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By Michael Flanagan
Hometown Weekly Sports Editor
Whenever DS and Medfield get together on any playing surface, it is guaranteed to be a fun and entertaining match. Last Monday, the DS girls varsity soccer team traveled to Medfield and returned with a 2-1 victory behind a 15-save performance by sophomore goalkeeper Sabrina Doyle.
The Raiders (2-0-2) struck first with just under 20 minutes remaining in the first half, thanks to a well-placed cross from freshman Hope Shue to freshman Lily Thomson, who corralled the ball and slotted it by the keeper to take the lead. The Raiders would enter the half up 1-0 on the Warriors (4-1-0).
Early in the second half, the Raiders extended their lead to 2-0 thanks to a goal off the foot of senior captain Liv Maier on an absolute rocket of a free kick from 40 yards away. With 15 minutes to play, however, Medfield struck back and cut the deficit in half to 2-1, thanks to a goal by Ally Dubbs.
Following the goal by Dubbs, the Warriors furiously pressured the Raider end of the field in an attempt to tie the score, but Doyle stood strong, making four massive saves, one after another, in the final 10 minutes. Senior captain Katie Burger and the rest of the Raider backfield made several critical clearances and helped prevent numerous late scoring opportunities for Medfield.
It allowed DS to hang on for the 2-1 victory.
Unfortunately, the win over Medfield on Monday came with a cost for the Raiders, as Burger will be out for the remainder of the regular season due to a torn meniscus. Burger’s presence on the back line and her incredible leadership will be missed, but the Raiders are hopeful that she can rejoin the team if DS qualifies for the state tournament later this fall. Senior captains Cricket Simms and Liv Maier will now have their leadership roles expanded even further.
Following the loss to DS, the Warriors responded with a pair of wins over Holliston (2-1) and Norton (7-0), while DS notched a pair of scoreless ties against Ashland and Millis.
The Raiders and Warriors will next meet on October 27.
For funny and incisive sports analysis, follow Mike Flanagan on his personal Twitter at @fLAno0, or read his blog at www.flannylive.wordpress.com.
