In a tightly contested Founders League match in Watertown, The Big Red held off a talented and determined Westminster side and emerged with a 2-0 victory. While both teams showcased a number of dynamic attacking players, the defenses and goalkeepers proved to be up for to the challenge. For Taft, Sebastian Manon, Jordan Miller, Ethan Hindle, and Cole Torino did well to limit Westminster’s scoring opportunities, but the visitors’ defense was equally stingy. Late in the first half, Taft finally broke the deadlock when Sammed Bawa drove the ball out to Oury Diane on the right flank. Oury played a quick pass to a streaking KK Baffour, who squared the ball across the front of Westminster’s net. Nur Adhikarie met Baffour’s pass and, in acrobatic fashion, deflected it into the goal to give Taft the lead. In the second half, Taft goalkeeper Chris Murphy was called into action to make a big save following a Westminster corner kick. His quick reaction kept Taft in front by a goal. In the 78th minute, Bawa whipped a free kick on goal, and although the Westminster goalkeeper made the initial save, James Donaldson was there to slam home the rebound from close range, doubling Taft’s advantage. The Rhinos managed the final twelve minutes of the match well and picked up their second win of the season. Zobran Elias played well in his Taft debut, and Oury Diane and Jayce Fraser provided some much needed energy in the win. Taft now has a few days to prepare for what promises to be a thrilling match against Avon Old Farms at the Northeast Soccer Jamboree on Sunday.