Boys' Soccer Takes Late Win

This Saturday, the boys’ soccer team traveled to Marion, Massachusetts to play Tabor for its fourteenth game of the regular season. Like many of the teams in Exeter’s division, Tabor is a big team that utilizes a physical style of play. While its defense was anchored by a strong center back, its offense often sputtered at the feet of their wings, a weakness Exeter exploited throughout the game. 

Exeter generated a number of scoring opportunities early in the contest, including two solid attempts from post-graduate Kevin Gilbert. Exeter also applied constant defensive pressure and kept Tabor scoreless throughout the first half. But Exeter was unable to convert on its own chances and the half ended 0-0.

In the second half, Exeter struck the first blow. Exeter used a series of short give-and-go passes between upper Collin Shapiro and post-graduate Chase Redd to advance up the field. Afterward, they crossed the ball over to post-graduate Peter Whallon, who finished for the goal.

Tabor was quick to retaliate with an impressive strike to even up the score at one goal apiece. The two teams continued to battle, but the stalemate persisted until about ten minutes left in the game. Upper Tarek Khartabil crossed the ball to the center; there was a lot of commotion as multiple players fought for possession of the ball, but Kelvin Gilbert took control and tapped the ball in for Exeter’s second goal of the game and the lead.

In the last few minutes of the game, Tabor drew six fouls outside of Exeter’s eighteen, giving them many chances to score and tie up the game. However, Exeter made a strong effort to defend the free kicks, keeping Tabor from getting a good look at the goal and tying the game. Exeter finished the game with a 2-1 victory.

Although happy with the win, the Exeter boys acknowledged the holes in their play that need to be patched for them to compete with the stronger teams coming up on their schedule. Upper Alistair Matule said, “We can all agree that the score line should have been more one sided than it actually was.”

Of most importance to the team is ensuring that they start games with a winning mentality and are engaged for all ninety minutes to avoid the need for late-game dramatics. “We have to continue to start games with a higher sense of urgency,” senior Matt Asante said.

Nonetheless, the team is in high spirits going into the next game. Upper Max Gross said, “We know that we’ll have to play better to beat a couple of these tough teams that are on our schedule, but I think that overall it is great to get the win and we are looking forward to these next four games, which are crucial to our season.”

Exeter’s next game is a 5:45 home game this Saturday. Nov 7 against Holderness.