Vazquez Works Overtime in Tie With Eagles
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. -- The offense of the McCann Tech offense gave its team a chance to win on Friday. Connor Vazquez made sure the Hornets didn't lose. In the end, McCann settled for a 2-2 tie with Mount Everett on its home field.Adam Kozik's team took advantage of its limited opportunities, scoring two goals on a total of nine shots to open up a 2-0 lead. Senior captain Nate Gutmann put the Hornets (1-2-1) ahead in the 28th minute of play, taking a pass from junior Seth Marko and shooting over the head of Eagles' keeper Demitri Casivant (seven saves) from 20 yards out. McCann took a 1-0 lead into the half and later built on it when junior Chad Raimer scored unassisted in the 57th minute of play.
Everett, which outshot the Hornets 35-9 in the game, answered back, however, on a goal by Colby Rueger just 34 seconds later. Sage Angell later tied the game with a strike in the 66th minute. The Eagles gave Vazquez all he could handle, but the McCann goalkeeper was up to the challenge, making an impressive 34 saves in the game to assure the draw.
"It is rare for us to be up at halftime, especially at home, but ending with a tie was a pleasure today," Kozik said. "Connor Vazquez was spectacular in goal and that was what gave us a draw instead of a major loss. Mount Everett came back hard in the second half and there seemed to be a shot against us every minute. Connor cut off the angles and racked up an amazing amount of saves, giving us another tie against this strong team."
In addition to Vazquez's efforts, Kozik said junior centerback PJ Laliberte was a crucial part to his team's success of defense. The Hornets next play at Putnam at 4 p.m. on Tuesday.