The 2nd ranked Gloucester Fishermen boys soccer team squeezed by the #31 seeded East Bridgewater vikings Sunday afternoon. The tied game ended in a shootout performance by the Fishermen, in which they won 3-1.

With 4:20 left in the first half, East Bridgewater stuck a goal in the back of the net to lead 1-0. The Fishermen were quick to respond, bringing the ball right back to their opponents net. Due to a penalty in the box by a Viking player, Gloucester had the opportunity to take a penalty kick. Wesdra Silva scored on the shot with 3 minutes left in the half to tie the game up. 

The game stayed tied throughout the second half, despite many shots by Gloucester. Gloucester controlled the ball for most of the game, with aggressive playing from the forward line. The team was hurt by the loss of their top scorer and NEC All-Star captain Gino Tripoli, who got red-carded prior to the game. 

The loss of Tripoli was hard on the Fishermen, but they didn’t let that take them down. Captain Domenic Paone, along with Dylan Smith, Dylan Rochford, and Wesdra Silva, were strong on offense. Paone also put up multiple shots for the Fisherman. Captain Brendan Anderton was strong in the midfield, contributing to both the offense and defense.

Captains Leo Vitale, Benjamin Watts, and Cole Ciolino were strong in the backfield, winning many fights for the ball. The trio stopped the ball at every chance they got, taking the ball up the field and into scoring position, staying strong with their heading techniques. Freshman Seamus Lineham also performed well on defense. 

Silva was a standout player for the Fishermen, who helped lead the team to their win. Along with his penalty goal, he was strong on the offensive line for Gloucester, putting up multiple shots to the net.

Stefano Numerosi had a diving save in net in the second half, saving both the shot and the game for the Fishermen. He was strong for the Fishermen throughout the long game, securing their win.

At the end of the second half, both teams were still tied. While the Fishermen played through overtime, it ended as a tie again, continuing the stalemate game. The only choice the teams had was to go into a shootout. The shootout ended with a Fishermen win of 3-1. Paone, Silva, and Vitale all scored on the shots, with Numerosi with a standout job in net. 

“It felt like we were in a very difficult and uncomfortable position throughout the game.” Captain Anderton said. “[We were] much closer than any of us would’ve expected. But with us having a perfect penalty shootout and being able to run over to the fans was a feeling I’m looking forward to having in upcoming games.”

The boys have their next game at Newell Stadium this Wednesday against #15 Newburyport at 5pm. Make sure to come support the boys in the round of 16.