BETHEL – After graduating 12 seniors and returning four starters, the Telstar boys’ soccer team doesn’t have much reason to complain being in the same position as it was a year ago in the Western C Heal point standings.
Yet, the Rebels are not satisfied. So Telstar hopes to use the last few games of the season to change that.
The Rebels took the first step Wednesday with a 2-1 overtime win over Lisbon.
“We’re fifth right now and that’s exactly where we were last year,” said Telstar coach Tim Remington, whose team lost on the road to Carrabec in the quarterfinals last fall. “As it stands now, we’re going to No. 4 Waynflete. I told them This is big if you want a home game. It starts right here.’ They had a goal of wanting to win out and fought hard today.”
Louis Thornton scored with 50 seconds left in the first overtime to lift Telstar. It was a key game for both clubs. While Telstar (9-3) is ranked fifth in Western C, the Greyhounds (7-4-1) were fifth in the Western B standings.
Lisbon forced overtime with a goal from Evan Manocal late in regulation, but the Rebels got the win when Thornton broke past a defender and hit a low roller that eluded a diving Mike Wilkins near the right post.
“We were hoping to keep it wide and outside,” said Thornton. “It just kind of bounced around and bounced our way. I got it and got a right foot on it.”
It was an overtime win that the Rebels didn’t feel was necessary. Telstar had a strong start and had multiple chances early. Max Meader, Doug Costello, Thornton and Matt Zinchuk all had quality bids as Telstar outshot Lisbon 10-2 in the opening half. It wasn’t until 16:15 remained when Meader made it 1-0. Thornton’s cross from the left corner was redirected in front.
“That might make a half dozen games now where they’ve come out real strong,” said Remington. “What is key is to maintain that and keep it up. We’ve been doing a better job of prolonging that and keeping that fire.”
The Greyhounds tied it when Manocal broke through the defense and chipped it into the top of the net with 9:57 left.
“We dodged a couple of bullets,” said Barden. “We played hard, and we battled back. That’s all we can ask for.”
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