Boys soccer: Banged-up Bonilla overcomes injury, lifts Gloucester past Salem, 1-0

  • 10/10 - 4:00 PM Boys SoccerFinal
    Salem 0
    Gloucester 1
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GLOUCESTER -- Gloucester's James Bonilla had to leave Friday's game in the first half after injuring an arm during warm-ups.

"We were drilling and I hit my arm on the (goalpost)," Bonilla said. "Then it swelled up during the game."

When he returned, he made a trip to the net that was far less painful.

Bonilla scored midway through the first half to lift the Lions to a 1-0 victory over Salem.

Bonilla aggravated the injury jumping for a ball in the opening half. He fell hard on the arm and was forced out of the game to receive treatment, then returned minutes later.

Justin Ly sent a pass that split two defenders to fellow junior Bonilla, who took it in stride to the right side and beat the goalie low.

"I had no emotions going through my mind. I had no words, I was so happy," Bonilla said. "But without (Ly's assist), I wouldn't have scored that goal."

The Lions improved to 3-7-2 and avenged a 2-1 overtime loss to the Rams (5-8) suffered Sept. 16.

The Lions have not been short on effort this season. Coach Joe Meehan said his team stays in games but has been unable to finish up top.

He was happy the second Salem game was different.

"It feels great, especially it being a rivalry game," Meehan said. "Salem always plays tough and to pull one out at home it's really a good feeling, especially with how hard we worked this season."

What the game lacked in scoring, it made up for in physical play. The refs had to step between players numerous times. It could be explained by the schools' being rivals, but Meehan said physical play is typical for the Lions.

"For any soccer game we like to play hard," Meehan said. "Sometimes it can be mistaken, but we play hard."

The Lions defense definitely followed that philosophy, allowing only one shot to reach goalie Trey Thompson.

Meanwhile, the Lions peppered Rams goalie Tanner Humphreys with eight shots on target.

"We finally came together as a team," Meehan said. "Everyone stepped up and played well and that's what we've been looking for all year. Hopefully, we can carry that into the future."

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