Martlets Fall to Taft

The Martlets were on the road to take on a always strong Taft squad. The playing conditions were picture perfect for both weather and Taft’s new field. Westminster would be playing a lot of defense to open the game and Taft would break through in the 20th min to take the 1-0 on a low driven cross to the slashing attacking player. With a few players out of the lineup the back line for the Martlets was a little makeshift, but they did an outstanding job once they settled in. To quote the 90’s football movie The Program “starting defense, seat at the table”, freshman Luka Misko ‘27 made his first start in only his second game as a Martlet and played close to 90 solid mins. The back line was anchored by Drew Knight ‘24, Finn Williams ‘26, Nathan Lee ’24 and a busy Leo DiStefano ‘24 who had to cover Taft’s top Div 1 bound outside wing. The Rhino’s put two more on the board late in the half on some physical breakdowns and inexperience to take a 3-0 lead into the half. The team regrouped well at half and refused to fold. Settling into the pace of the match, the midfield core of Finn Hocking ‘26, Henry Warner ‘25, Galima Sonnah ‘26, Abraham Monsee ‘25 and Arshaan Shah ‘26 were able to have more possession and were more confident with the ball. With some lineup changes Owen O’Farrell ‘24 had to move from center back to striker and was outstanding, the Syracuse lacrosse commit showed how athletic he was against Taft’s two center backs. O’Farrell would have a break away late but the ball would get away from him with backpressure from the chasing Taft player. For the second game in a row the bright spot for the Martlets would be in net with new starting goalie Dennis Quiwon ‘26 who finished the day with 14 saves and had to make plays on a number of crossing balls. For the first time in 5 years the team wrench would stay with the same player for back to back outstanding performances, well deserving for Quiwon. Quiwon would leave the game late for an injury and Alex Wood ‘25 would get his first minutes in a Westminster uniform. Also subbing in late and playing well were Matt Gregprski ‘27, Garrett Rohrbaugh ‘27, Nick Lopriore ‘26, Connor Gray ‘26 and Daniel Olaosebikan ‘26. Taft would score in the final 5 minutes of the game to get the 4-0 final. The Martlets look to get back to work tomorrow for practice and then right back on the road Friday afternoon for a match at Frederick Gunn School.