by Rocco Malloy
“This might be our last chance to score, so I calmed myself down and just played my game. I saw the goalie coming out so I just tapped it by him,” said Josh Pimentel, a junior right wing for the Hawks, after scoring the boys second goal on Tuesday against Groton. As the Hawks prepare for Districts, they also had to focus on their last regular season game which could determine if they get home field advantage in the first round of the playoffs.
Groton came out of the gate on fire. Picking up the first goal of the game for the Crusaders was number 13, Chris Buzan. The Hawks defense suffered from miscommunication, and Buzan capitalized on it. Crusaders had a solid defense during the first half, and it seemed that every time the Hawks had the ball, they would take it away.
Late in the second half, Groton fell apart on D and fouled a Hudson player in the box, which led to a penalty kick.
The Hawks first goal came off that penalty kick. Number 5 Mikey Conley was chosen to take the kick. Conley faked left and kicked right, easy goal for the junior star forward.
The first goal for the Hawks gave them momentum that carried into the second half. The Hawks dominated the beginning of the second half. Sophomore John Mendes carried the offense with three or four quality scoring chances, good saves by the keeper. Mendes always looked to shoot when he had the chance because he knew the Hawks needed a goal to go ahead. Mendes dangled a couple of defenders and made a nice pass to the wide open Pimentel. Pimentel was all alone with the goalie, so he made a move and tapped the ball in the back of the net.
The Crusaders called a timeout and calmed themselves down. Groton picked up their game and took over the momentum, despite trailing 2-1 with about 8:00 left to play. The Crusaders came back to tie it with a second effort goal by number 21.
The Hawks took the draw as a positive. The Hawks realized they played a good game. “Mendes definitely fits in with the team, I’ve seen some awesome results from him,” said Pimentel when asked if the young starters have fulfilled the role they were expected to.
Not knowing the standings, the Hawks’ expectations for the playoffs are strong. “If we play like we did today, I know we can make it all the way. We just need to rest up and work hard for the playoffs. We need to take every chance we get and put the ball in the back of the net,” said Pimentel.
The future looks bright for the Hawks Futbol team, lots of young talent. They have a great goaltender, Ryan Lyman. Lyman has been a strong presence in the net for the Hawks this year. According to Worcester Telegram, in 14 games played Lyman has averaged only one goal per game.
The Hawks are preparing for round one of the playoffs. Seeding is not finished yet, so the Hawks do not know who they will have to face first. All they know is they can not take any days off. The boys, who finished the season 9-7-2 , are excited for their third trip in three years to the playoffs.
