Boys' Soccer - Varsity
vs.
Phillips Academy Andover
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Win 2-0
The Rhino fanbase was out in full force for this highly anticipated match between Taft and visiting Andover. Right from the start, the pace of the game was furious, as both teams raced up and down the pitch looking dangerous on the attack. Throughout the first half, the Rhinos created several scoring opportunities, but their efforts were either off target or saved by Andover’s goalkeeper. Though Taft may have had a few more scoring opportunities during the first forty-five minutes of action than did Andover, the away side manufactured some quality chances as well. Perhaps the visitors’ best opportunity to take the lead came just before halftime, when their goalkeeper distributed the ball forward down the left flank. Andover’s winger drove forward and unleashed a shot on frame, but Taft’s Nathan Harlow stood tall in goal and parried the ball out of bounds for a corner kick. Despite not producing a goal, the first half was an entertaining affair and set the stage for an excellent second half of soccer. The Rhinos continued to play well after the break, and the home team took the lead in the sixtieth minute. Following an Andover free kick, Harlow collected the service and hurled the ball forward to Matt Quiros-Newtown who charged forward. Quiros-Newtown fired a pass across the field to Jordan Grivekov, who quickly moved the ball to La Zai Outerbridge. The ball continued to zip around the pitch, moving from Outerbridge to KK Baffour to Ben Osset and then into the back of the net to give Taft the lead. Minutes later, it was Osset again who found the back of the net. After Outerbridge drove a ball across Andover’s goal, Osset’s initial attempt on frame was saved, but Patrick Gallagher kept the play alive with a challenge, and Osset was able to stuff the ball over the goalline to double Taft’s lead. The game ended without another goal, and Taft emerged with a 2-0 win. Sebastián Mañon, Nick Liebich, Conrad Coyanda-Parkzes, and Ben Zirener led Taft’s defensive effort, as the team kept its fourth clean sheet in five matches.