DEA Bedford Masters 2

John and Jeff Guild, AKA Red Heat, combined to score the only goal of the match as Bedford shut out Groton 1-0 last night in Groton. John Morin earned the shut out in the net and played tremendously along with the DEA defense, who saved two goals off the goal line. A great game to watch as the competition level was very high and both teams played well and clean. This was a makeup game from the first game of the season and both teams were tied on points. The winner would decide who goes to the playoffs in the number 2 seed. Groton seemed to edge DEA out for possession time in the early part of the game getting a few good looks at the goal. John Morin commanded things from the net and the DEA defense of Mitch, Dale, Mark Major, JD and Sean really stepped it up for this match. On the other end Bedford had its chances also, but the Groton keeper was on his game as well. Mark Major would save a goal in the first half as he would head one off the goal line to keep the game scoreless into the halftime. DEA started to control the game in the second half as they seemed to be a little more fit than Groton. John Valickus, once again controlled the center of the field and teamed up with Jim McCall and the Guild boys for some nice passing. About midway through the half DEA got things going. After trying to cram the ball down the middle of the field, Bedford went outside. Dale would take the goal kick and put it to the right side to Jeff Guild. Jeff would turn and beat the midfielder, who was a bit late to get into position. Jeff would draw a defender in as he raced across midfield. This opened up Brother John for a nice through pass that sent him in past the Groton defense. John raced towards the goal and pushed the ball to his deadly left foot. John would rip a 20 yarder into the left side upper 90 and DEA had scored the all important first tally. Groton felt the urgency now and really started to pressure Bedford. They would change their formation to add another forward. All Groton needed was a tie to advance to the playoffs in front of Bedford. Ozzie and Steve Shea of Groton combined on a couple of good drives but Johnnie Morin would have none of this. With time dwindling down and DEA "Chunglo'ing" the ball all over the place it was looking good for Bedford. Then in the final minute of play, Groton would get the ball into the DEA area. A shot would force Morin to save the ball to his right. The ball would deflect over to Groton's, Steve Shea all alone on the right. Steve would shoot and all thought it was a sure goal, all but Mitch Green who was standing on the goal line and headed the ball out. DEA banged the ball around for the final minute and won their way into the playoffs. A great game between two very classy teams. DEA will now go up against the Southern division champions, Natick Masters. The game will be in Natick this Sunday at 10 AM. This should be a battle as both teams are know for scoring many goals. DEA's defense needs to show up to play. GREAT WIN DEA !!!!!!!