On Wednesday, Oct. 14, and Friday, Oct. 16, Bromfield tied with St. Bernard’s Central Catholic and with Tahanto 0–0 at home. At home again on Monday, Oct. 19, Bromfield came out on top against Littleton with a final score of 1–0, qualifying for Districts with 19 points accumulated over the season from 2-point wins and 1-point ties.
Junior defender Liz Polimou beats her opponent to the ball in Monday’s win against archrival Littleton. The win secured the girls’ spot in the playoffs. (Photo by Lisa Aciukewicz)
Bromfield players were dissatisfied with the two ties. They had expected to qualify for the playoffs last week by earning 3 points, which would have required at least one tie and one win. The Trojans dominated both games, maintaining possession and frequently getting shots on goal. Their passing was not at its best, but Coach Sue Silver and her players agreed that the team played fairly well in both games despite its failure to score.
The team stepped up its game against Littleton. Senior forward Maddie Ragno scored the game’s only goal in the first half, assisted by sophomore midfielder Chandler Farley, off a corner. The corner was called when the opposing team fouled in the circle, providing Bromfield with an ideal angle for a shot. Deviating slightly from routine, the Trojans had practiced a few corners prior to warming up, which may have had an impact on their success.
Bromfield maintained its starting intensity, remaining focused and energetic throughout the game. Players executed effective give-and-goes, with one player passing short to another who would then return the ball to the passer, dodging defenders and moving the ball down the field efficiently. When going to goal, senior forwards Suzy Opalka and Maddie Ragno used this strategy frequently, preferring passes to individual dribbling. Bromfield players seemed far more connected and aware of one another during play than in their games against St. Bernard’s and Tahanto.
Bromfield will face Clinton for its last home game on Wednesday, Oct. 21, and then will play away at Narragansett on Thursday, Oct. 22.
Lily Moore-Eissenberg is a senior at the Bromfield School.
