Pre-Championship Action from AYSO Region 97

Compiled by Pam Garrett

AYSO Region 97 Pre-Championship Action

Boys Under 10

United vs. Back Bay Surf (11/1/08)

United Captains John Shepherd and Colin Avary led United in a well organized match defeating the Surf 7-1, winning their second playoff game. It was an offensively creative display of many goal variations. Jack Pitchess earned a hat trick scoring three goals in just two quarters. Additional strikes came from Brady Scanlan (2), Jackson Wind and John Rankin. Lukas Thompson had several good attempts go wide and fed some nice passes through to the forwards. Jack Sandy owned the mid-field providing incredible defense as well as offensive penetration. Shepherd and Avary patrolled and secured the backline in addition to their outstanding team leadership. Lucas Mowery proved his goalie toughness once again by stopping point blank shots and robbing defenders of the ball. This week’s Game Ball honors went to Pitchess. All the boys worked hard for each other and were United.

Arsenal vs. Fantastic 9 (11/1/08)

The NB Arsenal hung on at the end of the game to maintain their lead and beat the Fantastic 9 by a score of 3-2 in the second round of the playoffs on Saturday. Joe Fuller lead off the Arsenal scoring early in the first half, and was joined by teammate Jack McClintock, who took a throw in from the far corner of the field, dribbled through Fantastic 9 defense to the opposite goal, and added another goal for the Arsenal before halftime. Max Lamb overcame a couple of on-field injuries to play some great offense with a couple of shots on goal and great passing. Dylan Wolf played amazing defense throughout the game, racing to get in front of the ball and kick it out of Fantastic 9 territory, as did Jaegger Mitchell, who was right where he needed to be and made some great stops and turns. Jack Christensen was tough in the goal, allowing two goals, one a penalty kick made by Jorge Valenzuelain the third quarter. In the fourth quarter, Fulleroutdribbled the Fantastic 9 defense, and shot in the third goal for the Arsenal. He also got a great pass from Reid Crandell, who made numerous offensive plays, for a shot on goal. Henry Adams also played well for the Arsenal. Although Tim Donald put one in for the Fantastic 9 late in the fourth quarter, it wasn’t enough as the Arsenal defense held strong and ensured their team the victory as time ran out. The Arsenal missed teammate Reef Kugies who was out with an injury.

Arsenal vs. Green Strikers (10/25/08)

A scoreless tie at the end of the first half portended the outcome of the game - a tie, 2-2, between the NB Arsenal and the Green Strikers in the first game of the playoffs. In the first half, the Arsenal defense held the Strikers scoreless. Jack Christensenlet nothing by him in the goal, while Dylan Wolfeand Jaegger Mitchellplayed excellent defense. Early in the third quarter, Joe Fuller scored one for the Arsenal. Jack McClintock had a shot on goal that bounced back and he crossed it to Reid Crandellwho shot it cleanly into the goal. Connor Kincaid responded with a goal for the Strikers. Reef Kugiesdid a good job crossing the ball, and Henry Adamshad some good stops. In the fourth quarter, Max Lambhandled the ball well, turning it toward the Striker goal. Christensen made a great catch on a corner kick, saving the tie. The Arsenal held its breath as Fullerlined up on a penalty kick for the go-ahead score, but it was caught by the Striker goalie.

Boys Under 6

The Incredible Hulks vs. The Tigers (11/1/08)

The Incredible Hulks got off to an incredible start in the first quarter of their game against the Tigers with Jerome Snyder getting a throw in in the first quarter and turning it around to score. In the second quarter, Joseph Whelan trapped the kickoff, dribbled downfield and just missed the net. Whelan and Finn McClintock combined for some great kicks that sent the ball high into the air in the third quarter, with one of McClintock’s going in for another Hulk goal. Helping keep the Tigers away from the goal throughout the game were Hulk defenders Dylan Aust, Blake Bonnano, Dominic Bueno and Aidan Gassell.

The Incredible Hulks vs. The Golden Missiles (10/25/08)

The Incredible Hulks fought hard against a tough Golden Missile team. During a skirmish for the ball at midfield, Dominic Bueno shook off a ball to the face, while Jerome Snyderand Aidan Gassellmade some great defensive kicks. Dylan Austand Blake Bonnano also played great defense. While Joseph Whelanand Finn McClintock both had numerous shots on goal, it was a frustrating day for the Hulks as only one of McClintock’s went into the net.

The Incredible Hulks vs. The Hornets (10/18/08)

The Incredible Hulk defense really hung tough through a long, mainly defensive game against the Hornets. In the first quarter, the Hornets came on strong, but Blake Bonnanoand Finn McClintock played tight defense, with Aidan Gassell saving a goal with a great kick in front of the net to clear the ball. Dominic Bueno made a great kick to start the second quarter. Jerome Snyderplayed great defense under pressure, while Joseph Whelan was very aggressive on offense throughout the game. The entire Hulk defense, including Dylan Aust, banded together at the end of the game to create a wall in front of the Hornet goal.