Fast Start Lifts Wahconah Past Lenox
LENOX, Mass. – The Wahconah boys soccer team Wednesday spoiled Senior Night at Lenox with a resounding, 5-0, win over the Millionaires.
This was the second time these two teams met this month, and although it took a late goal the first time for Wahconah to come out on top, things this time around were a little bit easier.
The action started just three minutes into the game when Wahconah had its first big chance of the game, sending in a cross to the back post that was headed back on frame for the keeper to grab. Then just two minutes later Wahconah found the breakthrough with a set piece that was once again sent to the back post by Leo Stringer and headed back across goal by Cooper Calvert for the 1-0 lead.
Wahconah continued to control the game in the midfield and any chance of a turnover and break out they were first attack. Five minutes later, in the 10th minute Wahocnah won a corner kick that would set up its next goal. This time it was Chaz Mahar who finished off the clearance from Lenox with a sweet volley that flew into the top corner doubling their lead on the night.
“Scoring two girls early is huge, especially playing a team on Senior Night,” Lenox coach Kyle Lyman said. “They had a lot of aggression and came out fast, so I thought the first 10 to 15 minutes was very important, and I’m very happy with how we started.”
Wahconah continued with the pressure, controlling the ball for most of the game and keeping Lenox out of their final third for most of the game. In the 17th minute, Lenox had its first real chance with an over the head kick that was saved by Zach Schneider at the near post. Schneider had six saves on the night and three super saves helping him and his team keep the clean sheet.
It wasn’t all offense for Wahconah as the defense stepped up big keeping Lenox at bay. Thane Adams led the way for the defense with crucial tackles and big clearances all night long.
“Thane [Adams] played great today, that was probably his best game of the year,” Lyman said. “We had a few mishaps on defense but that’s expected in an 80-minute game. We just need to stay focused, we had a solid 60 minutes. I just think we need to play that other 20 and we’ll be ready for the playoffs.”
Wahconah scored its third of the night in the 17th minute again from a corner kick. This time it was Nate Beatty who found the head of Leo Stringer who placed it in the back of the net.
Things really took a turn for Lenox when it was given a red card, leaving the Millionaires down a player for more than half the game. After taking a 3-0 lead into the break Wahconah was able to tack on two more goals both from the penalty spot. The first came in the 54th minute from Jason Moynihan and the second in the 70th from Nate Beatty.
Wahconah (10-6) will look to ride this win as they gear off the playoffs in the coming weeks.
Lenox (7-9) also is headed to the post-season. The Western Mass tournament seedings are released on Friday.