Published October 9, 2019
WAKEFIELD — The Wakefield High boys’ soccer team hosted Woburn on Friday night with a four-game undefeated streak (3-0-1) dating back to Sept. 20.
The Warriors kept the momentum going with a 3-1 victory over the Tanners.
“It was probably the best game of the season so far,” said Wakefield head coach Ilir Ujkaj.
The first statement was made by senior center back Josh Goc. The strong defender is known for first and foremost shutting down his opponents, but Warrior fans also know about his left foot and the power it generates.
JOHN SUMMERS scored Wakefield’s second goal during their 3-1 win over Woburn on Friday. (Dan Pawlowski File Photo)
Goc takes the free kicks when the ball is on Wakefield’s half. That was technically the case 15 minutes into Friday’s game when he lined up for a free kick a couple of feet behind the midfield line. Goc took a look at the goalie’s positioning, put a hand up and cranked one through the crisp October air right into the upper 90 of Woburn’s goal. It was no doubt the goal of the year.
Wakefield’s energy went through the roof as they started to dominate possession.
John Summers capitalized on the increased opportunities, taking possession on the right wing up top, hesitating and beating Woburn’s left back as he took control on a dangerous left foot of his own. A couple of dribbles and a low shot into the bottom left corner quickly put Wakefield up 2-0.
The Warriors scored their third goal of the half from distance once again. This time, freshman Nemo Rizk received the ball on the Woburn half and after settling it down, took a shot that Ujkaj could only describe as “unbelievable.” It was a high, looping shot that just got over the outstretched arms of the keeper.
The second half for Wakefield was more about time management as they came away with a clutch victory that improved their record to 5-3-2.
The Warriors traveled to Belmont on Monday and dropped a close 2-1 contest.
“We started strong but couldn’t finalize,” said Ujkaj. “The goal (Belmont) scored that broke the ice in the 25th minutes really impacted our game.”
The Warriors, now with a 5-4-2 record have already tied their number of points from last season with six games to go.
Wakefield has some big games coming at home, starting on Thursday at 5 p.m. against Winchester. They then host Freedom foe Watertown on Monday at 5 p.m.
