EASTHAMPTON – Each minute that passed at Nonotuck Park brought the Frontier boys soccer team tighter together. The Redhawks’ passes became crisper and their movement more aggressive.
In the 57th minute, that connection produced a moment that beat Easthampton keeper Giuseppe DeNucce-Simms. Brady Burch held the play in the middle then delivered a pass out wide to Chanmin Son. Son found Quinn McNutt close to goal, and he calmly finished.
“We were just a little more direct,” McNutt said. “In the first half we weren’t really creating much in around the box, and the second half I think we were trying to take more chances and scored.”
They scored twice in a 2-0 victory in Pioneer Valley Summer Soccer League action Thursday. The victory helped the Redhawks hold tight to second place in the Boys B league standings. It also provided a small measure of revenge.
The teams last met for the MIAA Division 4 state championship in November. Easthampton prevailed then, and though the rosters and stakes were different, Frontier found motivation from the defeat.
“Losing states, I think, gave our team a little more power in wanting to beat this team, get revenge,” Frontier’s Fernando Saravia said.
Saravia ensured the victory with a 66th minute insurance goal. Frontier found him in the box and he fired a shot that Giuseppe DeNucce-Simms parried with his leg but right back to Saravia, who tapped it calmly to the left corner.
“Only 1-0, that’s basically nothing. You gotta get another one to secure the game,” Saravia said.
Frontier held a tight grip on the ball for most of the contest. The Redhawks created well in Easthampton’s zone but either lacked the final ball or an on-target shot, or Giuseppe DeNucce-Simms snatched the shot away diving in the air.
“Great keeper there,” Saravia said. “Can’t really do much other than maybe try again another play.”
Easthampton largely sat back and waited for its chances on the counterattack. The Eagles looked for striker Javier DeNucce-Simms, who held up play well but could never find a clean look at goal. Easthampton eventually moved him to center back to shore up its defense then further up the field to aid in distribution.
After the final whistle sounded, some Easthampton players yelled “state champs!” at the Frontier sideline, reminding the Redhawks of their last meeting.
Frontier is more focused on the upcoming fall. About “90 percent” of the Redhawks are playing together this summer building chemistry for a run at their own state trophy.
“We’ll already have been playing with each other for a good two months,” McNutt said. “I think we’re gonna know each other in and out pretty well. That’ll show in the game.”
It’s already starting to.
Teddy Bear Pools 9, Longmeadow Cardinals 2 – Bryan Baumann had two hits, scored two runs and added an RBI at his old stomping grounds, as the former Redhawk led Teddy Bear Pools to a Tri-County League victory Thursday at Frontier Regional.
Northampton grad Devin Kellogg also singled twice and reached home twice.
Andrew Sadowski picked up the win after six scoreless innings. He allowed just two hits with a walk and struck out seven.
Kyle Grabowski can be reached at kgrabowski@gazettenet.com. Follow him on Twitter @kylegrbwsk.