By Michael Letendre
NEWINGTON – The Bristol Eastern soccer program wrapped up a 1-1 tie against Newington on Friday evening – moving to 3-5-3 on the campaign – from Alumni Field in Newington.
Newington slid to 6-2-1 overall as the Lancers continued its playoff push with a big tie on the road.
Eastern has five matches left this season to snare a spot in postseason play.
The first half was a back and forth affair but Eastern was unable to get a clean shot at Newington’s goal.
And the home squad put the Kingstreeters behind on the scoreboard in the first half with a late tally.
Newington’s Shawn Langu knocked home a loose ball close to the Lancers’ net with 12:21 remaining in the stanza to make it a 1-0 game.
However, the Nor’easters never scored again as Eastern’s defense held the fort the rest of the way.
“We battled defensively in the first half and wanted to slow Newington’s potent attack,” said Eastern coach Bill Sweet. “In the second half we pushed our attack and had more of the play. I’m really proud of the determined effort across the board as our pressure resulted in five corner kicks in the second half.”
With 25:45 left in the showdown, the Lancers finally drew pay dirt with a match-tying goal.
After a Ty Borry cross to Justin Sanchez was deflected over the end line by Newington, Eastern earned another corner kick.
Cody Greger took that corner kick and knocked a ball out to Sam LaMar at the top of the penalty area.
His pass found a cutting Anthony Rogers who scored his first goal of the year, knotting the score at 1-1 with a ton of time left on the clock.
The Lancers continued the pressure offensively but could not generate the go-ahead goal, settling on a 1-1 stalemate after eighty full minutes of play.
Eastern goalie Peyton Cummings came up big late in the game snaring two solid shots off Newington counters, etching up nine saves overall.
Nor’easters keeper Dakota Hawes stopped seven shots to lead the defensive charge for the home outfit.
Eastern next entertains Middletown on Tuesday at 6 p.m. from Alumni Field in Bristol.
The Kingstreeters will be holding Senior Night festivities when the Blue Dragons (7-3-1) come to town.
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