Fresh from a 5-0 victory over East Haven on Monday, Hamden extended its undefeated record Wednesday with a 2-1 victory at Xavier in Middletown.
Xavier’s early goal put them ahead in the first 20 minutes. Interrupted intermittently by Xavier’s aggressive play, Hamden’s ball control and precision passing soon adapted to Xavier’s grass field.
As the game progressed, Hamden dominated the time of possession, and diverted a number of long Xavier passes away from its forwards, turning the ball back to launch repeated strikes. After being fouled by a Xavier defender, Alex Zapata drilled an unstoppable direct kick from 26 yards to the underside of the crossbar, ball bouncing hard to the ground behind the Xavier goalkeeper . It was Zapata’s sixth goal of the season.
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Hamden took twice as many shots in the second half as in the first, outshooting Xavier more than 2 to 1 while pressing to break the tie. During the second half, the contrast in team styles became more evident, with Hamden controlling the ball most of the time, and Xavier hustling to thwart the plays.
Another Xavier foul set up another direct kick by Zapata from just outside the 18. Xavier formed a wall ten paces from the ball. Zapata launched a waist-level rocket which bounded hard off a defender, straight back to Zapata, who booted it again into the upper left corner of the net to go ahead 2-1.
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After the go-ahead goal, Hamden’s defense showed its true colors, as Xavier’s formidable last-minute efforts nearly succeeded, but for the gutsy play and keen anticipation of Hamden goalkeeper Adam Miedzinski.
Xavier’s persistent offensive attempts were firmly and deftly diffused by Connor Walsh, Bobby Foster, Matt Sullo and Noah Leone, whose soaring goal kicks retaliated deep into Xavier territory. Hamden forwards Zapata and Tristan Mahan blasted several final shots with the support of center midfielders Jon Miller & Austin Tomin in the game’s waning minutes.
Hamden’s victory brings the team’s record to 4-0 going into Saturday night’s game in West Haven.
