An opportunity was brewing for Scotch Plains-Fanwood in the dying minutes of the second half, with any Westfield mistake having the potential to lead to a goal. The forward dribbled through defenders, and became alone with Westfield goalkeeper Luke Tennant. Tennant beautifully cut off the angle, and dove into the ball to keep the game knotted at zero. Splendid saves and failed offensive opportunities became a common sight for both squads late in the game, and it remained so for the rest of the match.
A lot was riding on this matchup for the Blue Devils, having been held scoreless in their 2-0 loss to Elizabeth the night before their matchup against rival SPF. However, the absence of goals was the theme when the Raiders and Blue Devils squared off under the lights of Red Bull Arena.
The start of the match was slow, with Westfield only notching a couple of chances in the attacking third, including a corner kick 15 minutes into the opening half. After the Blue Devils committed two fouls within two minutes of each other, both student sections started to bring the rivalry atmosphere to life. Chances for both sides came about with corners and free kicks, but it remained a stalemate back-and-forth match for the next 15 minutes. The defense for Westfield began to shine as multiple clears in their own box and numerous takeaways were halting SPF’s chances at amounting even a shot on goal.
Westfield dominated the final five minutes of the first half, but they were unable to capitalize on any chances that came to them. “When we did get in [attacking] areas, it just broke down with the final shot or the timing of the pass,” said head coach Eric Shaw.
The second half began with well defended passes, blocked shots and fouls from both squads. Westfield had two incredible crossing opportunities, both unfortunately ending in a header going wide of the goal. The Raiders responded with some pressure of their own, and Westfield stood strong, battling against a corner opportunity and blocking multiple attempts at the goal.
The match continued with back-and-forth play until 20 minutes remained when Westfield had back-to-back set piece opportunities, and the SPF defense stood its ground. In the dying minutes of regulation time, both teams had opportunities squandered, and both goalkeepers guarded their fortresses. One final attempt by the Blue Devil forwards was snuffed out by the keeper, and when the whistle to end regulation blew, stone cold gladiators on both sides of the pitch were hungry for victory.
The first of two 10 minute extra time periods was dominated by Westfield, with four corner opportunities, none of which could give them the golden goal and send the student section into a frenzy. “It’s just the final ball and patience. When we get into the final third, it’s very rushed, it’s very forced. Just a little more patience, and we’ll be able to solve a lot of our issues,” said senior captain Zach Preucil.
Hearts pounding, hands shaking, the tension was palpable, and everyone could feel it. The enclosed stadium enhanced the booming echoes of cheers and communication between players on the pitch. Both sides had chances to take home a victory in the second half, with set pieces for both squads, and both keepers making statement stops. A late game shot off of a bicycle kick from senior Ben Nematadzira was halted with 55 seconds on the clock, and the final whistle signaled the end of a dramatic 0-0 draw.
“We certainly enjoyed it. It’s unfortunate that we didn’t walk away with a win, but we came in, played our style of play, and played our game,” said Preucil. Coach Shaw’s squad looks to take on Monroe Township away on Oct. 9 at 6 p.m. which will be their last game before county tournaments begin.
