NORTHAMPTON – Westfield Technical Academy’s sensational postseason run came to a heartbreaking end in a MIAA West Sectional Division 4 semifinal Tuesday at Northampton High School.
Lenox’s Mike Abdalla nailed the game-winner 2:51 into overtime, sending the second-seeded Millionaires past the No. 3 Westfield Technical Academy Tigers 3-2.
Abdalla also notched the game’s first goal, scoring 92 seconds into the first half on a shot that originated in the center of the box.
For Westfield Tech (16-2-2), the quick strike easily could have conjured up bad memories of their lone regular season loss, a 6-2 defeat at the hands of the Millionaires (13-5-2). The Tigers settled down, though, and tied the game on a 30-yard floater from Vitaliy Melnik in the 13th minute.
“(Our players) stuck to the game plan even after giving up an early goal and never quit,” Westfield Tech coach Kyle Dulude said.
Lenox had a golden opportunity to take the lead in the 50th minute when Ian Laurin attempted a shot uncovered out in front of the net. Westfield Tech goalie Anatoliy Suprunchuk made the save.
The Millionaires also attempted a weak-hearted corner kick a few moments later to no avail.
Lenox had an even better chance to score late in the game, attempting four consecutive corner kicks in a one-minute span. Westfield Tech’s defense held strong though, thwarting every attempt. Tigers’ Tyler kept the defense well-tuned, making a huge kick-save a short time later. Another Millionaires’ shot hit the post.
For 82 minutes, Westfield Tech fought with vigor. Unfortunately, for the Tigers, the Millionaires cashed in with the game-winner in the 83rd.
“(Our players) have nothing to hang their heads about,” coach Dulude said. “In my opinion, they represented one of the best teams around and played like a No. 3 seed who deserved to be there. They reached their potential, played with heart and left it all out on the field every day.”
“We really only lost to one team this year and showed drastic improvements from the first time we played them,” the Tigers’ head coach added. “The players believed in themselves today and that is all I can really ask for.”
