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By Michael Flanagan
Hometown Weekly Sports Editor
The Dover-Sherborn High boys soccer team earned the number two overall seed in the 2016 MIAA Division 3 South State Tournament after winning the Tri-Valley League outright with a 13-1-4 campaign during the regular season.
On Saturday, the Raiders continued their incredible 2016 season with a 3-0 win over number 15 seeded Foxborough (6-6-4) in their first round matchup, setting up a date with number seven seed Martha’s Vineyard in the quarterfinals.
The Raiders drew first blood on Saturday at 16:27 of the first half when Ben Browne’s shot towards the near side post beat the outstretched Warrior goalkeeper, putting DS ahead 1-0.
Tight defensive play by the Raiders limited the scoring opportunities for Foxborough throughout the remainder of the first half, as DS locked down the middle of the field and forced the Warriors to try to navigate their attack towards the goal from the outside lanes.
Dover-Sherborn’s ability to lockdown the middle lane proved to be key, and the Raiders entered halftime up 1-0.
The Warriors came out after halftime determined to knot the game at one, but Raider goalkeeper Robbie Black (five saves) stood tall and thwarted Foxborough from doing so.
Senior captain Eli Yasuna gave the Raiders some breathing room at 19:16 when he ripped a shot into the back of the Foxborough cage, putting DS ahead comfortably at 2-0.
The Raiders added some insurance with just under 10 minutes to play to go up 3-0 and seal the win.
A win over Martha’s Vineyard in the quarterfinal round would place DS in the State Semifinals against the winner of three-seeds Bourne and six-seeds and (TVL rivals) Medway.
