The boys soccer team traveled to Monroe on Saturday for a big non-conference game against St. Joseph (Metuchen). Westfield solidified its dominance early in the first half after scoring just 10 minutes into the game. St. Joe’s would never be able to recover.
The game started off in a fiery fashion as St. Joe’s received a yellow card after eight minutes, giving Westfield a free kick. However, the Blue Devils were unable to convert. It was not until the 29-minute mark that Westfield was able to find the back of the net. Junior David Savransky sent a perfectly placed long cross from the left to the right side of the box, finding junior Zach Preucil who was able to control the ball for a quick shot which rocketed past the opposing keeper, Troy Boucher. Precuil said he was happy that he was the player to give his team a strong start and an important lead.
St Joe’s had a dangerous midfield which focused on maintaining possession, causing Westfield to foul continuously. Senior Evan Crozier picked up a yellow card in the first half as well for unsportsmanlike conduct after a Westfield foul was called.
Westfield was aware of St. Joes’ strength in the midfield as head coach Eric Shaw said, “We had an idea that they had some quality players in the middle of the field and they were one of the better teams who played with possession, but in the end, we played with our style of play to dictate the game from the back end to the final third.”
At the end of the first half, St Joe’s had a good look on goal after a cross from the outside. They were able to score, but the ref called the St. Joe’s attacker offside, allowing Westfield to maintain its 1-0 lead. Westfield keeper Michael Liebermann had six saves on the day and kept St. Joe’s scoreless.
There was not much excitement in the second half for either side, as both teams seemed to be lacking energy, until senior co-captain Michael Blake took a free kick outside the penalty area after senior Brendan Percival got fouled. Blake was able to shoot the ball just over the head of Boucher and give the Blue Devils a comfortable two-goal lead with 14 minutes left. Blake knew he had to step up in order to secure the lead so he “went for the goal and it somehow flew in.”
St. Joe’s picked up the energy after Blake’s goal and had one final chance to get on the scoreboard. After a strong shot from one of their forwards that appeared to be promising, Liebermann flew across the net to tip the ball over the crossbar, giving Westfield the momentum needed to finish the game.
The Blue Devils were able to improve their record to 9-1 as they prepare to face rival Scotch Plains-Fanwood on Monday. Shaw said this non-conference win “is good mental preparation for the match on Monday,” where Westfield looks to take down the Raiders.
