Brandywine scored the games only two goals in the final five minutes to beat Parchment 2-0 to move to 3-9 on the season Wednesday.

Throughout the first half both teams were able to control the ball. The first 20 minutes belonged to Brandywine as Parchment could do nothing but play defense. The forward tandem of Brady Duval and Michael Okayama looked to combine with each other and create scoring chances but were unsuccessful.

The best scoring opportunity for Brandywine came in the 22nd minute from a Duval shot that caused the Parchment goalkeeper to make a brilliant save to his left.

The ladder part of the first half saw Brandywine playing more defense as Parchment looked to grasp the game play better. Brandywine was able to play solid defense behind Bret Jacobs and Grant and Garrett Lerner.

“I think maybe we got a little bit tired towards the end of the half,” Brandywine coach Evan Winkler said. “We just stopped playing our game a little bit and got too relaxed. We dribbled the ball too much and didn’t possess the ball. Our defense allowed some easy saves for Alec Horvath. I have to give Parchment credit though, they put pressure on us.”

Brandywine had a strong start to the second half.

Duval had three shots within the opening five minutes but could not find the back of the net. Duval continued his scoring opportunities with a free kick and breakaway that the Parchment goalkeeper saved well.

Parchment’s best scoring opportunity came in the 57th minute when a ball squeaked through the Brandywine defense. The Parchment player was one on one with Brandywine goalkeeper Horvath and shot the ball to the left corner, but it was saved.

As the game was nearing a close it seemed as though it would end in a tie. The ball was possessed and lost by both teams until Brandywine broke the deadlock.

Lerner cleared from the defensive end with found Okayama. Okayama was able to score far post on a breakaway in the 75th minute for this fourth goal of the year.

“We came out with intensity the first ten minutes of the second half,” Winkler said. “That really set the tone for us for the rest of the game. We were able to put pressure on them and shoot the ball. Parchment’s goalkeeper was very good technically. I have to give him credit.

Brandywine received insurance with a second goal two minutes later when Duval dribbled the ball down the left side and passed to Eddy Mugenzi on the top of the 18-yard box.  Mugenzi was able to shoot the ball with the outside of the foot and found the side netting.

“We are continuing to work hard every day at practice,” Winkler said. “We have come a long way since the beginning of the season. The mentality is there, they don’t quit no matter how bad it gets. There are different successes out there.”

Brandywine takes a week off and playing Bridgman Wednesday in BCS action.

 

BRANDYWINE 2, PARCHMENT 0

At Niles

Halftime Score

Parchment 0, Brandywine 0

 

Second Half

BW – Michael 75th minute Okayama (Garrett Lerner assist)

BW – Eddy Mugenzi 77th minute (Brady Duval assist)

Varsity record: Brandywine 3-9