Easton boys soccer wins season finale over Phillipsburg

FROM THE EXPRESS TIMES

The Easton boys soccer team topped Phillipsburg 4-1 because the Red Rovers capitalized on their scoring chances.

Phillipsburg, meanwhile, failed when presented opportunities to score.


"Easton is a very good team, Easton is very organized," Phillipsburg coach Evan Weller said. "They were able to break us down and capitalize on their chances. I don't think we created enough chances and when we did, we didn't put them in the back of the net."

Easton was able to score in the first seven minutes of the game with a well-placed shot by sophomore Sean Davie. Senior Gabe Robinson quickly followed him six minutes later with his 13th goal of the season.

Easton coach Tim Hall knew that going into the game, the seniors would help carry the team.

"Gabe Robinson and Andrew Wolfe and all of the seniors I knew wouldn't let us down," Hall said. "We had a fun practice this week and I told my assistant coach that Robinson and Wolfe would not let us lose this game."

Phillipsburg's sophomore Jeremias Moreau scored the Stateliners' lone goal five minutes later. Moreau was able to sprint past the defenders and take a shot about 15 yards out from the goal, his shot was narrowly missed by Easton's goalkeeper and placed just below the cross bar.

"Jeremias is a very good player," Weller said. "He is only a sophomore. He is going to grow into his own and become an outstanding foot for us one day."

The second half was all Easton, which continued to control the ball. Sophomore Lucas Lamperti dribbled the ball around defenders and scored with 26:43 left.

Lamperti was not satisfied with just one goal, though. He picked up a loose ball near the top of the Stateliners' penalty box and while spinning made a shot that went straight for the back of the goal with 21:46 left.

Hall said there were two reasons why Easton won.

"The way the season ended left a bitter taste in our mouths," Hall said. "Also, it's Phillipsburg. When you are an Easton kid, it's the game you have circled on your calendar."

Phillipsburg was able to get four quality shots off on goal but could not keep control of the ball in the offensive area. Easton was able to keep up constant offensive pressure, taking 10 shots on goal for the game.

Even after the loss, the Stateliners made great strides this season in a continued effort to improve upon the program.

"This season we made states, it's the first time in 23 years," Weller said. "Every year you try to take a big step forward to keep the program moving forward and we feel we did that this year, so next year we hope to continue to get better."

http://www.lehighvalleylive.com/sports/index.ssf/2011/11/easton_boys_soccer_wins_season.html