The New Hampshire Phantoms lost to the Barons three weeks ago in New Hampshire, but they got the points back in United Soccer Leagues D3 Pro League action here in Ocean City. The Barons fell behind 1-0 but then recovered scoring two unanswered goals but the Phantoms scored two unanswered goals themselves to win the game 3 to 2.
Phantom's Ryan Levesque angled a shot in early from 15 yards out to lead the Barons (1-0). Pat Morris set the score even with breakaway from a Mike Knowles' free kick (1-1). At 58-minute mark, Joe Nick took a perfect pass from Michael Payne and gave the Barons the lead with a beautiful arching ball that beat Phantom keeper Jermey Bailey just inside the left post (1-2). The Barons were ahead but the game had plenty of time left.
At the 22-minute mark the Phantoms evened the score again with terrific shot to the upper left corner from 35 yards. James Dedeus' shot cleanly beat Barons keeper, Neil Inglis (2-2). Fourteen minutes later with 6 minutes left, Jamie Williams slammed in another Phantom goal (3-2) that completed the scoring for the game.
Two ex-barons who were instrumental in getting the Barons to the Nationals last year were in the stands (with1474 other fans). Matt Miles their premier scorer and Paul Royal their premier keeper watched the former team mates lose. Lately the team seems to need them more than ever. But Joe Nick is picking up the scoring and Mike Payne played a terrific game. If his cross-field feed to Majic ever clicks it will be unstoppable. The Barons drop to 9-6 in league play and the Phantoms improve to 8-5-1.
South Jersey Soccer:
