BY JERRY LIPTAK
A month ago, Hopkinton boys soccer head coach Scott Zipke was cautiously optimistic about his team’s 2007 season.
The optimism stemmed from the group’s strong offensive attack and steady, sound goalkeeping.
And the words of caution?
“We still have two very big spots to fill (on defense), and there is no obvious person waiting in the wings to fill them,” said Zipke on Aug. 27.
“If we can find the right people to fill those spots, I think we’ll be all right. But if not, I think we’re going to be giving up too many goals.”
Through Monday, Sept. 24, and seven games, Zipke’s worries were assuaged, largely due to the stellar defense in front of senior keeper and co-captain Zach Cousens.
That defensive corps includes junior sweeper Travis Kuster, as well as backs Nick Windhurst, 2006 honorable mention all-state Brian “Kim” Long and Duncan Sweny, all juniors, senior Nick Babson and Brooks Wood.
Even better, said Zipke, less-seasoned players see more playing time because the offense gives the Hawks big leads, affording the coach an opportunity to put freshmen Wood – brother of senior co-captain David Wood – and Kris Abildgaard on the pitch.
A 5-0 win over host Campbell on Sept. 21 was a fair example of how Hopkinton began the season 7-0, outscoring foes 30-4 in the process.
Junior striker Travis Fuglestad scored three times in the first half; senior midfielder Ricardo Colonna tallied twice, once in each half.
Colonna brought chants of “Ricardo!” – accent on the “Oh!” – from his teammates and the Hopkinton faithful in attendance.
His goal, following a 55-yard run in the 37th minute, put the locals safely ahead, 3-0.
Colonna began dribbling on the Hawks’ side of midfield, juked a pair of Campbell players, fed co-captain Wood, who dished immediately back to Colonna.
Two more dazed defenders and a prone goalie later, Colonna celebrated, as did his teammates.
“Oh, my goodness gracious,” said fellow senior midfielder Matt Demers at halftime, patting Colonna on the head. “That was beautiful.”
Zipke said Fuglestad, despite looking to pass to teammates more frequently, has 13 goals.
“Travis was first-team all-state last year. I can’t think of a time he’s missed on a scoring chance,” said Zipke. “He can certainly finish when necessary.”
David Wood and Dan Forrester, added Zipke, alternate taking the offensive or defensive approach to their midfield spots.
Against Campbell, David Wood assisted on three scores. Meanwhile, the muscular Forrester routinely prevented the Cougars from gaining the Hopkinton end of the field.
When Campbell did advance, a leaping or diving Cousens denied each chance.
“He’s going up in the air and catching ’em and coming out of there strong,” said Zipke, who praised his keeper’s offseason work on his hand strength.
“There were a couple of nice cross(ing passes) from Campbell, and he just made them quietly go away.”
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Hopkinton remained unbeaten following a 1-0 win over previously undefeated Sanborn Regional on Tuesday, Sept. 25.