Woodstock Academy vs Boston Bolts South Shore NAL

NEFC's annual Spring Showcase kicked off Friday with teams from all over the East Coast and Canada traveling to New England. The event is heavily scouted by local Colleges and Universities with prospects looking to secure offers and interest.

Friday night I was in attendance for a high level U19 game between Woodstock Academy and Boston Bolts NAL. Woodstock has already secured wins vs several MLS Next teams, including a 5-0 thrashing of the New England Revolution U19's.

Woodstock has several D1 commits going to Rutgers, Boston College and Vermont to name a few. The Bolts also have several 2025 commits as well.

Woodstock controlled possession throughout the 1st half, but the Bolts created the best chances but were unable to beat Woodstock's keeper who was recently crowned Connecticut's Gatorade Player of the Year.

The 2nd half was very similar to the first half with Woodstock continuing to turn the screw and eventually were rewarded. Woodstock's goal came from a mistake at the back by the Bolts and Woodstock converted on the miscommunication to take a 1-0 lead.

A very fast and physical game came to a crescendo when Bolts F/M Colin Daley saw his 2nd yellow and a sending off. This however only propelled the Bolts and an equalizer was nearly found. Graham Tinkham won a ball in the midfield and put Noah Eggers through with a clever chip through ball. Eggers who had a shot, elected to play a pass to late runner Ryan Murtagh, Murtagh's outside of the boot effort floated just wide and the game ended 1-0.

As mentioned the game was very fast and physical with 7 yellow cards issued. Prior to the match I had a chance to chat with Woodstock keeper Kevin Christensen. Christensen who spent 3 years with the Revs is looking at several D1 schools. After graduation he is headed to North Carolina to play UPSL with Port City and is hoping for a strong spring/summer season.

The Natick native was former youth teammates with Bolts player Graham Tinkham at Kings FC, based out of Framingham. Christensen and Tinkham shared a warm embrace after the game with both players wishing the best for each other and their respective futures. Ultimately this is what this is all about, life lessons and creating friendships.

The tournament continues Saturday. I will be at Boston Bolts vs AS Blainville who is based in Quebec........