Worcester Hydra Need Win to Stay Alive in Divisional Race
Saturday, June 09, 2012
Worcester's Junior Alencar is one of the PDL's most assertive offensive players. But, the Hydra have had to play without him this past week because of a Red Card he drew Sunday.
The Hydra (2-2-2) travel to New Britain, Connecticut today for a pivotal matchup with CFC Azul. The two clubs are locked in a virtual tie for fourth place in the PDL's Northeast Division. The Hydra can jump all the way to second place with a win, but Worcester coach Elvis Comrie wants his club to maintain an even keel.
"Every game is significant for us," Comrie said. "We're always working for results, but we know that the entire month of June is going to make our season, not any one game."
Worcester's stellar defense will have the unenviable task of slowing down the Northeast's top offense. Azul's 13 goals are tops in the division, but the Hydra catch a break as Azul's leading scorer Ryan Kinne will be playing with the New England Revolution's reserve squad today.
The Hydra will have to find some offense of their own, however. Worcester has scored just one goal from the field in the past three games, and have missed leading scorer Alencar Junior, who has missed the past game and a half after being given a Red Card in Sunday's game against the GPS Portland Phoenix.
"I haven't spoken to Junior yet about getting sent off, but I will before the game," Comrie said. "I don't think the Red Card was warranted, but what's done is done. I'm sure he'll be anxious to get back out there and get to it."
With Junior out of the lineup, Michael Bustamante asserted himself offensively, taking five shots Wednesday against the Western Mass Pioneers. It was midfielder Bruno Bonicontro, however, that scored the team's lone goal in the 1-1 draw. Along with Junior, the Hydra were also without key defenders Chris Ager and Colin Murphy, and were missing six contributors in all for their Wednesday clash.
"Our issue is the fact that many of our players have job related and school commitments, and we've been a little short-handed," Comrie said. "But I'm sure a lot of teams in our league are dealing with the same issues, so it's about how we sort those things out and get through it."
The Hydra are certainly hoping the return of Junior will jump start their offense. He has scored four of the team's five goals this season, and still ranks in the top-10 in the PDL in shots, despite missed time. But when it comes down to it, the Hydra want to win with their defense, which is currently the division's best.
"If you look at championship teams, all of their players have bought in to the principles of playing defense," Comrie said. "If you can play great defense consistently, and then you have an X-factor like our friend Junior, you can have great results."
The Hydra take the field tonight at Willowbrook Park. Kick-off is scheduled for 7:30 pm.
Related Articles
- Former Holy Cross Coach Named Head Coach of Worcester Hydra
- NEW: Hydra Prepare for Brutal Stretch of Road Games
- NEW: Worcester’s Hydra FC Looking for Back-to-Back Wins
- NEW: Worcester Soccer Club Adds to Inaugural Roster
- NEW: Worcester Soccer Club Makes First Ever Signing
- New Soccer Team to Kick-Off Season in Worcester
Follow us on Pinterest Google + Facebook Twitter See It Read It