ATHOL — Simon Powell and the Mahar boys soccer knew about the playoff implications heading into Thursday’s game against Athol.
One more win and the Red Raiders would clinch a playoff spot.
The Senators didn’t let it happen at their expense, beating Athol, 1-0, under the lights.
Powell’s defense played a huge part in keeping the Red Raiders off the scoreboard.
“The past two years we had a losing streak against Athol,” Powell said. “To come back on a monumental occasion for them and shut them out and make them really have to work for it feels good for us.”
There was some flashes of trash-talking, but nothing like the game earlier in the season in Orange.
“We had great game tonight and I am happy how the team performed,” Powell said. “This is extra momentum for us. It came down to little plays here and there.”
Outside of a couple chances, Athol did not generate many scoring opportunities.
“We have definitely hit a stretch where finding the back of the net has become a struggle for us,” Athol coach Dave King said. “It’s been a consistent problem.”
The Red Raiders (8-9) are now in a must-win situation against Palmer in their season finale for a chance to clinch the playoffs.
“They (Palmer) are a really good team,” King said.
Palmer is 9-5-2 on the season and has a win over the Senators.
Mahar (10-5-3) already clinched a playoff spot, but the more wins the higher the seed.
“My kids have been talking about their (Athol) playoff situation before our last few games,” Mahar coach Dan Guertin said. “It was hard to keep them focused with this coming up.”
A laser goal from distance by James Temple in the first half was all the Senators needed. Riley Drew’s relentless surge up the right sideline and pass gave Temple a nice angle to get off a clear shot.
The Red Raiders’ best chance came in the first half when Connor Mahony’s shot dinged the cross bar.
Mahar had several chances to score in the second half.
Temple had a direct kick hit the cross bar before Miguel Gomez got off a clear shot that was saved by a sprawling Casey Mason.
Mason had an impressive second half keeping the Red Raiders close. Mason finished with nine saves.
Logan Dodge returned to the net for Mahar and made six saves in the shutout.
Athol’s game on Monday is at Palmer at 7 p.m,
