The boys’ soccer team suffered a heart-breaking 2-1 OT loss to #3-seeded Hopkinton on Monday night, eliminating it from post-season play.

Duxbury came out of the box quickly, as senior captain Tommy Drummy missed from very close range in the second minute of play, while a quick Hopkinton team gave a clinic in ball control for much of the first half. Working the ball down the right sideline, Hopkinton sent a crossing pass toward the net that beat Dan McManus to give the hosts a 1-0 lead at halftime.

Duxbury pressed early and was kept in the game by some great McManus saves, while the Dragon offense continued to look for Dan Sangster, who was double and triple-teamed on many occasions.

Halfway thru the second half, a clearing pass found Sangster 25 yards from the Hopkinton net where he controlled the ball, waiting for Drummy to come up from the midfield. Drummy dribbled to the top of the box and fired on goal, forcing the Hopkinton netminder to dive to his right to make the save. Having trouble controlling the shot, the keeper bobbled it, allowing Jimmy Landry to run on to it for a close range finish that tied the score and sent it into overtime with a 1-1 score in regulation.

The action was end-to-end in the extra frame until Hopkinton’s speedy forwards broke through the Duxbury defense and put a shot past McManus that was apparently cleared off the line by a Duxbury defender. The referee awarded Hopkinton the goal, setting off the Duxbury players, who vehemently protested the call.

Despite the protests, the referee refused to reverse his decision and Hopkinton was declared the winner.

It was a strong performance by both teams with end-to-end action, excellent goal keeping by McManus, great passing, shots hitting the crossbars, and near misses from both teams. It was a real barn-burner.

The loss leaves the Dragons with a 13-7 record.