The Ocean City Nor’easters defeated the Boston Bolts 1-0 in the first round of the USL League Two playoffs in Leesburg, VA. The Nor’easters were the fifth seed, and the Boston Bolts were the fourth seed.
The skies opened up just as the game got underway. The rain quickly moved out. However, in the twelfth minute, skies opened back up, and the game went into a lightning delay. Once the threat passed, the game resumed in the twelfth minute.
Alex Andersson of Ocean City had a chance to put the Nor’easters on the board, but Boston goalkeeper James Swomley made the save. Then, Tyler Watson had a chance to score and missed from the far corner. The game remained scoreless at halftime.
The Nor’easters picked up where they left off in the second half with more chances. In the 68th minute, Neville Morgan’s cross set up Simon Becher before Boston goalkeeper James Swomley made the save.
In the 75th minute, Boston was called for a handball penalty inside the 18-yard box. Ocean City was awarded a penalty kick taken by Simon Becher. Becher converted the penalty kick to put Ocean City up 1-0.
With five minutes to go for extra time, Boston were on the move looking to tie the game, but the shot went wide right in the 85th minute. The Boston attackers were pressuring the Nor’easters defense to tie the game. Ocean City were able to hold on to win 1-0 over the Boston Bolts.
Ocean City goalkeeper Jahmali Waite earned the clean sheet. With the win, the Nor’easters move on to the USL League Two semifinals against West Chester United SC, who defeated the New York Red Bulls U23 team earlier in the day.
The Ocean City Nor’easters and West Chester United SC will play in the Eastern Conference Semifinals today at 7 pm on Eleven Sports. Both teams met three times this season, and the record was 1-1-1. In their last meeting back on July 9th, West Chester United SC defeated the Nor’easters 2-1.
