Bunnell Boys Soccer Bests Oxford, 7-2

After an aggressive start by both sides, Bunnell High School Varsity Boys Soccer was able to take control of the pitch when they netted the first goal Thursday against Oxford High School, and come away with a 7-2 win.

"It was a really exciting game. Oxford played very well for the first 20 minutes but after our first goal we were ready to take it all the way,” Bunnell Coach James Ginand said of the win that improved the Bulldog's record to 2-1. “We played good defense and even better offense. We were ready to win."

In the first real threat of the opening half, senior Freddy Metellus (10) raised the bar for his teammates by running through Oxford’s defense and just nicking the goalpost. Moments later, Bunnell senior striker Justin Lewis executed a beautiful and unassisted mid-pitch goal, the first of many for Bunnell yesterday at Oxford's home field.

As the first half progressed, Lewis performed his second goal, a low and fast strike that was assisted by senior Zachary Zurita (13). Then Lewis broke down the Oxford defense yet again, and notched another goal for Bunnell, in doing so awarding himself a hat trick. Bunnell kept Oxford on their toes by dominating possession for the majority of the first half. The Bunnell Boys used the field to their advantage as Oxford had many holes that consented to opportunity for Bunnell.

Defense seemed the focus for Bunnell in the second half. However, an aggressive back line led to a penalty kick for Oxford as Bunnell goalkeeper Sebastian Tamayo collided with an Oxford attacking player. Tamayo, a senior, made the initial save, but Oxford was able to sweep the ball in on the rebound. Minutes later, Oxford scored their second goal, a simple one-time touch that beat Tamayo. From there the mood elevated to a close match, until the Bulldogs got their strength back with strong defense and a goal from outside the fifteen executed low and hard from junior midfielder James Gillespie (8).

With defensive players like Chris Carniero and Eduardo Romero, Oxford had a hard time getting open shots off. The second half saw Gillespie score his second goal of the game, capitalizing on a 3-on-1 break. Bunnell's sixth goal was compliment of a Gillespie assist in which Lewis was the goal scorer. After a late Oxford yellow card, senior midfielder Robert Rivera netted Bunnell's seventh and final goal.

"We came out hard tonight and will continue to do so in the upcoming games,” said Coach Ginand. “Our goal this season is to win championships."

The Bunnell Boys made it to championships last year, but didn't leave with any hardware, he said. 

The Bunnell Bulldogs next game is at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 24 against Stratford High School.