Friendly v. Harvard - 3/28/10

The squad took the field for the final preseason tuneup against a competitive Harvard club in a rematch of last season's preseason friendly. Sudbury struggled a bit out of the gate with familiarity as a number of new faces were working together for the first time and a strong turnout made substitutions challenging.

Pat C. got the call in goal for the first half and made some outstanding one on one saves as Sudbury suffered a number of defensive breakdowns. He had no chance on the two first half goals by the visitors as they too were in all alone and had their pick of the goal to aim for.

Newcomer Eric F. took over in goal in the second half as Sudbury is hopefully over their longstanding keeper shortage with two quality keepers sharing time this season due to scheduling conflicts and convenience. He too made a couple of terrific saves, including one with the shooter 5 yards out that kept it a 1 goal game as Sudbury battled back to eventually tie the match at 2-2 with about 10 minutes remaining in the second half on a rocket by Hori that nicked the crossbar and post and landed safely onto the foot of Andrew at the goal mouth, who gently tapped it in for the knotting tally.

Elation after the tying goal and a few substitutions on defense as Danny F. tweaked the lineup to get a good look at players in a number of positions ended up backfiring as Harvard took the kickoff straight downfield and regained the lead, ultimately holding on for a 3-2 final score.

Sudbury looks to be strong and competitive in their new division with some key returnees and additions. Season starts on April 11th in New Bedford.

Friendly v. Medfield - 3/21/10

After some significant difficulties navigating the closed roads and detours of Metrowest, Sudbury FC and the boys from Medfield (D4 South) met at Cutting Field for a preseason friendly. A host of Sudbury regulars were in attendance, in addition to a few new recruits. Medfield were aided by the attendance of a handful of the Sudbury Over 40s looking to get some preseason game action in.

The teams battled hard and played well considering this was the first full field activity for many in a number of months. Sudbury looks to have a strong core of defenders this season with the return of Hori and Andrew to the regular game rotation. With Mark out of the goal for this season, the team looks to be strong up the middle as well.

Both teams traded goals with some pretty passing by Eugene B. and Hori setting up the eventual game winner for Sudbury. The new additions look promising and the team looks healthy and ready to battle in Division 5.

Next up: Friendly vs. Harvard (D5 North) - 3/28 - Cutting Field