New England Soccer Today

Late Game Heroics Lift Lions

Photo credit: Boston City FC

Late game heroics kept the division title hopes alive for Boston City FC, as two late goals lifted the Lions over Seacoast United Mariners, 3-1.

Isaac Nana Addai continued his hot streak, scoring his fourth goal in three games in the 28th minute to give Boston City a 1-0 lead. Scored from the penalty spot, it was Addai’s tenth goal on the season and his fourth converted penalty kick. Addai also added an assist on the eventual game winning goal.

Wednesday’s win moved the Lions within two points of division-leading Kingston Stockade FC.

Similar to last weekend’s match against New York Athletic Club, Boston City appeared to have the game under control for the majority of the game, but a sloppy turnover along the back line led to a Jackson Fotter goal in the 79th minute, leveling the score at 1-1.

However, Boston City’s late push would be rewarded, as Homero Morais scored his second goal of the season and first since May 6 in the 87th minute, giving the Lions the lead for good. In the closing seconds, Michael Rincon added his second goal of the season, both of which came against the Mariners, on the final kick of the match.

While the Lions are breathing a sigh of relief taking three points back to Malden, a narrow victory against an opponent Boston City defeated 6-1 earlier this season concerned head coach Palhinha.

“We won, but we’re not good enough right now,” Palhinha told the media after the macth. “We’re not playing as a good team. I’m pleased with the points, but that’s all.”

Boston City will be tested in their final two games of the season, with a road game against third-place Hartford City FC this weekend before hosting first-place Kingston Stockade FC on July 8.

The final two games will be critical for playoff positioning, as Boston City sits in second place with a 5-3-2 record (17 points), two points behind Kingston Stockade FC and five points ahead of Hartford City.

Boston City and Seacoast United were the only teams within the division to play Wednesday night, meaning the Lions have played one more game than Kingston and Hartford, and two games in front of the Rhode Island Reds (10 points).

The top three teams will make the playoffs, with the second and third seeded teams playing in a first-round match, while the division leader earns a bye. If the standings hold, this weekend’s Match between Hartford City FC and Boston City FC will be a first-round preview.

Kickoff for Sunday’s clash at Hartford City is scheduled for 4:30 pm at Central Connecticut State University.

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