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POLAND -- Jacob Hayes saved his best for last.
Hayes, a junior captain for Poland, scored the equalizing goal with just over four minutes remaining in the game, then assisted on Ryan Nigh's game winner with 25 seconds to play, lifting the Bulldogs past rival Canfield 2-1 on Tuesday night.
The victory, fueled by an aggressive offensive attack over the game's final 25 minutes, lifted the Bulldogs' record to 2-0-2 in what would be a rebuilding season for most programs.
Poland graduated 10 seniors from last year's team that advanced to the regional finals. Coach Brian Garcar, though, has a solid nucleus fueled by Hayes on the offensive end and Michael Daley, another junior captain, in goal.
"It's like a 50-pound weight off my chest," said Daley, who stopped 11 shots, many in the first half when the Cardinals were the aggressors. "Our game with Canfield is always circled on our calendar and to hold them to one goal is amazing."
The Cardinals (0-1-1) scored with 31:59 remaining in the first half on a goal by Andrew Battaglia. Teammate Drew Snyder attacked from the left side of the goal, drawing two defenders. His shot was deflected by Daley right to Battaglia.
"Snyder and No. 13 (Ethan Mulichak), they are so good," Garcar said. "They're two of the very best players at their positions in the area. You just want to contain them."
Snyder nearly put any thoughts of a Bulldog rally out of mind at the 16-minute mark of the second half. Again, from the left side, Snyder beat his defender and put a shot on goal that hit the right corner.
"Canfield is really good," Daley said. "They always come out strong and attacking."
That was one of only two Cardinals shots on goal in the second half, however, as Garcar's adjustment opened up the field and eventually paid dividends.
"It was a brilliant strategy," Daley said. "We moved one of our attackers back to the middle and it allowed us to open things up and we got more aggressive."
Hayes' goal came on a counter after Canfield had a shot on goal. He streaked down the middle, beat two defenders to the ball from about 10 yards out and authoritatively scored into the right corner.
"Coach (Garcar) said to use my speed," Hayes said. "I don't normally use my left foot, but it worked out."
Poland kept up the pressure and forced a direct free kick with 1:29 to go. The shot bounced off the top of the crossbar and Hayes just missed a header on the rebound and the Bulldogs were awarded a corner kick.
That play set up the game-winner. From the left, Andreas Tsikouris sent a perfect shot across the goal to Hayes, who positioned himself just to the right of the goal.
Hayes headed the ball to Nigh who beat two defenders.
Canfield had 12 shots on goal to seven for Poland and led in corner kicks 4-3.
Dominic Gizzi had five saves for Canfield.
"In the first half, we were reacting and Canfield dictated the tempo and the pace," Garcar saidr. "I think we were struggling a little bit, too, not having scored the last couple games. It seemed like we were trying to kick the ball through the back of the net at times.
"Jacob's goal gave us life and gave our guys confidence."
Hayes said there was no doubt about the strategy after his equalizer.
"It's Canfield, man. You gotta go. A tie doesn't satisfy."
Canfield coach Michael Bailey received a red card after Poland's go-ahead goal.