Algonquin keeps its Devilish dominance.

Byline: Rick Eggleston

HUDSON -- After twice failing to beat Algonquin Regional during the regular season, the Leominster High boys' soccer team hoped a third try would prove to be the charm.

Instead, the Tomahawks made it three straight over their Mid-Wach A nemesis with a 4-1 triumph over the Blue Devils in last night's Central Mass. Division 1 semifinal at the Morgan Bowl, behind three goals and an assist from senior forward Patrick Keller.

Second-seeded Algonquin (17-1-2) advances to the final for the second consecutive year where it will face St. John's at 5 p.m. tomorrow at Commerce Bank Field at Foley Stadium.

Keller and the Tomahawks wasted no time getting on the board, taking a 1-0 lead off a free kick just five minutes in.

"I think we learned something from Shepherd Hill (in the quarterfinals), that we can't just show up and expect to win," said Keller, whose team needed overtime to get past the Rams. "This was just a great team win for us."

After the goal, third-seeded Leominster (15-3-2) settled down to gain a few good looks on net with shots by Fabio Machado and Adilson Lima.

"After that first goal, we came back and played a great 35 minutes after that and played them even," Leominster coach Steve McCaughey said. "They're a little deeper than us and that showed later in the game."

Strong defensive play helped Algonquin make it 2-0 nine minutes into the second half when McGill cut to the near sideline, stole the ball in the Leominster zone, and got a quick pass out to Tyler Guzzi streaking up the middle.

Guzzi passed to Keller, who drew in the defenders and then nudged it back to Guzzi, who zipped a low roller past goalie Andres Gianpietro.

Keller struck for his second goal and a 3-0 lead seven minutes later, tucking a free kick from 20 yards out into the upper left side of the net.

"I thought the goalie looked out of position, so I kicked a quick one and it happened to go in," Keller said.

The Blue Devils answered with a goal minutes later by Machado, who corralled a through ball from Nate Mackenzie in front of the net.

Keller carded the hat trick by faking out a pair of defenders before going in uncontested for an easy goal.

NAME: ALGONQUIN REGIONAL HIGH SCHOOL; LEOMINSTER HIGH SCHOOL