Night Game

Soccer defeats Suffield under the lights

10/4/2008
Taft rose to the occasion Saturday night and defeated Suffield 2-0. Playing in front of an exuberant home crowd and under the lights, the home field atmosphere was fantastic and the Rhinos took full advantage. Playing with terrific energy and commitment, Taft steered the game from the opening minutes.

Jack Nuland and Charlie Wagner created openings and took good shots, Brooks Taylor was a constant threat down the flank, Mitch Wagner shot just wide and Nick Hurt had a good chance in close. Suffield created some breaks of their own, but Taft's pressure was constant and in the 28th minute, Dan Lima's free kick was met perfectly by Bobby Manfreda to make the score 1-0. The goal put Taft into a higher gear, but a second goal wouldn't come before halftime.

After the break, the Rhinos maintained their focus, and John Barr had a good shot saved by the excellent Suffield goalkeeper. At Taft's end, James Hottensen saved well on a pair of occasions, but in the 62nd minute, Bobby Manfreda struck again when he headed under the Suffield crossbar off a Taylor corner kick. Omar Bravo pushed Taft forward, and Bo Redpath was busy up front as Taft finished the game with gusto on the field and celebration on the hill.

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