Hollis Brookline boys soccer scores twice in second half, holds off Souhegan

AMHERST - The Hollis Brookline High School boys soccer team went into halftime Friday knowing it had to do something different.

The Cavaliers hadn't been able to get much offense going against Souhegan, and HB trailed after giving up an early goal, the first scored on the defense in over three games.

HB tied the game in 53rd minute and needed just 45 seconds to take the lead, and the Cavs' defense made it stand despite a late charge from the Sabers, hanging on for a 2-1 win.

Cam Tulley had the game-winning goal and assisted on a goal by Guillem Pujadas that tied the game. Nate Rogers also had an assist while Michael Pattelena made four saves for the Cavs (5-1).

"In the first half, we've been having trouble getting going, and sure enough, five minutes in, they capitalize on an opportunity," HB coach Rick Carvalho said. "Second half, I thought we were great. We changed our formation around a little bit. Souhegan still tested us, of course, especially at the end, but the guys were all over the place and buzzing."

Souhegan (3-2) took the lead early on a goal by Josh Anson, with Erik Richardson getting the assist, and goalie Teigue Young made six saves.

But the Cavs stormed out of halftime, took control of possession and the Sabers were unable to match HB's intensity.

"At the start of the second half, things were not looking good, and that's when Hollis scored both goals," Souhegan coach Dave Saxe said. "Maybe there's a little mental lapse, or lack of confidence, it's hard to say. But toward the end, we were fighting hard and showing good confidence and really stepping up."

HB peppered Young with shots early in the second half, but the Sabers goalie was up to the task, including a leaping save that bounced in front of the goal. Young was able to gather the rebound and held on after a player collided with him.

A few minutes later, the Cavs sent the ball into the corner to the left of the Souhegan goal and Tulley sent the ball into the box. Pujadas put a low shot into the far corner, just out of reach of Young.

The Cavs were able to get the ball back and Tulley headed in a corner kick from Rogers to make it 2-1 just 45 seconds after HB's first goal.

"There's no measure of importance you can put on it," Carvalho said of that change in momentum. "For us to be able to do that, then we could get a little more comfortable. I think a lot of the guys said why are we not taking advantage and decisions were made and finishes were finished."

Souhegan had chances down the stretch, putting a shot off the crossbar in the 69th minute when Pattelena couldn't corral the ball after coming out to play it. Then, with about a minute to go, Devan Casey found himself with a clear shot in front of the goal, but his shot again hit the crossbar and was cleared.

The teams will meet again on Oct. 21 in Hollis.