Randolph Boys Win and Lose
By David Cooch

The Randolph boys varsity soccer team won their second game of season away against Lyndon, and lost at home against talented Harwood. RUHS’ collective record stands at 2-6-2.

Lyndon Game

The Lyndon game featured scoring not typical of the team, with their three goals doubling their scoring total for the season. Playing away, and looking for their first win in three weeks, Randolph played a Lyndon team which, like Randolph, was situated on the lower end of the playoff spectrum.

In the first half Randolph was caught slightly off-guard, and they found themselves playing more defense than offense, and were lacking intensity. After a revival at halftime the boys came out strong in the second half, and soon found themselves up 2-0.

The first goal, scored roughly 15 minutes into the first half, was by Kyle Connolly. A ball was played into the opponent’s box, and after a scuffle, the ensuing shot was deflected towards the far post, where Connolly hit it into the open net. Just two minutes later Randolph scored again off a free kick. From about 35 yards out, David Maxfield powered a low shot wide off the opponent’s wall into the back of the net. Full of adrenaline, the team kept the attack up and was poised to take home the victory with a clean sheet. However with 10 minutes remaining a shot bound for the far post angled out into the playing field, where an unmarked Viking was able to tuck it away. Minutes later, the un-alert defense allowed a replica of the previous goal to occur, with a Lyndon player sliding in at the far post to score the equalizer.

Disheartened and frustrated that a seemingly assured win was likely to go into extra time, the boys attempted to finish the game out strongly. A throw in was garnered to Randolph in the attacking part of the field, and the long throw, and the ensuing header found the ball in the 18 where Justin Messier, situated at the far post, trapped the ball and converted for the game-winner with just five minutes left to go. The defense marshaled together and managed to avoid another breakdown.

Harwood Game

The new entrees to the Capital Division, the former DI Harwood Highlanders came to Randolph last Thursday. The highly skilled visitors were able to pass around with little difficulty in the Randolph defensive zone, which had all 11 of their players in there usually. With only one decent attacking opportunity, the Ghosts found themselves playing far too much defense. As a result of this, three Highlander goals were scored in the first half.

In the second half the boys looked much more on form, and were able to stymie the Harwood offense. Late in the second half, Randolph got themselves on the board by a penalty kick taken by senior David Cooch. The game ended with a score of 3-1, Harwood.

Upcoming Games

The Ghosts played away on Wednesday at St. Johnsbury, and play their final home game of the season against Oxbow on Friday. Randolph plays on Monday at Spaulding in the final game before the playoffs, and the boys will have to fight hard in order to garner a position.