By Michael Letendre

MIDDLETOWN – The Bristol Eastern boys soccer squad nearly earned a draw against rival Middletown on Wednesday but fell in the end by a 1-0 final on the road.

The Blue Dragons’ Marshall Butler scored the lone goal as he cut inside two defenders and drilled the game winner with 4:30 left to play in the match. 

Middletown improved 8-1-3 off the winning effort while Eastern fell to 2-9-1 in the CCC South tilt.

Outside of the game-winning tally, the Lancers played an extremely talented team nearly toe-to-toe.

“We played hard and smart throughout most of the contest,” said Eastern coach Bill Sweet. “We didn’t capitalize on our chances, especially after controlling play in the first half.  Across the board, the team played well while Dylan Piazza, Connor Cyr, and Ty Borry had especially solid efforts as did Carlos Portillo, in goal, who saved a penalty kick.” 

Portillo collected eight saves while Middletown’s Tyler Hahn had six for the winners.  

Eastern returns to action this Friday night as Plainville invades Alumni Field at 7 p.m.