AUBURN – Despite doubts created by a deficit and an inability to score, Jim Moreau knew if St. Dom’s could get to overtime, that’s all his Saints would need.
“I said it in the first half,” said the senior. “I said that if we can take the game into overtime, we could win it because we’d have the momentum going.”
That logic looked bleak for awhile, but Moreau proved correct. The Saints rallied from a 2-0 deficit and rode a hat trick by Moreau to beat Wells 3-2 Tuesday in boys’ soccer.
Moreau scored the game-winner 1:03 into the first overtime to lift the Saints to a much-needed victory. St. Dom’s (6-7-1) was ranked 10th in the latest Western C Heal Points. Only the top 11 clubs make the playoffs.
“This was a game where it was do or die,” said St. Dom’s coach Lee Hixon. “Mt. Abram was below us and they won (Monday). So if we don’t win, we might get knocked out.”
Much like he did on the tying goal, Moreau had the ball on the left side of the field. He moved toward the net and fired it by Wells’ keeper Josh Tufts.
“It was a nice ball to the side,” said Moreau. “I just brought it in. He was hugging the post too much, and I just put it into the far side.”
For awhile Tuesday, it looked as though such a rally was unlikely. Though the Saints outshot Wells 31-13, the Warriors (2-9-2) built a 2-0 lead while St. Dom’s struggled to finish.
“We came out ready to play, but all year it’s been this way where it takes us awhile to get into the rotation of playing,” said Hixon. “I’m very pleased that they didn’t roll over and give up. They worked hard from beginning to end. I’m pleased the leadership stepped up on the field. They played well.”
Moreau got his first of the game with 16:30 left in regulation. Matt Barlion crossed the ball and Moreau was in front to tip it home.
“I thought we had more breaks in the second half,” said Moreau. “In the first half, we were playing more kick and chase. We were just shooting from way outside. In the second half, we brought it in and actually got it into the 18 and got some shots. I think that really helped.”
Down 2-1, the Saints pulled out all the stops. Moreau got the equalizer with just 2:11 left, chipping in a shot from the left side.
“I didn’t see who played it,” said Moreau. “I just got it on my foot and put it over the keeper.”
Wells took a 1-0 lead with 6:31 left in the first half. Nick Farrer converted a throw with a high shot to the left corner. Craig Burnell snuck behind the defense for a goal with 20:13 left to make it 2-0.
“It’s been like this all year,” said Hixon. “They may take 50 or 60 runs at our goal, and they get one or two goals. It’s good defense still, but offensively, we’re not finding the back of the net. That’s been our struggle all year.”
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