ATHOL — With its full roster of defensive players and an offense functioning at a high level, the Athol boys soccer team beat Gateway Regional, 6-1, on a rainy Monday night.
Angel Rivera scored two goals with an assist for the Red Raiders, who led 2-1 at halftime before breaking it open in the second half.
“The first half we came out a little slow,” Rivera said. “We made some changes.”
Rivera opened the scoring 7 minutes, 51 seconds into the first half, taking a shot near the 18-yard that beat Gateway keeper Jon Folley. His second-half assist covered about 30 yards. Coming from close to midfield, the long pass went through two defenders to a streaking Connor Mahoney, who made it 6-1.
“Our goal this year is to win the league title,” Rivera said. “The more goals we put in, the more points we get toward that league title.”
The conditions for the game were rainy and cold throughout. Mark Ferrari returned to the defense after missing Athol’s opener, and his presence was felt.
“It’s nice to have guys back there that have been there before,” Athol coach David King said. Ferrari’s “had some experience, he played in some big tournament games for us.”
With Ferrari playing, it allowed another defender, the speedy Dennis St. Jean, to attack up the sidelines more to create more offense.
The wet conditions were a factor for both teams, especially the keepers. Casey Mason, playing in his second varsity game, made 12 saves. There were a couple moments of indecision for Mason along with some rebound opportunities for Gateway.
“It’s a tough night,” King said. “He was in the right position to make those saves. He just has to focus on his positioning on a night like this. The defenders have to anticipate mistakes and they were there to help clean those things up.”
Bryce King gave Athol a 2-0 lead on a long line-drive shot that rocketed into Gateway’s net.
Gateway’s goal, a long shot by Matt Morin, deflected past Mason, trimming the lead to 2-1 at 21:50 of the first half.
A late first-half save by Mason helped preserve the lead for the Red Raiders. A shot from Gateway seemed destined for the corner, but a sprawling stop by Mason denied the Gators.
The Red Raiders’ offense came alive in the second half, starting with Dilan Fountain setting up Maysin Tarbell. At 29:54, Parker Deleo scored on a breakaway from Noah Aukstikalnis. King registered an assist shortly after when his cross went far post, finding Rivera to make it 5-1.
Mahoney had an assist as well for the Red Raiders (1-1, 1-1 Schmid).
Mahar 4, Pioneer Regional 2 — The Senators (2-0, 1-0 McGrath) led throughout and beat the Panthers under the lights behind two goals by Riley Drew.
Cole Johnson and Miguel Gomez scored the other two goals for Mahar, with James Temple picking up an assist.
Pathways student Ethan Williams started in net for the Senators, making seven saves. Williams made his return from a broken foot he suffered over the summer, but he had to leave in the second half after hurting the same foot. Mahar’s Logan Dodge finished the game making one save.
Mahar led 4-0 before clearing the bench in the second half.
Pioneer Regional 3, Athol 0 — The Red Raiders (0-2) were swept on the road, 25-19, 25-13 and 25-16.
Gateway Regional 2, Athol 1 — Jonah Paulino scored for Athol’s junior varsity boys team, but the Red Raiders fell at home on Monday.
Mahar 4, Frontier 0; South Hadley 6, Mahar 0 — The Senators junior varsity girls team beat the Red Hawks on Friday, with Maddie Lloyd picking up the shutout making four saves.
Taylor Soucie, Emi Carfagna, Sienna Moore and Haylee Allen all scored for Mahar (1-1).
Gracie Rich, Isabella Zani and Maddie Blattenberger had assists.
Last Wednesday against the Tigers, the Senators couldn’t find the net in a loss. Lloyd made five saves for the Senators.
Quabbin 1, Mahar 0 — The Mahar middle school girls team got shutout last Thursday, with strong defensive efforts coming from Kendrah Doane and Julia Zani while Astha Bernard was active in the midfield.
Delaney Karren scored for Quabbin with 14 minutes remaining.
