Bulldogs Squeeze Past Brewster

The Berwick Academy Boys JV Blue Soccer Team returned to their winning ways in a hard fought match against Lakes Region powerhouse, Brewster Academy.  The day was pristine--the foliage was at its peak, the weather crisp, and there wasn't the slightest hint of wind off the usually blustery Lake Winnipesaukee.  The Bulldog fans outnumbered the Bobcat fans, which helped tip the scales for BA against the bigger boarding school.  With their first defeat still stinging, the Bulldogs were hoping to get back on track, but the Bobcats sent early notice that they would defend their home turf with energy, skill across their formation, and above all, a speedy counterattack.  While the Maine BA came out flat, their New Hampshire BA counterparts were pushing the play from the opening whistle.  Brewster’s sustained attack led to an early penalty kick off a Berwick foul in their defensive box.  An early strike had the potential to raise home team’s energy level even higher, while also putting their flat visitors into an insurmountable hole.  Yet stellar Bulldog goalkeeper Erik Wisniewski bucked all percentages, calmly saved the 12 yard freebie, and in doing so, sent a clear signal that this day was his.  He repelled several other Bobcat threats throughout the first half, and gave his teammates the message that if they could do their part, he would certainly do his.

Perhaps their first ride on a yellow bus this season left the Bulldogs with stiff limbs and ringing ears, but about halfway through the opening frame, their legs and mouths finally loosened up, and several chances were created out of the backfield.  Ryan Walters continued his dominance of the defensive middle, clogging up passing lanes and sweeping up any errant ball that made it past his midfielders.  Behind him, Andrew Hawkins also dominated with big plays, sending many Bobcat attempts away with one-timers off volleys or headers.  Knowing he was there to clean up any risks they took, Hawkins’ defensive corps was able to take some chances and press forward a bit.  Gabe Evensen continued to own his flank by stepping in front of his opponent virtually every time a ball was sent his way.  And Seth Wyskiel contained his side of the field beautifully, gaining confidence with every touch he had while frustrating his mark all afternoon.   

The reserves once again played a key role.  Alex Hoyt joined the starting eleven due to Dexter Doucet’s illness, and he filled in admirably on the right flank, barely able to contain a sickness of his own at one point… Zach Flinkstrom moved into the middle of the field and his presence was felt all day.  And the substitutes were once again unwilling to let the level of play drop off when their turn came.  Quinn Wilcox was especially strong, playing perhaps the best match of his career as he found a groove at halfback.

The first half ended scoreless, and while the Bulldogs were not pleased with their energy level, they discussed how to counter a tight off-sides trap being played by the Bobcats, which had snuffed out several chances for the Blue.  The Bulldogs also noted the fact that one goal just might win the game on this day.  For the entire second frame, the match remained clean and hard fought, and the spectators began to worry that they’d traveled an hour and would not see a goal!  Even with a new goalkeeper against them in the 2^nd half, the Bulldogs couldn’t muster much of an attack.  With 15 minutes remaining, Stephen Sherbahn had a direct kick from the goalie’s right side, 25 yards out.  Seeking to test the keeper, Sherbahn struck a beauty that smashed off the crossbar so loudly that it echoed across Winnipesaukee.  Undeterred, Sherbahn found himself lining up another set piece five minutes later, this time from the goalie’s left side, and five yards further out. Every single person watching the game—the 22 players, the reserves, the coaches and spectators—knew exactly what was coming.  The Bobcats formed their wall, warned their netminder, and readied themselves as their coach barked orders.  Yet still, nothing could prepare them for the laser strike off Sherbahn’s right peg, however, as he rocketed the only goal of the match into the back of the net over the stunned goalie’s head.

The drama did not end there, however, as Brewster pushed everyone forward in an attempt to earn the equalizer.  As both teams knew it might, the final result came back to Wisniewski.  With under five minutes remaining, a Bobcat midfielder mishit a ball, but it was to his lucky advantage that the ball drifted right toward the upper left hand corner of the net.  The Bobcats were almost ready to celebrate the tying goal as no one thought Wisniewski had a chance at it.  Somehow, Wisniewski backpedaled neatly, reached back and behind himself, and deftly nudged the ball over the crossbar.  And he still wasn’t done as the ensuing corner turned into another corner kick, at which point even the Bobcat goalie came in on offense, and still Wisniewski and the Bulldogs defense guarded their well earned shutout to preserve an excellent win for the Bulldogs!