PEABODY — The Tanners got a big win over Gloucester Wednesday, which was made that much sweeter by the fact that Peabody celebrated its seniors before the match kicked off.
The Tanners won 5-2, overcoming a strong start from the Fishermen, who scored a quick goal. However, Peabody’s Taylor Bettencourt was able to return the favor on the next drive tying the game 1-1.
“We got behind early, which was a little bit scary especially since we as a team have been having a tough time putting the ball in the net. So, it was really good to come from behind and finish that off late in the second off,” said Peabody’s coach, Andrew Douglass.
Connie Patturelli was next to score at the 38-minute mark of the first half, giving Peabody the lead with a score of 2-1. However, Gloucester answered right, tying the score 2-2 at the end of the half.
“We tend not to hold onto the ball and just get rid of it. We also struggle with our confidence, so for some reason, when we get the ball, we always just want to get rid of it so quickly,” said Douglass. “Today, I think we held onto the ball and made some good passes when normally we would just be trying to kind of play kickball. Which is what we are trying to get away from.”
The second half was even more of a battle, with both teams putting up a fight. Ally Bettencourt took a shot on goal at the 28-minute mark of the second half and found the back of the net, making the score 3-2 and once again giving Peabody the lead. But, this time, the Tanners took the ball and ran with it.
“I thought that we had a lot of confidence holding the ball and made some really good decisions at the final third of the game. Everybody was really unselfish, which was exactly what I like to see,” said Douglass. “Connie Patturelli and Ally Bettencourt both had two goals which was awesome. Our goalkeeper in the second half Alessandra Forgione came up big and [was] just lights out. Branae Craveiro played awesome in the midfield today, as well as our other captains. Jessica Duda played very well on offenses too.”
Patturelli got her second goal of the game at the 33-minute mark of the second half, extending Peabody’s lead to 4-2.
Bettencourt drove the ball downfield, faking out Gloucester’s goalkeeper for her second of the game at the 35-minute mark, bringing the game to its final score of 5-2.
“This was a big confidence booster which is really good. We play Haverhill next, which is going to be a good test, and I think just giving that momentum is going to be high for us,” said Douglass.
The Tanners take on Haverill at home on Sat. Sept. 24.
Maddi Filip can be reached at [email protected].
