A split-second reaction from Alejandro Maclean launched Greenwich High into the FCIAC championship game following his 52nd minute set piece goal, putting the Cardinals over Fairfield Warde 2-1 in the semifinal match.
The Cardinal captain approached his set shot calmly and with confidence knowing what he had to do.
“In the first half I saw on a free kick, when I was crossing the ball, the keeper stayed on his left side post until the ref blew his whistle,” said Maclean.
The referee’s whistle was still ringing when Maclean’s foot struck the ball from just over 20-yards out into the far right side of the net.
“I saw the keeper leave his entire right side open,” said Maclean. “I was waiting until the moment the ref blew his whistle and I just shot it as fast as I could to the other side.”
Alejandro Maclean’s 58′ set shot to give Greenwich 2-1 lead/win over Warde. Cardinals will play Trumbull for FCIAC crown. #ctbsoc pic.twitter.com/W5tRp0iicp
— Evan Triantafilidis (@EvanTria47) November 2, 2016
Greenwich would overcome an early 0-1 deficit to earn the right to play in the FCIAC title game against Trumbull.
“Experience does count, obviously, but you can see we got pushed to the limits today,” said GHS head coach Kurt Putnam.
Fairfield Warde would put in the first goal of the game in the 7th minute from Jonathan Schuster’s own set piece.
“To come from behind, it’s something we really haven’t had to do yet this year,” said Putnam. “It shows that when we need to, we can dig in and try and get something back. Sebastian’s goal for us really put us at ease. It was a lovely shot with his weaker foot.”
Hernandez would find the upper-left corner to put the game at a 1-1 tie in the 31st minute of play.
Putnam would give loads of credit to his seniors and captains for maintaining composure and being able to settle down at halftime with the score tied. One of the most outspoken coaches in the conference turned to a more tranquil tone during halftime.
“The back line of seniors, particularly Inaki Mendive and Zach Friedman, they know… I don’t really need to point that stuff out and I have to trust my players,” said Putnam. “Trust is an important part.”
Greenwich would get their chances early in the second half with a trio of free kicks just a few yards outside the box. Warde’s tries at a pair of second half corner kicks came close, but it would be Maclean’s set piece in the 52nd minute that was the difference in the end.
“Everyone on this team knows that it’s win or lose,” said Maclean. “The entire season we’ve gone undefeated, but that means nothing if we can’t finish it off in the end. We all stressed how much we had to keep our cool and fight hard on the 50/50’s.”
The Greenwich victory sets up a battle of unbeatens between the Golden Eagles of Trumbull and the Cardinals. The two teams played to a scoreless draw in the regular season.
“They’re a good side,” said Putnam. “They got pace everywhere, good technical players and strength. It has the potential to be an incredible final.”
