KUA Falls 15-6 to Deerfield

KUA faced-off in a much anticipated home opener against a fast and talented squad from Deerfield Academy. Deerfield entered the game riding a three game winning streak against some of the top teams in New England. KUA nearly struck first when Co-captain Cody Danforth’s first shot just over a minute into the game struck the pipe. Deerfield moved the ball quickly down the field and found the back of the Wildcat net on the ensuing play.  Deerfield built a two goal lead before Danforth beat his defender and put KUA on the scoreboard. The visitors added two goals but KUA’s offense gained momentum with each possession and continued to put pressure on the Deerfield cage. Ben Hayden (Salem, MA) found Kyle Curry (Littleton, MA) who then ripped a shot from high in the crease over the goalie’s shoulder to bring KUA to within two goals. 

Deerfield extended its lead to 7-2 late in the second quarter. KUA never backed down, playing aggressively between the restraining boxes and forcing turnovers with key stick checks by Franklin Boswell-Taylor (Oaks Bluff, MA) and Cullen Boyle (Wilbraham, MA). KUA’s faceoff team, led by Stephen Kontos (Danvers, MA) with wing support from Kevin Vieira (Brooklyn, NY), Curry, and rookie Charles Baldwin (Ashburn, VA) helped KUA to win 50% of their battles, giving the Wildcats time and opportunities with the ball.   Their efforts paid off and, again, KUA’s offense found its rhythm.  With three minutes remaining in the half, Danforth added his second goal of the day off a quick feed from Co-captain Justin Wright (Waccabuc, NY). A minute later Danforth returned the favor, setting up Wright on the crease for his first goal of the afternoon. The half ended with KUA trailing 7-4.  Deerfield scored an opportune goal early in the third quarter and then, after two point blank saves by junior Michael Maggiore (Medford, MA), the Deerfield offense went on a five goal run. Trailing 13-4, KUA struck first in the fourth quarter when Danforth, with his back to the cage, dumped the ball over his defender and the goalie for his third tally of the day.  Jake Gray (Scituate, MA) made a pair of saves to keep the momentum in KUA’s favor before Deerfield added a pair of goals halfway through the final quarter.  Kontos ended the day’s scoring with a hard shot to the upper right.  

KUA (1-1) travels to Cushing Academy (1-2) on Saturday for a 4pm face-off.