Shorthanded Wildcats Fall to North Country

by Ken Brown

NEWPORT – The Hazen Union boys’ soccer team battled through injuries last week in falling to North Country on the road, dropping their record to 1-2 on the season.

Jordan Driver and Cooper Brueck scored two goals apiece to lead the Falcons to a 5-0 home win over the Wildcats Friday night. Liam Beatty, Brayden Pepin, and Alex Giroux distributed an assist apiece and the North Country defense stiffened in a rare match played under the lights.

“We were definitely shorthanded by illness and injuries going into the match and we were a younger inexperienced team in this one going against much bigger and stronger players. Xavier Hill played a fantastic match at center-mid for us, shifting over from his normal left-mid position and getting several shots on net. Cody Trudeau played with his standard unparalleled determination and Lincoln Michaud, Dan desGroseilliers, and Jadon Baker each had a couple of shots on net coming up from the back to support our midfield and offensive lines,” said head coach Allison Paradee.

The Falcons improved to 2-1 on the season, posting their second shutout behind four stops from Camrin Gustin. Tyler Rivard made 14 saves in the loss for the Wildcats.

“We should get some time to get healthier and finally have a full bench again this week. We’re looking forward to battling Thetford this week. We have a tough match against Montpelier this weekend and we’re excited to see our community and fans show out to cheer, drive us, and help propel us to a Homecoming victory,” said Paradee.

Hazen Union will host Thetford on Wednesday before welcoming Capital League power Montpelier to town for Homecoming Weekend.