MANSFIELD — Reigning three-time Division 2 state champion Oliver Ames is trying to discover the place it is going to get offensive manufacturing two video games into this season.
After getting shut out of their season opener, the Tigers obtained simply sufficient offense Monday evening with a 1-0 win in a rematch of final yr’s state semifinal in opposition to Hockomock League rival Mansfield.
Oliver Ames’ stellar defensive efficiency made Victor Nascimento’s purpose the distinction because the Tigers notched their second consecutive shutout to begin the season by blanking the Hornets.
“It was a extremely good sport for us early on within the season to have a lot of the ball and a lot possession,” Oliver Ames head coach John Barata mentioned. “It was enjoyable to have. However we obtained to complete. We’ve obtained to determine scoring.”
OA (1-0-1) felt snakebitten offensively till it discovered the again of the online within the thirty fifth minute, because of Nascimento.
A fast throw-in led to a robust cross from Josh Braz Ferreira, and Nascimento settled a bounding ball on the left facet of the field earlier than beating charging Mansfield keeper Troy Lasbury-Casey (5 saves) for the purpose.
“In a sport like this, if you’re taking part in in opposition to an excellent workforce like Mansfield, it’s essential have the variations. And the tenacity and depth,” Barata mentioned. “We wanted good gamers on the market. Victor has ability and tenacity, so it was a very good match to place him up and see what he may do. And he delivered.”
That was greater than sufficient for OA’s protection, which has compiled six straight clear sheets courting again to final season.
Alejandro Landaverde, Lukas Hallama, Ryder Mercieri, Nick Babanikas and Bailey Gavin have been terrific within the again finish in entrance of goalie Zack Gilson (two saves). And when Mansfield (1-1) examined OA’s protection, the Tigers at all times had a solution.
Except for Brandon Gardner hitting the crossbar on an extended free kick within the sixty fourth minute, the Hornets had their greatest scoring probability come lower than 5 minutes into the second half when Mario Harrison obtained behind OA’s protection. Sujay Gaddam laid the ball off to Harrison, however he didn’t get an opportunity to place a shot on internet as Hallama rushed in to clear the ball away.
“We observe restoration defending, and that was textbook what he did,” Barata mentioned. “That was the one actual scary probability they’d all sport. … That second was superior for us to show that workforce protection is important.”
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