ROCKPORT — Moving forward, the best news for the Rockport boys soccer team is that there will be another game(s). When and against whom is soon to be determined.
Last night's 0-0 tie with North Reading (4-9-2), wasn't a picture-perfect Senior Night by any means but the Vikings (11-4-3) have bigger things to worry about now that the regular season is over and the Division 3 North tournament seedings will be announced tomorrow. Last year a record like Rockport's would've earned the No. 3 seed in Division 3 North.
"Both teams had chances," said Rockport head coach Dave Curley. "The score is reflective of the game. That's the Cape Ann League, North Reading is probably going to finish two points out of the tournament. If they get a finisher, they're in the tournament."
Vikings junior goalkeeper Keady Segel capped off a great regular season with his 10th shutout of the year. Segel made eight saves last night, including two highlight-reel stops.
In the ninth minute, North Reading senior P.J. Dionne found himself wide open after he just stayed onsides but Segel was able to race off his line and smother the shot.
Sixteen minutes later, Hornets senior midfielder James Lawlor had a shot ticketed for the corner of the net but Segel was able to dive and deflect it wide for a North Reading corner kick.
Rockport's offense finally woke up and freshman striker Connor Douglass almost put them ahead 1-0 after a beautiful through ball from senior midfielder Mike Emerson. Douglass' left-footed shot was saved by Hornets junior goalkeeper Ben Harrow (seven saves).
At the start of the second half, Rockport sophomore defender AJ Burnham made a rare run forward and he was rewarded with a breakaway opportunity. He fired a hard shot at Harrow but the goalkeeper did well to steer it over the crossbar for another corner kick.
The teams traded chances as goals were very hard to come by in this contest. In the 66th minute, Emerson's free kick from outside the box looked ticketed for the net but once again Harrow deflected it over.
Shortly after that, Rockport senior midfielder Andreas Contreras' cross from the left side hit the top of the net.
Finally, Segel robbed Dionne with another diving save. Rockport pressured North Reading with time running out but a scramble in front of the net didn't result in anything but more frustration.
"AJ's clean breakaway and Emerson's free kick were some great chances," said Curley. "Keady made two good saves too so it was a pretty even match."
Rockport will practice today and then have a scrimmage with Triton tomorrow, another quality CAL team going to the postseason.
"I'm happy where we are," Curley says, "I think we're ready for the next part of the season."
