2018 NEPSAC Class B Semifinal Match Report
Date:  11/17/2018
Home Team:  Middlesex
Away Team:   South Kent
Score (H-A):  2-1 (2OT/PKs)
Goals (Assists)-         Home:             #10 Josh Quirk (75', assist #9 Jacob Charles)
                                    Away:              #11 Keishon Bean (3', assist #10 Alex Adjetey)
Goalkeeping-            Home:             Kenyon Pelletier (45', 1 GA)
                                                            Alfonso DeVito (55', 0 GA)
                                    Away:              Hunter Kochiss (100', 1 GA)
Cardings-                  Home:             None
                                    Away:              None
Notes:             The plows came out to clear the snow away from the Herter Turf Field at Middlesex for an incredible NEPSAC Semifinal matchup between #1 Middlesex and #4 South Kent.  Coming into the match, South Kent had only lost four matches in the last four years, so this was a tall order for the hosts.  South Kent got off to a dream start, as Alex Adjetey played the ball to a wide open Keishon Bean in the box for a clean first touch and a point blank finish with no pressure to go up 1-0 before three minutes had elapsed.  South Kent attacked with a flurry of runs and savvy play, as Adjetey, Keishon and Jai Bean, Hassane Diakho, and Joshua Bolma were constant threats to the Middlesex goal.  As halftime approached, Middlesex adjusted their system and found better balance between defense and attack.  There were a number of first half chances for both sides, but at the interval the score remained 1-0 to South Kent. 
 
After the break, Middlesex came out with renewed energy and took control of the midfield through the tireless work of Haydn Herrema, Kwabena Kwakwa, Andrew Parker and Ollie Cheever.  After several close calls and clutch saves from Hunter Kochiss, Middlesex clawed their way back into the game in the 75^th minute.  Haydn Herrema played a ball in transition to Jacob Charles in the width who turned and punched a pass to Josh Quirk just outside the D at the top of the box.  Quirk cut with his first touch and fired a 20 yard shot over the outstretched arms of Kotchiss and into the net to knot the score at 1-1 with 15 minutes remaining.  There were several more close chances for Middlesex, including Kwabena Kwakwa hitting the post with a set piece late in regulation, but the game ended after two five-minute overtime periods even at 1-1.  The match was decided on penalty kicks, with Middlesex burying all four of their opportunities, thanks to Josh Quirk, Jacob Charles, Kwabena Kwakwa, and Haydn Herrema.  For South Kent, Will Poncy made their first kick, but Alfonso DeVito came up huge in saving efforts from the next two penalty takers.  With the game in the balance, senior captain Haydn Herrema stepped up and buried the winner from 12 yards out to the elation of the home crowd. 
            Middlesex will face ISL rival Rivers in the New England Class B Finals, played at Worcester Academy at 2:00pm on Sunday, 11/19/18.  The win brings Middlesex's overall record to 17-0-3 for the season, and they will look to stay humble and hungry in the finals matchup against a talented and well-coached Rivers team.