," Drury coach Greg Caproni said. "We are coming off a seven-game losing streak, and this was a league game that we need to keep our season alive.

 

"Our boys have been playing well as of late but have been unable to find the net."

 

Drury (4-10) had just one goal in the seven games leading up to Wednesday's win. On the other hand, the Blue Devils have three goals this week, including Tuesday's 2-1 loss to Mount Everett.

 

On Wednesday, Jake Daugherty built on that momentum with a goal midway through the first half. He took a slotted ball from Thane Preite and lifted a shot over the goalkeeper to give Drury a 1-0 lead.

 

"Jake has been playing better and better as the season has gone along," Caproni said. "His work ethic is amazing. He deserves this goal beacuse of the hard work he has put in as of late."

 

The Wildcats tied it on a set piece in the 29th minute. A Drury defender tripped in the 18-yard box and lost his mark, and Jake Simon headed in the cross from Luke Murphy.

 

But less than a minute later, Drury's pressure in the offensive third led to a foul against Matt Vachereau in the box, and Miles placed the PK just out of reach of the Lee goalkeeper.

 

"The second half we held them off," Caproni said.

 

"We gave up a corner with less than a minute left and Lee put all 11 players into the box to try to score. Our defense held up and we cleared the ball for the final whistle."

 

Drury has another tough test at Pittsfield on Friday.