Down Early, Greylock Regroups to Beat Cathedral
WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. -- The Mount Greylock boys' soccer team found itself in a peculiar situation in its season-opening game against Cathedral on Saturday afternoon.Just a minute into the game and the 2011 season, the Mounties found themselves down 1-0 when the Panthers opened the scoring with a header off of a corner kick. Blair Dils' squad didn't sit around and sulk, however, and quickly tied the game two minutes later when junior Alex White finished off a cross from senior captain Tom Dils. White then came through again 20 minutes later, assisting on a goal by senior Luke Costley, who buried a shot from six yards out.
"Giving up a goal in the first minute wasn't an ideal way to start, but I like how the boys responded," Dils said. "Alex White had a strong debut getting on the end of balls. If we can continue to get goal-scoring production from the wings we should be very competitive this year."
Facing a one-goal deficit, Cathedral got more aggressive on and off the ball in the second half. After being outshot 10-5 in the first half, the Panthers held a 12-7 advantage in shooting after the break. They also committed 12 fouls after halftime, showing their commitment to try and get back into the game. Greylock junior Sean Houston was up the challenge in the Mounties' net, however, making three of his four saves in the second half.
"The game got chippy in the second half, but we did well to keep our heads and keep focused on keeping the ball in the front half [of the field]," Dils said. "Sean was outstanding in net and made a one-handed game-saver with 20 minutes left.
"Cathedral was more physical than we were and had several dangerous players up front. We did a good job of neutralizing their attack after they scored the opening goal. Both teams will improve, so the return match at their place in October should be highly entertaining."
Greylock plays at Cathedral on October 15. The Mounties next host Monument Mountain, however with a home game at 6 p.m. on Tuesday night.