Westfield Tech Edges McCann Tech in Western Mass

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The McCann Tech boys soccer team Tuesday controlled the opening minutes, but Westfield Tech weathered the early pressure and found the back of the net in the second half to earn a 1-0 victory in the Western Massachusetts Class C quarterfinals.

 

McCann dominated the opening 10 minutes, controlling the midfield and creating several early chances. Every Westfield Tech clearance seemed to find its way right back to McCann, which continued to reset and attack.

 

In the 15th minute, McCann earned the first corner of the game and sent a dangerous ball into the box. A header was headed toward goal, but the Westfield Tech keeper came up with the save.

 

Westfield Tech gradually settled into the game, and the two teams battled for possession through the midfield. Hayden Bona nearly broke through for McCann, but his shot slid just wide. Minutes later, Ashton Solomon stepped up to a free kick from about 30 yards out and sent it just over the crossbar giving the keeper a real scare.

 

McCann continued to pressure the Westfield Tech keeper late in the first half. Isaac Uqdah struck a first-time shot toward the corner, but the keeper made a nice diving save to push it out for a corner kick. The teams went into halftime scoreless.

 

Westfield Tech came out with the same urgency McCann showed in the opening half and nearly found the breakthrough off a corner. The ball struck the crossbar and dropped in front of goal before McCann managed to clear the danger.

 

Minutes later, Westfield Tech finally broke through. A shot rattled off the crossbar before the rebound struck the post and fell to a Westfield Tech player, who finished into the net to give his team a 1-0 lead.

 

Westfield Tech continued to threaten and nearly doubled its advantage when a volley struck the crossbar and dropped near the goal line, but the ball stayed out.

 

McCann struggled to find an answer down the stretch, managing only a few half-chances as Westfield Tech held on for the 1-0 win and advanced to the next round.

 

This was only the second loss for McCann on the year and they will hope to regroup as they get ready for the State Vocational Tournament and State Tournament next week.