Boys soccer ekes out 1-0 win against RM, to meet Damascus in playoffs

The Blazers pulled off a 1-0 win against the Richard Montgomery on Oct 23 at Blazer Stadium, but it wasn't easy. In fact, scoring looked downright difficult for the Blazers, who enter the playoffs with an 8-4 record.

The Blazer offense was plagued by blown scoring chances and general inefficiency. Head Coach Adrian Baez elaborated on the team's current scoring problem. "We just couldn't put the ball in the net. We need to draw the goalie off instead of just pounding it in," he said.

Blair's offense also suffered because of the many penalties that were called against them. The Blazers were probably whistled offsides more against Richard Montgomery than they have against all of their other opponents combined. Senior defender Zack Palmer, who scored Blair's only goal, was blunt in his criticism. "Our forwards don't know what offsides is," Palmer said.

Some of the offensive players had great moments, though, and their play confirmed that Blair should not be too wary of their current scoring draught. Junior Akil Williams had his best game of the season, passing, assisting, and putting together some excellent shots. Junior midfielder Alieu Terry, a lynchpin, turned on the intensity in the second half, and his desire to score was evident as he spurred on his teammates. Senior Daniel Fon showed his great speed for the whole game.

The defense, once again, kept the game close. Senior goalkeeper Eliot Stein could not falter, and Palmer was superb, undoubtedly one of the Blazer's MVPs. He stopped, he stole, he conquered. His smart play helped the winning scoring chance be just that.

"He does it on both sides!" exclaimed excited senior midfielder Benjie Simpson.

The Blazers begin their postseason play at Damascus this Thursday. Damascus is a traditionally weak team, but Baez said that the Blazers cannot take their next opponent lightly.