Griffins beat Knights, 5-2
POMFRET — The Pomfret School Griffins Oct. 6 beat the Golden Knights of Marianapolis 5-2 in a challenging Class B game, according to Pomfret boys’ varsity coach Patrick Burke.
Goals came from: Dylan Tran 32nd, 36th (assists to Grant Maurer, Declan Chapman); Eumir Rodriguez 50th (assist to Devin Walcott); Gerald Gao 52nd (assist to Devin Walcott); and Jerry Da 84th. Saves: Javier Alonso, 7 saves.
The game was challenging because of the spirit and focus of Marianapolis, Burke said. “For the first 30 minutes the teams were locked in a deadlock. Our standout player  was Ryan Cho who’s defensive focus and ability to win 50/50 balls was key to keeping Marianapolis’ chances limited. Ryan helped lead our line as his play was well supported by Henry Cattell, Eumir Rodriguez, Gerald Gao, Lyle Bernard, and Lawrence Viola. Most of the action happened around midfield, and Pomfret wasn’t able to find the right final ball or combination play to get past Marianapolis’ packed back line. Dylan Tran, Kaya Horvath, and Caleb White gave us a spark and the game turned a bit in the 30th minute when Dylan was able to tuck away a rebound on a shot from Grant Maurer. Then Jerry Da found  Declan Chapman who’s quick touch found Dylan in space. Dylan fired home a great strike into the bottom corner to give us a 2-0 lead. We had some opportunities as Lawrence put in Nate Watson a couple times, while Devin Walcott and Kaya combined well. Unfortunately, some poor backtracking by Pomfret allowed a Marianapolis cross to go into the goal after a missed Pomfret clearance. At the half Pomfret was up 2-1. "We knew we needed to play better and our energy, communication, and intensity increased in the first five minutes of the second half. Frederick Coulibaly put in Nate who earned us a corner kick. Devin was able to find Eumir who’s shot from distance found the net. Two minutes later, another solid set piece routine resulted in Devin finding Gerald on the back post for a header goal. Up 4-1, Pomfret got strong minutes from Lyle in the back, Cole Castro on the wing, and Van Horvath up top. Javier Alsono in goal with three  top-notch saves to take away good Marianapolis scoring opportunities. In the 84th minute a nice play from Dylan and Van worked the ball to Jerry who beat multiple men and was brought down inside the box. Jerry earned the PK and he then tucked it away to give us a 5-1 lead. Marianapolis scored in the game's 1 minute of extra time."
By Patrick Burke

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