Barner, Wolverine soccer fight to draw

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By Michael Flanagan
Hometown Weekly Sports Editor

Thursday afternoon’s TVL matchup between the Westwood Wolverines (3-4-1) and Medfield Warriors (2-4-1) was a battle that came down to the final whistle, as a late goal by Medfield in stoppage time salvaged a 1-1 tie for the Warriors.

A scoreless first half was highlighted by a series of sprawling saves by Westwood’s Nicholas Barner and Medfield’s Jonathan David. Both the Warriors and Wolverines stacked the center of the field and made it extremely difficult for each other to navigate the ball through and get into any sort of offensive rhythm.

The Wolverines drew first blood nearly 15 minutes into the second on a corner kick thanks to a header by junior midfielder Joshua Morrison-Deutsch on a magnificent cross by Brian Gibbons, as the Wolverines pulled ahead 1-0 with a little over 25 minutes to play in the game.

Following the Westwood goal, Medfield changed up their offensive scheme and put more bodies in front of the frame to try and even things up at one. The Wolverine backfield did an incredible job of thwarting Medfield from any serious scoring opportunities throughout the majority of the final 25 minutes. However, during stoppage time, Medfield was given a corner and finally made due, as sophomore Jake Sherman picked the perfect time to net his first varsity goal, sprinting in and directing the ball home just inside the left post to even the game at one.

Both sides seemed content with the tie following the goal by Sherman, as both the Wolverines and Warriors played extremely conservatively during the final minute and change to ensure that no late goal would cost them a crucial point in the conference standings. The clock hit zeroes and the game ended in a 1-1 draw.

Westwood will play host to Dedham on Friday while Medfield will travel to Ashland. The Warriors and Wolverines will meet again on October 23 in Medfield.

For funny and incisive sports analysis, follow Mike Flanagan on his personal Twitter at @fLAno0, or read his blog at www.flannylive.wordpress.com.