WESTFIELD – It was a tug-of-war that just never ended.
Westfield Technical Academy and Pioneer Valley Christian waged an 80-minute boys’ soccer battle that resulted in a scoreless tie Monday at Bullens Field. The tie, while obviously not a victory in the win column for either time, it was a major win of sorts for the Tigers.
With the tie, Westfield Tech secured another Tri-County League championship with yet another unbeaten run (7-0-1). It is the exact same record that the Tigers finished with in 2014.
Westfield Tech goalie Anatoliy Suprunchuk (53) bats the ball away from the goal as players for both teams collide inside the box Monday at Bullens Field. (Photo by Chris Putz)
“(This) brings extreme satisfaction and sense of accomplishment for our boys who have worked extremely hard this year to try to be as good as we were last year,” Westfield Tech coach Kyle Dulude said.
“The fact that no one on our team talked about winning back-to-back championships meant we had to find our identity throughout the season and build confidence along the way,” he added. “Today was no different as a few players had to step into new roles and do whatever necessary to get the job done.”
Westfield Tech freshman Philip Lisianyy, who was used as a halfback substitution throughout the season, played the entire game against PVC at fullback.
“He played lights out,” coach Dulude said of the freshman.
Westfield Tech’s Jaisen Gomez marked PVC’s leading scorer Joe Mozdzanowski’s, and shut him down.
“Jaisen Gomez could not have done a better job,” Dulude said.
Westfield Tech’s Dominic Rosario moved into the center-fullback position for injured teammate, Tyler Hall. Vitaliy Melnick slid into Rosario’s spot, and earned tremendous praise from his head coach, as well.
“The guys have created a great sense of family, and it has been a joy watching them grow, mature, and become excited to play the game of soccer,” Dulude said. “These guys are a special group whom I have been very proud of. They have exceeded expectations and represented our school with class.”
With the losses (due to graduation last spring), Westfield Tech was projected to possibly take a step back. That never happened.
It did take another unbeaten league run to capture the title though.
“It’s just crazy having to go undefeated in your league to win it,” Dulude said. “(It) leaves little room for error. (I’m) just feeling fortunate to have the soccer gods on our side and for everything fall into place for us this season in order to repeat. Ultimately, it is the realistic goal to achieve every season. You just never know who or what obstacles are in the way.”
