Winthrop’s senior soccer night and last home game ended in a tense 1-1 tie against Marblehead’s boys.
Both teams pushed each other, keeping the pressure on the entire game. Winthrop Head Coach Phil Ronan was pleased with how his last home game went, as he’s planning to retire after 29 years of coaching at different programs.
“This is my final year of coaching,” said Ronan. “It’s just [been] a great effort by the kids. They bought in, they fought hard, they played hard, I’m just so proud for my last home game to be something like this.”
With good defense, Winthrop held off Marblehead for the entire first half, and took the lead late when the Viking’s Sami Nessassi scored.
Throughout the second half, Winthrop worked hard to cling to their 1-0 lead, but the Magicians kept pushing. Almost scoring a goal, Marblehead was blocked at the last minute by an impressive sliding block by Winthrop’s Patrick O’Meara.
Ronan said that the Viking seniors played to win.
“The seniors gave everything they had. They knew it was their last game on the field,” said Ronan, “They played a spectacular game, and they set a proper example.”
As the time ticked down, Marblehead’s Bubacarr Jallow scored with just five minutes left in the game.
The Magicians’ Head Coach Elmer Magana lauded his team being able to keep up with Winthrop’s defense.
“We switched up formations, switched some plays around,” said Magana, “[I’m] very proud of the boys for finding the equalizer and not giving up.”
Although this is the end of one chapter for Ronan, he and his boys are looking forward to the Vikings heading on the road to the state tournament next week after “the best season in the history of the program.”
