By Christopher Shaban EAGLE TIMES STAFF
CLAREMONT — Stevens was riding high with wins in five of their last six games and the Bernard Cup staring them in the face on Saturday while Oyster River entered the contest sitting atop the Division II standing with a 12-0-1 record tied with Milford.
Jason Stone’s Cardinal team came out full of emotion and were looking for the biggest upset of the year in New Hampshire. The strong first half Cardinals grabbed the lead when RJ Raymond found the twine for Stevens shocking the defending Division II champion power house Oyster River team.
Things began to turn for the visitors as they started to build momentum on Copper Moote who was under fire from the get go but held his ground with defenders Jason Demars, Austin Jones, Matt Wilmont and company providing cover.
Eventually, the Cardinal lead melted away as Oyster River tied things then grabbed a lead as the first half ended.
The second half was a show from a very technical and deep Oyster River team rolled in fresh substitutions with a skill level that didn’t drop off at all.
The Cardinals were limited in offensive chances but a blast from Raymond blast had eyes for the near post but was gobbled up by Oyster River and the counter attack was on the way.
Midfielders led a determined and skilled wave that had Moote reacting to point blank shots as the Oyster River lead grew to 4-1 in the blink of an eye.
The visitors left the city with a 6-1 win as the Cardinals (7-6) will focus on Saturday night with ‘The Game” of the year when Fall Mountain (7-6) heads to Barnes Park to battle for the Bernard Cup.
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