Tight Battle Turns to Second Straight Loss for Dodgers

The boys soccer team dropped its second straight game on Monday at rival Chatham, 1-0.

1st

2nd

Total

Chatham (4-1)

1

0

1

Madison (2-2)

0

0

0

IN SHORT
Chatham senior forward Trip Burke scored the game's lone goal on Monday, helping the Chatham boys soccer team stop Madison, 1-0, at Cougar Field. Chatham, currently riding a three-game win streak, improved to 4-1 on the season, while Madison fell to 2-2. 

Aside from Burke’s early first-half score — a shot to the far post that flew past Madison goalkeeper Matt Gilbert — much of this highly contested match-up was spent in between the 20-yard lines, with both teams struggling to take control.

Despite losing center mid Brian Schafer to injury, the Cougar defense refused to budge as Madison struggled to penetrate the Chatham backline.

With only four shots on goal by Madison for the game, Burke's one score early in the first half would prove to be enough to earn the win.

DODGER OF THE GAME

Matt Gilbert — The senior goalkeeper was on his toes throughout, stopping eight of nine shots that he faced and keeping Madison in a tight game with some special saves.

OTHER KEY PERFORMANCES
Peter Willis (Madison) — Willis was all over the field and, despite a few turnovers, was a key contributer in stopping the Cougars' offensive attack; Brian Schaefer (Chatham) — Schaefer got an assist on Burke’s goal before going down with a leg injury.

THEY SAID IT
"We were hoping for the win today, but to be honest, we came out really flat...when we finally got into the game, it was too late.” — Danny Giraldo

COACH'S TAKE
“We still have a lot to build on. Chatham’s a great team, they’re definitely looked at as being in the top of our conference. We came in for a challenge, and they met our challenge. Like I’ve said all year, it’s going to take something special to beat us, and they brought something special today." — Madison head coach Frank Nunez

Up Next — Gov. Livingston Saturday at Gov. Livingston High School, 10 a.m.