Gilbert boys soccer team plays to 0-0 tie vs. Housatonic

WINSTED — A stiff Gilbert defense led the Yellowjackets’ boys soccer team to a 0-0 tie with Housatonic Tuesday afternoon at Walker Field.

The Mountaineers (2-3-1) came in with tough losses to the Berkshire League’s top three teams – tough enough to make Housy look like it belonged near the top of the league with Lewis Mills, Northwestern and Nonnewaug.

Gilbert’s young team (2-1-3) showed up with lots to prove after an 0-16 season a year ago.

Housatonic came without its leading scorer, Johan Diaz, out with medical issues.

Gilbert sophomore goalkeeper, Hunter Smith and sophomore central defender Sean Smith were chief among those ready to make the Yellowjackets’ point.

“Our youth has some experience now,” said third-year Gilbert coach Brad Toomey. “We had growing pains last year.”

“We have to communicate well,” said Sean Smith. “We made it our priority after last year.”

Hunter Smith communicated with his fourth shutout in a row — hauling in 26 saves against just nine for Mountaineer goalie Caleb Shpur.

“We did everything but score,” said Housy coach Jim Terrall. “We moved the ball pretty well, but we were just a bit off the net in some shots, hesitated to shoot at times and they clogged up the middle.”

From the start, Housatonic, with its 26-9 shot advantage, played possession. Gilbert played kick-and-run with long kicks over the top.

“We have some speed up top,” said Toomey.

“When we push up, we’re vulnerable to fast breaks,” said Terrall.

“Calm down; let’s play together,” hollered a Housy player 17 minutes into the game, after individual Mountaineer efforts failed to break through the Yellowjackdet defense.

Two minutes later, Smith made his first big save on a blast by Housy’s Mateo Rufo 10 yards

in front of the Gilbert net.

In a minute more, Gilbert’s over-the-top threat unleashed a breakaway shot by Yellowjacket sophomore Mitch Neag in close. Shpur batted it over the top of his net.

Smith had three more great saves in the half as heat and Housy frustration mounted.

“We’re controlling this game, but we need more motion on the forward line,” said Terrall, adding another forward for the second half.

And still the Mountaineers couldn’t break through.

Housy’s Matt Lopes was just wide on one shot. Another shot skimmed across the Gilbert net.

Finally, despite Housatonic’s control, Gilbert’s chances became as good or better at running one in.

Another Gilbert sophomore, Kyle Valickis, drove through Housy’s defense for one shot, then, eight minutes from the end of regulation, couldn’t get off another shot close to Housy’s net.

Smith ended regulation with another great save.

Overtime didn’t change a thing.

“We’ll take it,” said Toomey, with a young team looking tournament-bound.