Crusaders play Western Mass to an entertaining draw

The AC Crusaders - Western Mass Pro Soccer match was an entertaining affair that saw both teams have multiple chances in the first half. Dodji Fritas was consistent threat in front of the Western Mass goal. He had an attempt on a beautiful cross that was on target but was collected by Western Mass keeper Jose Silva.  For AC, Mike Randall was starting in goal for the first time this season and made many impressive saves during the match. Randall was not nervous about the start. "I was pretty confident going in," Randall said. "I have been training for the past two or three months, waiting for my turn to go in."

The second half saw scoring open up. Fritas opened the scoring in the 55th minute when he collected a rebounded shot in front of the Western Mass goal to give the Crusaders a 1-0 lead. But that lead was short lived as Maxi Veira of Western Mass equalized to make it 1-1.

The rest of the half saw a defensive battle that included hard challenges, great saves by both keepers, and possession battles in the midfield. It would end with the teams tied at 1-1.

"I think we had better of the chances. We stuck to the game plan and took it to them," said Crusader Kyle Martyn. "Tying a top team in the league, we're continuing on the right path."

The Crusaders now go on the road to play Icon FC on Saturday May 16 for another hard match against another top team.