Dragons Tune Up For Season Opener

In their final scrimmage prior to the start of the Fall 2009 campaign, the Haverford Dragons put in a solid performance against the HSC U14s last night at Preston Field, coming from a goal down to claim victory 2-1.

Despite trailing at the break, the Dragons did not retreat and continued pressing for an equalizer, which came courtesy a fine build up and finish by Conor Bradley, who caught the keeper out and slotted home.

The Dragons had kept the game within reach through a combination of quality goalkeeping by John Kuyat and valiant defending by a back line of _ among others _ Sean Kaufmann, Senan Farrely, Shane Bradley and Peter Moore.

While the U14s sought to take advantage of a speed advantage, and often got in behind the Dragons’ defenders, the Dragons did not panic.

Kuyat went to ground several times to deny the opponents in the first half, and denied the U14 attack at full stretch on at least one occasion.

When Kuyat was unable to pounce on the ball lat in the first half, Farrely was on hand to make a last ditch tackle which frustrated the U14s even as the goal stood gaping.

The U14s found a second goal more than a little elusive, but the Dragons were able to capitalize on their chances and, using consistent pressure forced a turnover which resulted in the goal which would put their noses in front.

Ryan Brown took possession on the right side of midfield and lofted a pass into the middle where Noah Cordrey met it mid-flight as the U14 keeper rushed out.

Cordrey was a step better and got just enough of a touch to send the ball into the back of the net.

The Dragons now look to Saturday and the opening match with Hockessin Lightning.