FC Royalton Soccer Defeats Thetford

In a typical hard-fought Royalton vs. Thetford soccer match, FC Royalton defeated the tough Thetford squad 2-1 at Carpenter Field on Sunday. Dan Roda’s well-placed shot from just inside the box proved to be the late game winner.

Borrowing a page from the Turkish National team’s Euro 2008 manuscript, Roda struck for the winner with 10 minutes remaining after conceding the tying goal on a late first half counter attack from Thetford.

Zach Lind opened the scoring with a strike at the 25-minute mark of the first half. FC Royalton generally enjoyed the bulk of the possession and territorial edge. Thetford looked to absorb the pressure and counter attack. Another solid performance by keeper Scott Killian, who came up big when needed, the only goal conceded was a one-versus-one breakaway. Ki Walker, Phineas Ellis and Rob Stanton all had terrific opportunities to put the game out of reach, but were unable to capitalize due in part to some solid work by the Thetford keeper.

The young FC Royalton contingent of Mike Murphy, Colin Judge and Marshall Distel had a good day against a Thetford team that included some very experienced recent Thetford graduates, all who brought their former All State credentials, as well as the current Thetford high schoolers. It was the control of the midfield by FC Royalton’s Lind, John Harrelson, Walker, Judge and subs that proved to be the difference in the game. They kept the field compressed and pressure on the ball, allowing the Royalton defense backline to be more involved in the offensive build-up.

Next week FC Royalton faces league newcomer and current third place team Man U of Lebanon at Carpenter Field; kick-off time is at 6 p.m.

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