Away win for Briar

West Africans United 0:2 Green Briar FC

Green Briar FC made a successful first trip to Lowell this season, taking a 2:0 victory over newly promoted West Africans United at LeBlanc Park.

A horrendous playing surface and poorly marked field made for a difficult day for all players, but particularly keepers and defenders who needed to keep their shape and concentration level high.

Playing five across midfield, the Briar were successful in clogging the middle of the park and meeting the stern physical challenge posed by the West Africans team. Chances were restricted to long range efforts and set pieces in the opening half as players settled into their rhythm.

Recognizing that the Greens were growing into the game as time wore on, captain Tom Caldwell showed a terrific example by dominating midfield and opening the scoring. A strike from 20 yards out was too much for the West African keeper to deal with as he let it bounce over an attempted dive and into the corner. Having a low setting sun in his eyes didn't help either.

As the second half continued, the physical challenges were flying in. A West African player received his marching orders for a blatant stomp on Gary Clarke following a tough tackle.

The Briar goal was rarely threatened with any clear cut chances and the game was eventually put out of reach by Eamonn McCarney. A long clearance by Peter Dupuis in the Briar goal wasn't dealt with properly by the West Africans. McCarney stole in behind the defender to collect the ball and slot a terrific shot into the corner.

With the games coming thick and fast these days, next up is a mid-week clash with Albania United followed by a game versus Olympiakos at the weekend.

Line-Up: Dupuis, Roux, Doonan, Hennessy, Clarke, McLoughlin, Hardy, McGuinness, Caldwell, Claus, Sexton, McCarney, Nguyen, De'Pieri, Beausang, Samati, Altidore