FALLS VILLAGE >> Willy Yahn’s goal in the first half was all the Housatonic Mountaineers needed as they cruised to an easy win over the Thomaston Golden Bears, 3-0.
“We knew we would play well against Thomaston,” said Yahn, who normally plays goalie, played out of the net after hurting his left shoulder during practice. “That’s the game plan to come out early and score.”
The Mountaineers added two more goals in the second half, by Renato Oliviera and Eric Gabrialson.
“Eric (Gabrialson) played the best game of his varsity career,” said Housatonic head coach, Jim Terrall. “We had three good goals.”
Housatonic had a ton of chances to put the game away early in the first half but they weren’t able to.
“I feel like we still have a long way to go, we have potential that the team hasn’t realized yet,” said Terrall. “We need to finish more.”
Thomaston head coach Martin Giroux felt like his team failed to capitalize on only being down 1-0 at half.
“It was disappointing, we were lucky to be down 1-0 at half, we didn’t seize the moment, we’re still young ,” said Giroux. “We don’t play smart, I don’t mind the mistakes but not the mental mistakes.”
One of the, if not the only, highlight of the game for the Golden Bears was the play of their senior defender Alex Gagne.
“Alex was outstanding, he is coming off a knee injury so he’s not 100% yet,” said Giroux. “He’s our best player and we need him to play 100% if we are going to win.”
For most of the game, both Yahn and Gagne battled in front of the Thomaston net. Even though Yahn did score one goal, Gagne prevented opportunities for more.
“He’s a great player, since I was playing out of the net today I wanted to take on one of the best players in the league,” said Yahn, who was happy to be able to score a goal.
“It feels good,” Yahn smiled.
Once the game began the Mountaineers took control on the ball and never let the Golden Bears have it.
The Mountaineers totaled 11 shots to Thomaston zero.
“We were winning every single ball,” said Yahn.
On the defensive side of the ball the Mountaineers were able to challenge the Golden Bears and get the ball right back.
“We moved Tim Haan back to sweeper and he has helped our defense out a lot,” said Terrall.
Thomaston goalie Shane O’Bar had 10 saves for the Golden Bears in the loss.
The Golden Bears fall to 0-3, they hope to get their first win of the season by the end of the week.
“We have Gilbert on Friday, it should be more competitive then this game,” said Giroux.
Housatonic has rebounded after a loss to open their season against Nonnewaug to win their next two games and now sit at 2-1.
“I’m happy with them, we set our goal to be near the top of the BL this season,” said Terrall.
Housatonic 3, Thomaston 0
At Housatonic High School
Housatonic 1 2 – 3
Thomaston 0 0 – 0
Goals: H – Willy Yahn; Renato Oliviera; Eric Gabrialson. Assists: H – Sam Hurlburt; Renato Oliviera.
Saves: H – Eric Chin 0; T – Shane O’Bar 10.
Records: Housatonic 2-1, Thomaston 0-3.
