Saugus Delivers the Bad News to Burroughs, 5-2

Spread the word. Burroughs High no longer owns the Foothill League when it comes to boys’ soccer.

The Indians, who have won four consecutive league titles, received that message in no uncertain terms Saturday, when Saugus dominated then, 5-2, at Saugus High.

Senior striker Nate Wright scored three goals and added an assist, raising his season totals to 21 goals and 20 assists.

Jordan Albertson and J.D. Rotteau also scored for the Centurions (16-1-1, 3-0 in league play).

“We came in flat, we were out-hustled and once we got down, 1-0, we had about 20 minutes where we stood around and felt sorry for ourselves,” Burroughs Coach Mike Kodama said.

Burroughs (8-5-3, 1-2), which in past seasons has relied on older players with polished skills, competes with a roster full of underclassmen who are learning as they go. Saturday, the Indians’ inexperience showed, especially on defense, where forwards Wright and Jeff Hammond were allowed to roam free.

Wright scored his first goal in the 12th minute, heading in a 20-yard free kick from Albertson. The two reversed roles for the Centurions’ second goal, in the 24th minute, as Wright’s 45-yard free kick was redirected into the net from close range by a leaping Albertson.

Saugus took a 3-0 lead in the 32nd minute on a close-range goal by Rotteau, before Burroughs cut the lead to 3-1 at the half on a goal in the 34th minute by Gary Guenther.

The Indians scored two minutes after intermission on a shot by Miguel Meneses.

“This is a young team and it’s a learning experience,” Kodama said. “But we did show a lot of character in regrouping.”

Any hopes Burroughs had of continuing its comeback and tying the match evaporated in the 48th minute when an Indian defender was whistled for a hand-ball in the Burroughs penalty area and Wright converted the ensuing penalty kick. He added his third goal in the 68th minute.