Martlets Defeat Deerfield

Westminster travelled across state lines on a perfect fall afternoon for their second match up against Deerfield. After a long bus ride and a short warm up, the Martlets started slow with Deerfield jumping to an early lead off of a penalty kick goal. Westminster tied it up midway through the first half when Marco Campos ’30 kicked a perfect ball from the left side of the box into the right corner of the next. Deerfield took the lead again at the end of the half and Westminster regrouped at halftime. Led by fast and indefatigable midfielder Max Matthews ’30, the Martlets came out focused and energized, keeping the ball in Deerfield’s zone for most of the second frame. Nathan Mezheritskiy ’30 drew a penalty in the box and drilled the penalty kick into the back of the net to tie the game. Westminster wasn’t happy with a tie and pushed hard for a goal in the game’s final ten minutes with Nate Falco ’30 scoring the go ahead goal. Deerfield played hard until the final whistle and the Martlets battled as a team to keep the ball out of the net. Ryan Dong ’30 and Will Katz ’30 had their best games of the season on defense, Greyson Varao ’30 selflessly stepped out of the net to compete at midfield, and Tyler Hassett ’30 continued his smart, tough, and composed play in goal. It was a true team victory for Westminster and grit and grace were evident before, during, and after the game in the team’s effort, respectful behavior, and collaborative spirit. The Grit and Grace Award goes to Max Matthews ‘30 for his combination of tenacity and selfless play.