TROY – The visiting Pontiac Notre Dame Prep Fighting Irish defeated the host Troy Colts 1-0 on Saturday afternoon.
The Fighting Irish started fast, scoring just 2:27 into the game off a free kick. Mason Accetturo stepped up to take a free kick from out near midfield and sent a high arcing ball into the box. Bryce Baringer got a head on, flicking it forward where Jack Bryant was waiting to head it the rest of the way, tucking it inside the near post.
The Fighting Irish defense, led by Accetturo and Danilo Judd made it stand up as the Notre Dame Prep held Troy’s offense in check. The Fighting Irish won the battles in and around the penalty area and were able to hold the Colts to just four shots on goal for the game.
“Our seniors definitely stepped up in the middle of the field defensively,” Fighting Irish head coach Rob Suffredini said. “I was very proud defensively. We’ve been inconsistent defensively, but when we’ve been good we’ve been able to blank teams. So I was very happy and Troy has a very dynamic attack. They know how to play forward, so it was a good test.”
Troy did have some chances once the Colts settled down after Notre Dame Prep’s quick start. The Troy midfield asserted itself, and the Colts got their possession game going, especially in the second half. But they just could not find the back of the net against a well organized Notre Dame defense.
“I thought we created quite a few chances, especially towards the end of the game,” Troy assistant coach Alan Zakaria said. “Give credit to their back line. They did a good job of just being real safe and clearing the balls,” he added.
The win was an important one for Pontiac Notre Dame Prep (5-4-1) especially heading into a key Catholic League game against Cranbrook on Tuesday.
“After the Divine Child disappointment (a loss on Friday), it was good to respond,” Suffrediini said. “The league is very competitive. There is a lot of parity. They (Cranbrook) jumped on us very early at their place, so it will be another good test for our defense. We did well today, but they have some dynamic forwards and scoring a lot of goals so we’ll see what happens. I’m looking forward to the challenge on our field as opposed to playing at Cranbrook,” he added.
Troy slips to 3-3-2 overall. But Zakaria was happy with the effort from the Colts.
“I think the whole team played hard. I’m pleased that they came in and tried to give it their best effort,” Zakaria said. “We just have to keep getting better each game and learn from it. It’s a marathon, and we just want to keep getting better each game. I think there is no doubt that we will.”
Troy resumes play on Thursday with a road trip to Stoney Creek for an OAA Red showdown.
MI Prep Zone, September 12, 2015