Frontier Regional School rebounded from a excruciating loss in the best possible way Monday afternoon.
The Red Hawks rode a stifling defensive effort and goalkeeper Peter Bronke stopped a penalty kick during a 4-0 win over Hopkins Academy in Schmid Division boys’ soccer action Monday afternoon at Herlihy Park in Whately.
Ethan LaFleur used an assist from Ari Vanegas to score the first Frontier goal in the 18th minute. Ian Newman struck in the 25th minute, assisted by Ben Morse, to make it 2-0.
“I thought we finished and defended very well,” said Red Hawks head coach Dale Totman. “Besides the penalty kick, we really didn’t give them any quality (scoring) chances.”
The Golden Hawks were awarded their penalty kick in the 30th minute and were ready to seize the momentum when Bronke made a diving save to his right and smothered it to prevent a rebound.
From there it was all Red Hawks. LaFleur struck again in the 65th minute with a helper from Tyler Mayrand. Then Zach Hamilton fired home a direct kick in the 70th minute to cap off the scoring.
Frontier registered 20 shots to Hopkins’ 6.
Bronke was credited with 3 saves, while the Golden Hawks’ Jack Feltovic turned aside 11 shots.
Frontier (3-1-0 overall, 3-0-0 Schmid) travels to Athol High School Thursday night at 7.
Greenfield 2, Pioneer 1 — Greenfield High School opened the home schedule on its new field with a positive result, rallying from a halftime deficit to beat Pioneer Valley Regional School, 2-1, in a McGrath Division North boys’ soccer match Monday in Greenfield.
Eli Koester broke a scoreless game with his goal from Dana McRae in the 34th minute.
Asier Areta pulled the Green Wave even in the 42nd minute with his goal from John Diaz. Then Areta booted home the go-ahead tally 8 minutes later. Diaz also had that assist.
Hunter Campbell made 14 saves for Greenfield, which was outshot 21-11. Ryan Underwood had 5 stops for Pioneer.
“In the second half, it seemed like the kids finally started coming together as unit,” said Greenfield coach Kent McGahan. “There was more energy, and they were smarter with the ball and when they made their runs. … Pioneer had plenty of opportunities, but Hunter some real good saves in the wet conditions.”
Greenfield heads to the Woodward Complex in Orange to face Mahar Regional School Thursday night at 7.
FC Tech 3, Commerce 2 — Franklin County Technical School made the proverbial 180-degree turn after Friday’s uninspired performance and knocked off High School of Commerce, 3-2, in a Tri-County League North boys’ soccer match Monday in Turners Falls.
“I was thrilled about this win, especially after our display at Putnam,” offered Eagles head coach Kurt Richardson, referring to Franklin Tech’s 5-0 Thursday loss to the Beavers, a game in which the Eagles managed just 6 shots.
Franklin Tech also showed a level of poise and composure after losing an early lead and trailing 2-1 at intermission.
The Eagles knotted the score a 2-2 in the 66th minute when the Raiders were called for hand ball after a corner kick, and Reuben Galvez calmly slotted the penalty past Commerce goalkeeper Jose Maldonado.
Three minutes later, Joel Farrick hit an errant crossing pass that went on goal, but it sailed over the head of Maldonado and into the goal for what proved to be the winning tally.
Farrick scored his first of the game just 1:10 in, but Mustaafa Murad tied it for Commerce 20 seconds later. Edwin Perez gave the Raiders a 2-1 lead in the 25th minute.
“I’m encouraged. We didn’t cave in when we fell behind,” said Richardson. “I thought our second half was much better.”
Commerce outshot Franklin Tech, 18-13.
Both goalkeepers, Maldonado and the Eagles’ Grayson Funk, made 7 saves.
Franklin Tech (3-2-1 overall, 1-1-0 TCL North) hosts Smith Vocational & Agricultural High School Thursday at 4 p.m.
Pioneer 1, Duggan Academy 0 — A first-half goal was all Pioneer needed as it held on to beat John J. Duggan Academy, 1-0, in an independent girls’ soccer match Monday in Northfield.
Cierra Buzzell notched the only goal of the match, assisted by Emily Raymond.
Panthers goalkeeper Leah Fuess recorded 6 saves to earn the shutout.
Makenna Kelly kept Duggan in the contest with 11 stops.
Pioneer held a 20-8 advantage in shots.
Four Rivers 6, Eagle Hill 2 — Four Rivers Charter School won its third straight game with a 6-2 win over Eagle Hill School in River Valley Athletic League girls’ soccer play Monday in Greenfield.
Lyra Macek and Kin Wildman-Hanlon scored two apiece for the Otters, while Maitreya Smith also rippled the twine. Maddy Soulia made 5 saves in goal.
Four Rivers travels to Dublin (N.H.) School Friday at 3:30 p.m.