Groton vs. Brooks

Groton entered Saturday’s night game with one goal in mind after a somewhat lackluster performance in the mid-week match: start the game with more energy and direction.  Against a young but dangerous Brooks squad, they did exactly that, grabbing a goal with a well-taken strike from Sixth Former Leo Serodio and working hard to stay disciplined in defense.  Brooks eventually equalized and then took the lead with a penalty, but Groton responded from the penalty spot with Serodio on target again.  A goal-mouth scramble produced another goal for Brooks near the end of the half despite a string of saves from Sixth Former Ben Milner, and Brooks’ goalkeeper made two tremendous saves to deny Serodio a hattrick and prevent Fifth Former Edward Wilkey from scoring following a corner kick as the half came to a close.  The talk at half centered on responding to setbacks with purpose and endeavor, and Groton kicked off the second with an intensity and press that we hadn’t seen for several games.  A wonderful 15-minute sequence saw Groton turn a 3-2 deficit into a 5-3 lead, with Third Former Hayun Shin firing home his first ever Groton goal before Third Former Alex Holden bagged a brace with assists from Serodio: the first a fine glancing header into the corner before a well-taken finish over Brooks’ keeper on a counterattack.  A misplaced back pass resulted in an own goal in the 72^nd minute, inviting wave after wave of Brooks’ attackers trying to equalize.  Groton’s back line held firm, with standout performances from Wilkey, Fourth Former Arthur Murray, and Fourth Former JC Minda Chiriboga.  It was a much improved performance from top to bottom, and we are tremendously proud of the boys’ efforts throughout.  Next up: Milton on Wednesday (10/4).