By Ryan Lanigan, Editor-in-Chief
FRANKLIN, Mass. – Junior Joe Kalil scored a goal in each half as the Franklin Panthers rolled past Milford, 2-0, on senior night at Pisini Field.
Kalil’s goals in the 25th minute and 61st minute combined with a stifling defense led by Zach Scafiti helped Franklin record their fourth shutout win of the season.
“It was a good win against a real quality team,” Franklin head coach Fran Bositis. “I was really happy the way we played, especially after having played last night. I was a little worried the back-to-to back would catch up to us but the kids played with a lot of energy.
“We took advantage tonight, for the first time in a long time, of the opportunities we created.”
Franklin almost took the lead minutes before Kalil’s game-winner in the first half. Matt Bascom sent a cross back post that was saved by Milford freshman goalie Mike DaSilva.
Just a couple minutes later, Kalil struck. Tim LaRowe switched fields to find an open Kalil on the top of the area. The junior midfielder cut it inside away from the defender and calmly slotted it home in the bottom left corner.
Milford nearly equaled the scoring just a minute later when Luciano Vieira rocketed a shot upper 90, only to see his bid clank the crossbar.
“We got sucked into their game,” Milford head coach Jim Asam said. “We like spreading it out and using the hold field. We got sucked into the middle of the field.”
Kalil sealed it in the second half when he doubled his money. Senior Zach Scafati’s free kick into the area was flicked on by LaRowe before Kalil buried it from close range. DaSilva got a hand to it, but it had already crossed the line.
“I took a bad touch, I was just lucky to get onto it and put it home,” Kalil said.
FRANKLIN, Mass. – Junior Joe Kalil scored a goal in each half as the Franklin Panthers rolled past Milford, 2-0, on senior night at Pisini Field.
Kalil’s goals in the 25th minute and 61st minute combined with a stifling defense led by Zach Scafiti helped Franklin record their fourth shutout win of the season.
“It was a good win against a real quality team,” Franklin head coach Fran Bositis. “I was really happy the way we played, especially after having played last night. I was a little worried the back-to-to back would catch up to us but the kids played with a lot of energy.
“We took advantage tonight, for the first time in a long time, of the opportunities we created.”
Franklin almost took the lead minutes before Kalil’s game-winner in the first half. Matt Bascom sent a cross back post that was saved by Milford freshman goalie Mike DaSilva.
Just a couple minutes later, Kalil struck. Tim LaRowe switched fields to find an open Kalil on the top of the area. The junior midfielder cut it inside away from the defender and calmly slotted it home in the bottom left corner.
Milford nearly equaled the scoring just a minute later when Luciano Vieira rocketed a shot upper 90, only to see his bid clank the crossbar.
“We got sucked into their game,” Milford head coach Jim Asam said. “We like spreading it out and using the hold field. We got sucked into the middle of the field.”
Kalil sealed it in the second half when he doubled his money. Senior Zach Scafati’s free kick into the area was flicked on by LaRowe before Kalil buried it from close range. DaSilva got a hand to it, but it had already crossed the line.
“I took a bad touch, I was just lucky to get onto it and put it home,” Kalil said.
Scafati was the anchor of a Franklin defense set that didn’t let Milford play to their strengths. The Panthers have allowed one goal or less in all two games this season.
“We’ve been pretty solid back there with Zach,” Kalil said.
Milford junior Justin Asam, who leads the league in points, was kept in check by the Panthers despite being involved all over the field.
“We like to control the ball and move it on the ground,” Jim Asam added. “We got sucked into that kick and run game and I don’t care for it.”
Vieira had Milford’s best chance in the second half, but his low shot was blocked by Scafati.
Franklin will look to earn a postseason berth when they travel to Attleboro on Friday, looking to do better than their first meeting, a scoreless draw.
“It’s not done yet,” Kalil said. “We need two more points to get into the tournament. I’m looking forward to that game [against Attleboro.] We tied them, I think we should have won, but we’ll get them on Friday.
Milford will again play under this lights, this time on Saturday against Davenport Division foe Canton.
“There’s not slouches in this league,” Asam added. “Everyone comes to play so you have to be ready.”
“We’ve been pretty solid back there with Zach,” Kalil said.
Milford junior Justin Asam, who leads the league in points, was kept in check by the Panthers despite being involved all over the field.
“We like to control the ball and move it on the ground,” Jim Asam added. “We got sucked into that kick and run game and I don’t care for it.”
Vieira had Milford’s best chance in the second half, but his low shot was blocked by Scafati.
Franklin will look to earn a postseason berth when they travel to Attleboro on Friday, looking to do better than their first meeting, a scoreless draw.
“It’s not done yet,” Kalil said. “We need two more points to get into the tournament. I’m looking forward to that game [against Attleboro.] We tied them, I think we should have won, but we’ll get them on Friday.
Milford will again play under this lights, this time on Saturday against Davenport Division foe Canton.
“There’s not slouches in this league,” Asam added. “Everyone comes to play so you have to be ready.”
