PORTLAND, Conn. — The Bayside FC U-17 squad is headed to the MLS Next Cup Playoffs.
In a winner-takes-all match on Saturday afternoon, Bayside scored twice in the first half and then held off a furious comeback attempt from Oakwood to secure a 2-1 victory and punch the final postseason ticket from the Northeast Conference.
Bayside players fell to the ground, hugged each other and posed for pictures after the final whistle blew at rainy Oakwood Soccer Park in the regular season finale.
After winning just three games in the fall season, Bayside recorded four wins in the spring to complete a 5-5-2 mark in league games.
On Saturday, Kevin Bacher’s squad received significant contributions from forwards Josue Marin and Jack Mefford, who scored in the first half to give their team a 2-0 lead.
From there, Bayside’s defense staved off Oakwood’s rally in a competitive and thrilling second half that featured high-level play and even some chippiness.
It resulted in a fantastic match, and more importantly for Bayside, ensured they will play in Nashville, Tenn., when the Playoffs begin June 14th.
Here are five takeaways from the match:
