The Danvers Girls Soccer Team traveled to Swampscott Wednesday evening for their second game in two nights.  Danvers knew coming into the match up that the Big Blue would certainly be one of their toughest opponents this season.  Swampscott didn't waste any time reminding the Falcons how tough they are.  Less than a minute into the match, a Danvers player was called for an unintentional head ball resulting in an indirect free kick for Swampscott 6 yards from goal.  The hosts buried their chance making the game 1-0.  Not long after, the Falcons retaliated.  Junior, Arianna Bezanson took a pass from sophomore Mikayla Shaffaval and blasted a shot from from 20 18 yards out to even the score.  Although the Falcons maintained possession for much of the rest of the half, the score remained 1-1.

 

Swampscott wasted no time once again as the second half began.  Jr. Sophie DeGrande collect a miss hit clear from Danvers and shot the ball from 25 yards out, just out of the reach of Danvers keeper Holly DeAngelis.  Down 2-1, Danvers attacked relentlessly.  They had many opportunities to score but their shots sailed either just wide or the Swampscott keeper was there to make the save.  With time winding down in the the 3rd quarter, Danvers answered.  Senior Captain Riley DiGilio took a great left footed shot that found the back of the net, evening the score.  The goal was assisted by fellow Captain and classmate Livvi Anderson.  

 

"We were knocking on the door for so long.  I felt it was just a matter of time before we got that tying goal.  Riley did well to use her left to take that shot."

 

Danvers seemed to get stronger as the 4th quarter began.  The Falcons made a few adjustments and they paid off quickly.  Bezanson scored 3 more times in the final frame, all assisted by senior Julia Vaillancourt giving the visitors the 5-2 win.  

 

"That was an intense game played at a very high level by both teams.  We made a couple of mistakes and they made us pay for them with the 2 goals.  However, we only gave up a total of 3 shots all game so I was very pleased with our team defense.  Livvi Anderson and Avery Scharffenberg were strong at center back and Mikayla Shaffaval and Gabby Chisholm were awesome on the outsides for us.  Emma Dunn gave us a major lift off the bench and played very strong."

 

"I thought we also played an amazing game in the midfield.  Mia Jordan was terrific in the middle of the field as our offensive creator.  She combined really well with both Vaillancourt and Scharffenberg to not only create offensive opportunities but to also shut down some of Swampscott's stronger players."

 

The win puts Danvers at 2-0 for the season heading into their third game, Friday at Gloucester.

 

"I can't remember the last time a Danvers team came back from 2 deficits in one game.  That says a lot about this team.  They never gave up and fought through to get the victory.  Arianna was amazing tonight.  Their defense was draped all over her and she still found ways to get those goals.  Amazing performance.  

 

 

Jimmy