Trailing 2-1 in the second half, it looked like the Madison High School boys soccer team (9-4) might be headed to its fifth loss of the season. But the Dodgers remained resilient, scoring two goals late in the second half to pull out a gritty 3-2 win over Governor Livingston High School (5-6-1) in Berkley Heights on Friday.
After the Dodgers saw Governor Livingston striker Julian Light score two goals in the first half, Madison forward Vinny Bennett shortened the deficit to one as he deflected a ball off of his knee past the Governor Livingston goalkeeper. That goal was Bennett's eighth in the past four games.
"I think if you look at the first half, we just started flat," Madison head coach Gary Adair said. "We know we can play against teams like this but it comes down to heart and the ability to get the job done, especially on a field like this and with weather like this. It's not going to be pretty but you've just got to make due with it. It's nice to get out with the win."
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In the second half, the Dodgers looked more confident as they made intelligent passes and smart tackles. But Madison struggled to find space on offense as the Highlanders–in an effort to hold onto their one goal lead–focused primarily on overloading the defensive zone.
While Governor Livingston's strategy was effective, Madison continued chipping away. The Dodgers' persistence eventually led to a Madison free kick from outside the box with around 20 minutes remaining.
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Madison junior Daniel Giraldo set up and just barely lofted a ball over the head of goalkeeper Matt Peltier, tying the game at 2-2.
Minutes later, with Madison on a fast break, junior midfielder Freddie Wynne fed a through pass to fellow junior Michael Clemente. Clemente took advantage of the great pass, finding the back of the net to put the Dodgers ahead, 3-2.
Madison's scoring outburst has become a trend of late, as the Dodgers have recently hit a groove offensively.
"We were talking about it yesterday," Adair said. "The first six games of the season we scored six goals and the second seven games we scored 22 goals. I think it's just a mindset. I think the first couple of games we didn't have the confidence but now I think we've built up a head of steam."
The Dodgers' confidence isn't limited to their offense though, as defensively Madison has progressed as well.
"Again, I think we're getting that confidence and a rhythm now," Adair said. "We know we've got to do and if we make a mistake, we make a mistake. It's not something that's overly dramatic."
"We're not overconfident, but I think people know what they're doing now a little bit more than three weeks ago," he said. "It's nice."