Second Half Relief

Sometimes the evil harpies in your head whisper dark thoughts: “It’s going to be one of those days. You’re going to have a miserable bus ride home.” Certainly, these angry birds were chattering when a defensive lapse allowed St. George’s Liam Rhatigan to score against the run of play in the 15th minute. Though Groton hadn’t been playing particularly well, they had dominated possession. It was one of those out-of-body games for the first 45, when the players seem off, the ball plays differently, and even the air is wrong. After some spirited encouragement at halftime, Groton played with greater purpose and life. The midfield woke up, and just seven minutes in, Chewy Bruni got on the end of a Nick Steinert pass to tie the game. Groton enjoyed numerous corner kicks throughout the match, and in the 64th minute, Jack “Lucky Leg” Goodrich got enough on the ball to send it spinning into the goal, extirpating the annoying harpies for good. Mark Reiss played in a number of deft balls and should have had a goal himself when he drilled a low shot to the corner, but St. G’s Jenkinson made a fantastic save to push the ball wide. While not as hot as last weekend, the game was draining given the physical play. There was always the threat of a tying goal and a brooding bus ride, but Goodrich zipped into the box to roof a Jay Fitzgerald cross for the insurance goal and peace of mind.