Second Half Goal by Sean Doherty Puts the Bulldogs Back in the Win Column

Dean gets back in the win column. (Photo courtesy; deanbulldogs.com)

FRANKLIN, MA- The Dean Men’s Soccer team defeated the Emmanuel Saints 2-1 on Tuesday afternoon. The Dean College Bulldogs, who had come off a loss on Saturday for the first time in seven games, took on the Emmanuel Saints and had been undefeated at home.

In this matchup, the first goal was scored by Dominick Branco with 28 minutes left to go in the first half. This was scored by a good bounce back, where Branco hit the rebound into the goal for the score. Throughout most of the first, the Bulldogs seemed to have the ball in their zone most of the time with good offense, passing, and communication, something the Bulldogs have thrived with over the season. With nine minutes left to go in the first half, Noah Alves scored a goal off of the lone goalie miscue of the game when he tried to come up from his area to save the ball, but it got past him, and Alves was able to put one in.

For penalties, Liam Cook of Emmanuel got a red card for disorderly conduct late in the first. After scoring the goal, the Saints seemed to have the momentum for a good amount of time, especially after they scored the goal. The second half was entertaining. After a sloppy start by the Bulldogs, they got back the momentum and continued with their chances. They had a lot of fast breaks but hesitated on some of them which didn’t lead to any goals. However, with 17:08 left in the game, Sean Doherty was able to put one through after a very good offensive possession and the Bulldogs took the lead.

For the rest of the game, it was a battle, with good hustle plays, offense and defense by both teams and a diving save by the Saints goalkeeper. However, the Bulldogs were able to keep the Saints from putting one in, who had a final chance with under two minutes to go, and the Bulldogs ended up winning the game, 2-1 to stay undefeated on their home turf. On staying undefeated at home, Sean Doherty stated, “Since we haven’t lost a game at Longley this season, we like playing here, and we think we can take on anyone in the GNAC.” The Bulldogs will play next on Friday, October 20th at 3 p.m. where they will face Lassell University on Senior Day.