Soccer: Northampton wears down Arcadia

The Northampton High School Soccer team is finally getting its groove. After tying its first two matches, the Blue Jackets have gone undefeated and unscored on in the last four games. They currently sit at 4-0-2.

Thursday, Northampton shut down a fast and talented Arcadia club 2 nill. Early on, the game was marked by sloppy midfield play and tight defense. Northampton was able to attack the Arcadia defense on several occasions, but excellent goaltending kept the game tied 0-0 at halftime.

Yellow Jackets more to 4-0-2 (Chris Glennon Photo)

Northampton was able to keep the pressure on the Firebird defense. Arcadia took advantage of defensive meltdowns by Northampton and got some strong strikes on goal, but goalie Chuckie Maldonado was able to come up with big saves. It should be noted that Maldonado has not given up a play related goal all season. The only two scores came from penalty kicks.

Midway through the second half, the Jacket’s attack was starting to take its toll, as Arcadia was forced into a strictly defensive posture. With under 10 minutes left, Cameron Glennon took advantage of a defensive breakdown in the right penalty area and blasted a perfect, low strike into the goal giving Northampton 1 – 0 lead.

Northampton continued to pressure offensively, with fast, physical play. Using his body, Joey Creed was able to muscle past the left side defender, but before he could fire on goal, he was fouled and was awarded a penalty kick. Creed set a strike into the left corner to give Northampton a 2-0 lead.

The game ended 2-0.

Northampton, now with a record of 4-0-2,  looks forward to Monday’s game against rival Nandua, at Nandua.