Coventry pulls away from Canton to advance in Class S soccer tournament

On a cold, windy afternoon, Canton’s Alexander Sullivan battles for the ball in a 4-1 loss to Coventry in the Class S quarterfinals. (Photo courtesy Bill Brewster)

COVENTRY, Nov. 10 – The Coventry High boys soccer team scored two goals in less than a minute in the final six minutes to beat No. 15 Canton in the Class S quarterfinals on a cold, brisk Friday afternoon, 4-1.

The No. 7 Patriots had a 1-0 halftime lead thanks to a goal from Mike Sisk and extended the lead to two goals on a penalty kick by Mason Danielson with 26:49 left in the game.

But a pair of goals with 5:21 and 4:13 remaining, from Dan Hendel and Zach Stoddard, iced the game for Coventry (13-5), which advances to the Class S semifinals against NCCC rival Somers (15-3), the No. 3 seed in the Class S tournament.

Canton senior Axel Tanner (11) controls the ball in Friday’s Class S quarterfinal loss to Coventry. (Photo courtesy Bill Brewster)

Canton senior Jacob Benedetti (29) battles a Coventry defender for the ball in Friday’s loss to the Patriots. (Photo courtesy Bill Brewster)

Canton (9-8-2) got on the scoreboard on Alexander Sullivan’s first goal of the season with 3:04 remaining in regulation. Canton goalie D.J. Clemens made six saves in net. Coventry goalie Ryan Hayes made no saves. Danielson and Stoddard each finished with a goal and an assist.

It was third game of the season between the two NCCC rivals. Coventry won on Sept. 13, with a 3-1 victory while Canton won game two on October 2, also by a 3-1 score.

Canton’s James Mattson (27) dribbles downfield in Friday’s Class S quarterfinal loss to Coventry. (Photo courtesy Bill Brewster)