With the game tied, 1-1, going into the second half, both teams were ready to fight for the win. Westfield started the half dominating with many shots on goal, not able to make their way to the back of the net. About midway through the half, the Blue Devils took a corner kick. Junior Niko Pierce sends a quick pass to senior captain David Savransky who sends the ball into the 18-yard box. As both teams battled for the ball, junior Ethan Wade was able to find the opening just past the Union defense, and he sent the ball flying into the back of the net.
Earlier in the season, Westfield lost 1-0 to Union, and with this matchup being the North 2, Group 4 sectional quarterfinals, the Blue Devils came into this game ready to fight. Senior captain Zach Preucil said, “we had the ability to get revenge.”
As soon as the whistle blew and the game started, Westfield was ready and quickly got the ball down to their offensive half, scoring in the first five minutes of play. Savransky took a free kick, sending the ball to senior Ty Flannery who quickly passed the ball to Preucil at the top of the box. With a small opening, Preucil took his shot, sending the ball to the back of the net. The early goal gave Westfield the confidence and energy to carry them through the tough, rainy game.
The game continued, and Union was able to break Westfields defense, creating opportunities to score. With the constant slips and fouls called by the referees, neither team knew which direction the game was going to go in.
A timeout was quickly called in hopes that the Blue Devils would be able to recollect themselves. As the rain poured down on them, Westfield refused to let this aspect affect their spirits or their energy. Assistant coach Demond Heard said, “We executed as well as we could’ve, and we stayed structured and disciplined to our gameplan.”
Union used the slippery field to their advantage, falling and tripping at every opportunity in order to receive a free kick. Their wish was granted just outside the 18-yard box. As Union sent the ball flying into the goal box, the Union forward pushed the Westfield defender out of the way. The questionable play was missed by the referee, and Union kicked the ball into the net, tying the score, 1-1, with a minute left in the first half.
Right when the second half started, the Blue Devils came out ready to dominate. Penalties after penalties began to get called, a total of four yellow cards given among both teams. The game got increasingly rowdy as the coaches, sidelines, stands and benches started to let their emotions fly. Savransky explained, “It’s not easy, they’re a chippy and good team, they have some quality guys. It’s rainy, it’s wet, and it’s easy to make mistakes. We had to hang on, and we were able to do it.”
Westfield used the emotion as motivation, putting their skills to their advantage in order to create a scoring opportunity from a corner kick. Pierce kicked the ball short to David at the corner flag who launched it into the 6-yard box, bouncing off Preucils head. The ball went behind him, allowing Wade to hit it in off a rebound, increasing the score to 2-1 with Westfield in the lead.
Not long after, the Blue Devils created another scoring opportunity. Off a foul from just outside the 18-yard box, Savransky yet again launched the ball into the 6-yard box. This gave Preucil the chance to settle the ball and kick it to Flannery at the front post who hit it to the back of the net, making the score 3-1.
With Westfield up by two midway in the second half, the team was looking for another opportunity to score to give themselves a comfortable lead. Savransky took a free kick, and a Union player attempted to deflect the ball, accidentally sending it to Preucil who took the chance to score again. As the ball went in, the whistle was blown. The goal did not count. Confusion filled spectators and players as the referee called Preucil offsides and took away his second goal. This controversial call left Westfield in an uproar. After the game, the referees realized their mistakes and overturned this call.
As Union retaliated, they created the chance, and they increased the score to 4-2. Even though the Union stands went crazy with airhorns, Westfield denied the Farmers from getting into their heads, and Westfield won the game when it really mattered.
Going into the sectional semifinals on Wednesday against Elizabeth, Wade explained, “We need that entire energy from the team and that we all really need to believe and work for each other. And with that, I think we can really beat any team out there.”
