Magers scores 3 to pace Indians Tracewski’s net play stifles Rams

BANGOR – The Old Town boys soccer team has been rolling this year, but the Indians had a certain game from last season on their minds before a matchup against Bangor Thursday night.

The last time the two teams met, Old Town emerged with the win. The Indians did even better this time around against a Bangor team dealing with injuries to key players.

Old Town got three goals from Brenton Magers and the Rams had trouble solving goalie Tyler Tracewski as the Indians rolled to a 5-1 victory at the high school field.

It’s clear that Old Town-Bangor is becoming another local rivalry. It was an exciting, physical game, and the referees handed out three yellow cards.

“We wanted to set a tone,” said Magers, one of eight seniors starting for 6-0 Old Town. “It’s our last year, and we want to finish it up right.”

Old Town took the lead on Magers’ first goal about 10 minutes into the game, and he made it 2-0 when he headed in the rebound of a shot off the crossbar 41/2 minutes later. And in another three minutes, the Indians would take a three-goal lead when Dustin Marley scored.

Bangor pressed on offense, trying to regain some advantage before halftime, and had a number of good chances after a string of four corner kicks. Nick Larochelle had the Rams’ best opportunity when they were awarded a penalty kick after a push in the area, but the shot went right to Tracewski.

Tracewski’s one slipup came about nine minutes into the second half, when he pounced on a cross by Dylan George only to have the ball pop loose and Adam Towne kick it into the low left corner of the net.

“I think we got a little too comfortable in the second half,” said Tracewski, who had 13 saves on 17 shots. “We relaxed and they took advantage of that.”

The Rams again picked up the pressure, but Old Town got a goal from Garrity, and Magers netted his third with 1:19 left in the game.

The game was Magers’ first on the front line this year. He had been the starting center midfielder, but he said coach Mark Graffam wanted to see what he could do as a more offensive-minded player.

“This is my first game trying to get up there and put them in,” Magers said. “I guess it worked, but none of the goals could have been scored without my team.”

Garrity, Mike Perkins, Nate Lonko, Hogan Marquis, and Matt Petrie each had an assist.

The 2-3 Rams, who are missing starters due to a variety of injuries, were called offsides at least three times in each half.

“It’s taking time for us to come together,” Bangor coach Adam Leach said. “We’re still in preseason form, [Old Town is] in midseason form. … I’m pleased with the guys, but I told them at halftime that they had to start believing in themselves. They have to get that in their heads.”

Bangor’s Austin Smith made five saves on 15 shots, while substitute Brian Tomassetti didn’t make a save on the one shot he faced in the final 5 1/2 minutes of the game.

JV: Old Town 2-1