BEVERLY, MASS.- Endicott was able to grab a 1-0 lead in the 40th minute of the first half before upending the Rams of Suffolk 4-1. Endicott's four goals were all scored by different players. The win advances the Gulls to 4-1 on the season with Rhode Island College awaiting on Wednesday.
After a back and forth first half that saw the teams stay deadlocked for the first 39 minutes, Stephen Joyce was able to notch his first goal of the season. "Joyce's individual effort, coming on as a late reserve, changed the momentum of the match heading into the half. That goal was what we needed at the break," said head coach Joe Calabrese.
Suffolk came into the match with a three game win streak of their own. During this streak they had out-scored opponents 17-2. Endicott's defense bared down and provided stifling defense in front of keeper Daniel Higgins. Higgins made four save of the five shots on goal to increase his record to 4-1 on the season. The defense, which was led by Kevin Gnecco and Michael MacLeay, only allowed Suffolk to get off 13 shots and only allowed two corners.
Coach Calabrese was very happy with the second half of soccer produced by his squad. "The second half was the best pure soccer we have played this season. We demonstrated an ability to keep possession in the final third and scored some great goals today." Those goals came from two first year players and the team's junior captain. Freshman Jordan Daniel knocked home a huge goal in the 55th minute that put the team up 2-1. That quick strike out of half was crucial as Suffolk was able to strike right back in the 57th minute off the foot of Christian Gnonlonfoun, his seventh goal in three matches. From that point on the pressure the Gulls exerted on defense led to short possessions for the Rams and quick outlets that Endicott used to get quality chances.
Freshman Diego Slobotzky was able to knock in his second career goal in the 60th minute. Slobotzky's goal was impressive and it capped a high scoring 10 minute stretch. Both defenses were able keep the opposing offense at bay for roughly 20 minutes before Endicott's junior captain, Alex Elia, notched his first goal of the season. Calabrese felt as though Elia showed a lot of leadership in his role during this match and was glad to see such discipline from his captain.
Suffolk was led by Gnonlonfoun offensively. The impressive junior scored one of his two shots as he was constantly denied and pressured during the rest of the match. Alberto Benhamu was able to get off four shots and assisted on the Rams' lone goal. Keeper Nicholas Chamma allowed four goals while making five saves.
Endicott is now off until Wednesday when they travel to Rhode Island College for a 6 p.m. matchup. Suffolk is off until the visit Mount Ida on the 12th at 7 p.m.
