USASA: Taunton Eagles Edge BCS XI Late
- Updated: April 18, 2015
TAUNTON, Mass. – Helio Vieira’s late strike helped send the Taunton Eagles to their second straight win during Saturday’s 1-0 victory over BCS XI at venerable Pepe Amaral Field.
Vieira unlocked a scoreless match in the 87th minute while Eagles keeper Nellio Miranda kept the sheet clean in front of the home crowd.
With the win, the Eagles upped their mark to 2-0-0 (6 points) in the second division of the Bay State Soccer League, while BCS XI saw their record drop to 1-1-0 (3 points).
Two distinct approaches were on display during the first half. Despite playing at home, Taunton seemed content to play for the counter while the XI relied on building out of the back and stringing passes together.
The hosts approach nearly paid dividends on a pair of occasions. In the 15th minute, Jason Tillcock turned and blasted a shot that cleared the crossbar. Eight minutes later, Didio Soares crossed it for Tillcock at the far post, but he was denied by Ralph Angrand. The rebound spilled to Jose Esteves, who sent it wide of frame.
After surviving the early scares, the XI nearly stole a goal before halftime. Randall Richter steered a ball into the box for Craig Wolgast, whose shot barely missed the far post.
Second half action was a different animal for both sides. The Eagles recommitted themselves keeping the ball, while the XI was struggled to assert themselves as often as they did during the first half.
But even though the hosts were able to dictate the match for much of the second half, the guests were able to keep pace by plugging up the rear and using the flanks to their advantage. And it worked – at least until the 87th minute.
With the Eagles pressing, Vieira grabbed the ball along the left edge of the area, cut inside and tucked his shot under the bar, much to the approval of the home crowd.
The Eagles return to action on Apr. 25 when they host the Milford Lusitanos, while the XI will head home to face Southie FC on Apr. 25.
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