The Taft Rhinos had the first away game of the season versus the Winged Beavers of Avon Old Farms. While the weather was overcast and a light rain was present, it was a great day for soccer. The game started very back and forth with each side feeling eachother out and gaining a share of possession. As the first half played out the Rhinos Midfield of Noah Cinel, Liam Dhumale–Smythe and Michael Werblow started to control the midfield and helped create some attacking pressure and earned corners. Forwards Kaden Parson, Jonathan So and Luca Gatti helped create chaos up front. In the 31rst minute, Avon was able to take advantage of a miscommunication out of the back. Good anticipation and a strong pass set them up for the 1-0 lead that they held until half time. Will Droppo in net was solid and helped keep the defensive organization in front of him tight. In the second half the addition of Camilo Pinto Gonzalez helped Taft keep strong possession. The defense of Cayden Van Dolah, Anmay Suri, Thomson Knight and Abdikani Ahmed along with keeper Jack Eastman held strong and snuffed out the attack of the eager Winged Beavers. In the 7th minute of play in the new half, the charging Rhinos evened the score off a corner by Micheal Werblow that was headed home by Noah Cinel. After the 20th minute, with fresh legs on attack of Jack Dodd, Miller Masterson and Patrick Yan aided by good overlapping play from fullback Kevin Jin,the pressure on the Avon Old Farm defense was high. Good wide play out to Masterson on the right hand side saw him notch home the game winner in the upper far post on a crossing shot that had just the right weight to find the back of the net. With 10 minutes to go in the game, each team was fighting hard when a black bear decided it was time to come check out the action. After a brief “paws” in play, the game resumed. The final 10 minutes were high paced, but the Rhinos were able to see out the victory leaning on a host of defenders with Chris Joszczyk and Kaden Parsons. The final score was 2 to 1 and was a solid reflection of a competitive tilt. Taft will have to work hard to stay ahead of Avon when they meet at home again later this season. The focus now turns to Deerfield Away next Wednesday.