East Hampton Defeats Portland in Boys' Soccer

Following a 3-1 loss to Old Lyme on Wednesday, it was important for the East Hampton boys’ soccer team to get back on its feet Thursday against Portland.

They did.

Adam Guy’s goal with 15:03 remaining in the first half was the game’s only goal as the Bellringer’s held on for a 1-0 victory to improve to 3-1 on the season.

“This was a great game. Great sportsmanship, both sides,” East Hampton coach Bob Boscarino said. “I thought it was a hard, clean game. It was actually really enjoyable to coach.”

And the game was every bit as close as the score suggested. Denied a few times on fine saves by the Highlanders’ senior goal keeper Bryant Tobler, the Bellringers had the better of the play until midway through the second half, when Portland began to apply more consistent pressure. East Hampton’s defense didn’t bend much and certainly didn’t break en route to its third shutout for the season.

“I thought Tobler made some great plays,” Boscarino said. “I thought we had that header in. You have to give credit to the defenders, I thought they did a nice job. We had some good looks, but a lot of times they were right there.”

After splitting its first two games of the season, including a heartbreaking loss in two overtimes at home to Old Lyme, Portland showed it could have a say in the always-tough Shoreline Conference.

“I think we have a talented team,” coach James Stotler said. “It’s a matter of finding some chemistry and really just putting it all together. I believe we have all the pieces, but we’re not putting it together, unfortunately, at this point. In a league as tough as the Shoreline is going to be this year, it’s imperative that you have it together right from the start. We’re starting a little slower than we wanted to, but again, we’re playing quality teams, so there’s not a lot of room for error.”

Or for failing to take advantage of a quality scoring opportunity. In a game where there were few, Guy got one and put it in the net.

“He had a great chance, finished it, and that’s the difference in the game,” Stotler said.

Despite the goal, Stotler had nothing but praise for Tobler, his senior goal keeper.

“He’s a rock, He’s a wall,” Stotler said. “He’ll basically play his heart out every game. I honestly can’t say enough about him. He’s definitely a key to our team, definitely very valuable. He played a good game today.

“I don’t think anyone can complain that we got beat on a good shot. I know he’s wishing he could have that back because that’s the kind of standard he sets for himself. “

In Tobler and sweeper Zane Lombardo, who Stotler described as another hard-nosed player, the coach points to their senior leadership as a key for his team.

“Those two guys are trying to make this team gel as captains,” he said. “They’re showing good leadership. I think we have a good future with those two leading us.”

In East Hampton, a team that went 9-5-2 in the 2010 regular season and was a Class S quarterfinalist, expectations are high.

“I see where were going to be one of the upper teams [in the Shoreline Conference], I do,” Boscarino said. “Portland, too. That was an even game. It could have went either way. Us and Portland, I think were about even.”

Making this victory all that more important for East Hampton in a week of difficult opponents.

“This was a big week for us,” Boscarino said. “Old Lyme, Portland and now we’re going to Valley. This really will dictate how we’re going to do. Valley’s going to be another tough game.”

Speaking of Old Lyme, that loss still wasn’t sitting well with Boscarino.

“I was very disappointed with our performance [Wednesday],” he said. “I thought we came out very lackluster. [Old Lyme] came to play. Our kids were definitely more prepared today.”

The Highlanders are looking to improve on an 8-8 regular season in 2010 and a second-round exit in the Class S tournament.

“Once things start clicking, I think we’re in good shape,” Stotler said. “We’re a little behind the curve right now.”

Portland hosts Old Saybrook on Saturday at 7 p.m. East Hampton travels to Deep River to play Valley Regional at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday.