BOSTON, Mass.- The Endicott men's soccer team went into Wednesday's match knowing that they had already secured a berth in the upcoming Commonwealth Coast Conference playoffs and knew they were in for a battle in taking on a dangerous Wentworth team playing on their senior night. Endicott got the battle they expected as they battled through regulation and two overtime periods to come out with a 1-1 draw.
Early on in the match, the tempo was rapid and it looked as though both teams were going to play fast and wide open as each squad notched a goal within the opening 15 minutes. Wentworth was able to get on the board in the 12th minute as senior Matt Racca (Wakefield, R.I.) found fellow senior Jake Buzzell (Haverhill, Mass.) with a one touch pass that Buzzell shot to the right and scored. It was the first goal of the season for Buzzell as he celebrated his senior night. Racca's assist was his third of the season which leads the team.
Endicott was quick to respond as the Gulls fired back less than two minute later. Freshman standout Jordan Daniel (Canton, Conn.) scored his team and league leading 12th goal of the season in the 14th minute off of a header on a cross from junior Kyle Bisceglia (New Boston, N.H.). The header beat the Wentworth keeper to his right and seemingly set the stage for an offensive shootout.
That would not be the case however as both teams were able to tighten up their defensive ranks and keep the opposing squad off the board for the remainder of regulation and through two overtime periods. Endicott goal tender Daniel Higgins (South Kingstown, R.I.) was able to improve his personal record to 7-3-3 as he was able to save seven of the eight shots Wentworth put on goal. Higgins' counterpart, John Longo (Needham, Mass.) was able to have a solid night in net as the senior made nine saves on ten shots the Gulls put on goal. Longo's record improved to 1-6-1 with the draw.
Daniel led Endicott with three shots on goal as Diego Slobotzky (Mexico City, Mexico) recorded two. Buzzell led the Leopards as he scored on his only shot put on goal. Richie Harvey (Standish, Maine) was able to put two shots on frame.
With the tie, Endicott has now earned the third seed in the CCC tournament and will host Gordon on Saturday, 10/27 at a time that is yet to be determined. Wentworth sees their season come to an end with a 1-11-4 (1-5-3 CCC) record.
