The Bromfield boys varsity lacrosse team lost to the Groton-Dunstable Crusaders 5-3 at the Massachusetts Youth Soccer Fields (MYSA), located across from Kimball Farms in Lancaster, April 4. This was the Trojans’ second game this season and brought their record to 1-1. According to Patrick Fredericksen, the team’s coach, the game was a great test for the Trojans considering Groton-Dunstable is a Mid-Wach A team, a tougher group than the smaller schools in Bromfield’s Mid-Wach D league.
Until the final quarter, when Maynard attacker Sam Hills scored multiple times, the game was a contest between the teams’ defensive players. The first quarter was a battle between the goalkeepers. The Crusaders gained possession almost immediately. Seventh-grader midfielder Max Laursen had been brought up from JV for the game, and helping Bromfield’s defense was junior Dylan Ashe, who was back after being out with a broken rib the week before. Although the Crusaders maintained possession throughout the quarter, Bromfield’s defenders and goalkeeper freshman Logan Reed were strong, and the first quarter ended scoreless.
From left: Dallas Briggs-Adams provides cover so Ian Miller, No. 7, can get the scoop as Joey Robinson looks on during the April 4 matchup of Bromfield and Groton-Dunstable. (Photo by Robin Calabresi)
Groton-Dunstable’s offense dominated the second quarter. The Crusaders were at the Trojans’ net as the quarter began. Bromfield’s defense put up a good fight, with Parker defender Henry Fredericksen intercepting the ball and throwing it to Reed in an attempt to keep the Crusaders from scoring. Reed then attempted to send the ball to Hills, but it was intercepted by a Groton-Dunstable player. In spite of Bromfield’s efforts, just three minutes into the period Groton-Dunstable scored. Two minutes later the Crusaders scored again. Maynard midfielder Aiden Young won the face-off, and the ball went back and forth between the two nets until Young attempted a goal with about a minute left. The Crusaders’ defense blocked it, and the quarter ended 2-0 in Groton-Dunstable’s favor.
The Crusaders dominated again in the third quarter, but Bromfield persevered and got on the scoreboard. Hills tried for the Trojans’ first goal, but the ball was intercepted. However, the Trojans didn’t remain scoreless for long. Before half the quarter was over, Hills passed to Bromfield midfielder Ian Miller, who threw the ball to Young. Young then sent the ball back to Hills, who scored. His goal was met with celebration by both the team and Bromfield supporters on the sidelines. Following Hills’ goal, the Crusaders scored, and with five minutes left in the quarter, they brought the game to 4-1.
When the fourth quarter began, it looked as though the Trojans might remain in a hole, but an impressive showing by Hills narrowed the gap. Ayer Shirley attacker Joey Robinson attempted a goal quickly, but the Groton-Dunstable goalkeeper saved the shot. The Crusaders took possession following Robinson’s push and scored their final goal. Just when it was looking as if Bromfield was going to be decimated by Groton-Dunstable, Hills upped his game, scoring for the second time with three minutes left. Only seconds later, Hills scored again and was loudly cheered by Bromfield supporters.
The next game is Thursday, April 11, at 4 p.m. Bromfield will face off against Fitchburg on the MYSA fields in Lancaster.
Erin Flynn is a Bromfield freshman.
