Big Blue Drowns Fishermen's Hopes of Tournament Play

Gloucester's hopes of returning to tournament play after a year absence were dashed when Swampscott scored three goals in the final twenty minutes of play on their home field Tuesday afternoon.

Gloucester earned a 1-0 first half lead on Chris Peritore's eleventh goal of the season. Zach Ciaramitaro who looked dangerous in his twenty first half minutes provided the assist.

Although the Fishermen generated several other opportunities, most coming on direct counterattacks through Peritore, Ciaramitaro, and Anthony LaRocca, they could not stretch the lead and had to settle for the single goal lead heading into halftime.

Despite missing two starters and three other varsity players through illness and injury, the Gloucester midfield and back four stymied the Big Blue attack. The Fishermen contained Swampscott's attacking all-stars and won more than its share of 50/50 balls.

The second half began with the Fishermen and Big Blue carving out chances but neither able to alter the score. Then half way into the final frame a Swampscott striker latched onto a missed clearance and passed the ball into the corner of the Fishermen goal to equalize.

Ten minutes later calamity struck the Fishermen. Ben Hannah, who had played an error free game as a central back for Gloucester, was harshly adjudged to have fouled a Swampscott attacker on his way to goal. Hannah was sent off for decent and Swampscott scored the ensuing penalty kick.

Down to ten men the Fishermen struggled to find their way back into the match but could not generate genuine opportunities and in the final minute the Big Blue put the game beyond doubt on a free kick from just outside the penalty box.

The loss eliminated the Fishermen from the tournament. Despite the disaster that struck late in the match the Fishermen showed themselves to be worthy opponents, having generated dozens of chances and having played with tactical discipline throughout the match.

Gloucester will end their season with Senior Night Monday, November 2 at 6:00 PM against Danvers.

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The JVs continued their winning ways with a 2-1 victory over the Big Blue.