Green Briar 2:1 Mass Utd FC Lynn (Millennium Park)
Goal: Lassana Sanha Assist: Janak Altidore
Goal: Peter Miller Assist: Keith McLoughlin
Green Briar FC secured a tremendous Cup victory over league leaders Mass United on a rainy afternoon at Millennium Park, West Roxbury on Sun, Oct 6. In doing so they secured their first ever MSSL Cup final berth. The weather may have been miserable and playing conditions difficult to navigate, but that didn't stop the players putting in a workmanlike and disciplined performance on the pitch that put pay to Mass United's chance at a league and cup double.
The Briar's preparation was excellent, they entered the game both physically and mentally prepared. A steely focus and determination could be seen in the eyes of every player as they took the field, knowing that only a flawless performance would see them through against a solidly built and skillful Mass United side. That was just the performance they gave, meeting the physical challenge that set a platform for their talent to shine.
The conditions underfoot were treacherous, players struggling with their footing on numerous occasions, but there was also a lot of quality on show from both sides. The match ebbed and flowed as the first half progressed with both teams enjoying spells in the ascendancy. Mass United were unlucky with a long distance effort that Peter Dupuis in the Briar goal tipped onto the crossbar and away to safety. The Briar were also attacking with purpose but found a solid rearguard in the Mass United defense.
Stalemate at the half was indicative of how tightly the match was being contested. Mass United had collected the league double versus the Briar earlier this season and the team and management worked hard to learn from those defeats and to eliminate mistakes, knowing that on our day we provide a stern test for any team in the division.
2013 MSSL Cup Draw
Early in the second half Lassana Sanha almost punished the Mass United keeper for an untimely slip on the greasy surface, but he made a great recover to deflect the goal bound shot away for a corner. The scoring was opened 10 minutes into the second half, however, by Rigoberto Jimenez of Mass United. A dangerous long ball over the top fell between Peter Miller and the on rushing Briar keeper. With neither wanting to claim the ball with any urgency, the potent Mass United winger capitalized on the confusion and smashed the ball to the roof of an unguarded net.
Somewhat shell shocked from that blow, the Briar took a minute or two to shake off the disappointment of conceding such a sloppy goal. The team came together and battled hard for every ball in a tightly contested and congested midfield. In such tight affairs it's the little things that can make the difference, and a pair of set pieces in quick succession would see the game turned completely on its head.
Janak Altidore launched a typically booming free kick towards the area from the halfway line. The ball was flighted terrifically and was dropping at the edge of the 6 yard box. Hesitation to come and claim that ball by the Mass United keeper was duly punished as Lassana Sanha powered his way into position, rose and nodded home for the equalizer.
With renewed vigor, and fortified belief the Briar raised their game even further to secure the lead. Keith McLoughlin sent in another beautiful set piece, this time from a corner kick. Peter Miller climbed majestically at the back post and unleashed a powerful header that found the back of the net. The power of his effort was only matched by the power in which he celebrated, racing to the Briar supporters on the sideline, sliding to his knees with a roar that could be heard half way down the VFW Parkway.
There was still plenty of work to be done. Mass United were dangerous on attack at every turn and the pressure was sure to build in the final stages. As the intensity of the occasion mounted, the Briar made some strategical replacements to fortify the midfield and refresh the tired legs at the back. The chances came for Mass United, but a combination of wayward shooting and resolute defending turned them away.
On one occasion, Peter Dupuis saved from point blank range, needing the help of the post this time to keep powerful Mass United striker Ocane Williamson at bay. In the closing stages Mass United would fashion one more clear chance. A mazy run down the left saw a ball crossed dangerously towards goal from the bi-line. An unmarked Mass United player met the ball in the six, but miscued his header over the bar to the relief of the Briar team and management and to the groans of the Mass United bench.
After all the hard work, and a bit of luck along the way, the Briar were finally rewarded for a great performance. Navigating the half of the cup draw that held Lowell United, Mass United and Boston Olympiakos, making the final is a great achievement. But the job is not done. Celtic FC now awaits the Briar in the final. A Celtic team that recently had a 2-1 victory over the Briar in the league and one that will prove to be worthy final opponents in an "All-Irish" flavored fixture.
The final is tentatively scheduled for 6PM Sun, Oct 13 at Dilboy Stadium in Somerville. Details are to be confirmed.
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