By Ashley Winchester
Round two of the soccer season began Saturday, as teams played each other for the second time this year. Rematches were met with furious feet and strong kicks, as improvements were shown on all sides of the field in many close matches.
Manchester vs. Chelsea (Jr-7)
Manchester and Chelsea complimented each other perfectly in a tight match Saturday morning which left both teams scoreless through the first half. Goaltending by Manchester’s Anthony Marino and John Barbieri kept them in the game helped by good defense by Michael Di Maria, Gabrielle Ponce and Michael Marino. The tie was broken when Manchester moved all players into offense in a risky move for the goal, leaving an opening for two goals by Chelsea chargers. Manchester’s Chynna Basso got her revenge scoring a goal with two minutes left in the game. Max Sperling tied it all with a goal 15 seconds from the end of the game. Both goals were assisted by Nicolette Catona and Rachel Licatta. Manchester’s Dean Scotti, who had to leave the game early due to illness, came back again late to lead Manchester’s comeback with good play on both ends.
Ipswich vs. West Ham (Jr 6)
Ipswich started out strong, standing up well against the much larger Westham players on the north field in Battery Park City Saturday morning. Ipswich goalie Alston held back the flood until Westham Henry Martin scored at the end of the first half. The second half saw spirited play as both teams had their scoring chances and parents held their breath through some rough play. Martin scored two late goals in the game to clinch Westham’s victory. Chocolate chip cookies were shared by smiling six year-olds after the game, as soccer moms and dads chatted around the field.
Crystal Palace vs. Leeds United (Jr-7)
Seven year-old league players Crystal Palace played a strong offensive game Saturday morning against Leeds United. Bryan Burns, Tristan Meyers, Lee Perry and Ethan Skelskie held Leeds’ goal, letting in four balls against the consistent Crystal Palace shooters. Leeds’ powerful offensive line of Isabella Pecorari, Louis Morechi, Jackson Collins and Cliff Benfield, that just weeks ago scored nine goals in one game, was shut out by an outstanding Crystal Palace defense.
A S Roma vs. Lazio (M-8)
A S Roma played Lazio Saturday afternoon in the division of eight year-olds. “We are playing more as a team every week with improved passing and ball control,” A S Roma coach Steven Brown said. Roma’s strong defense turned away many of Lazio’s attacks, and created turnovers for Roma’s several offensive breakaways. Roma’s constant attacks eventually broke through Lazio’s wall of defense for three goals in the game.
Livingston vs. Dundee (M-9)
Livingston faced off against Dundee for a strong match on the south field Saturday afternoon. Livingston had it all together as midfielders David Hersey and Jessica Nosenchuk helped at both offense and defense. Defensive players Oren Shore and Olivia Lautin kept the ball out of the zone. Both goals of the game were scored by Livingston’s Joshua Lawrence, assisted by Justin Valenzuela. “I’m very proud of the entire team, they played a beautiful game,” Livingston coach Kate Shore said.
Motherwell vs. Aberdeen (M-9)
Aberdeen met Motherwell Saturday afternoon for the second time this season. Newly appointed Motherwell center midfielder Brian Boyd, along with teammates Anna Schwab, Sarah Pangburn, Sandella Taylor and Jessica McAlear assisted the offensive line of Jake Miller, Jake Shapiro, Cameron Spector and Ali Rossi in a show of consistent ball control and position playing. Aberdeen attacked aggressively and Liam Gallagher scored with a well-placed corner shot on goal, but it was not enough to prevent the Motherwell win. “Motherwell played its best balanced game of the season,” coach Steve Rossi said.
Real Madrid vs. Celta (M-10)
After attending an early Halloween costume party, players from Real Madrid and Celta arrived at the fields just in time for their 2:20 p.m. kickoff Sunday afternoon. Outstanding goalkeeping by Owen Kimmel of Celta and Sam Daniels of Real Madrid made for a scoreless first half. Marisa Dolmatch on defense upset every Celta charge, rocketing the ball away from Real Madrid’s goal. The close play continued well into the second half as the longtime rivals matched moves. The tie was broken late in the game with a goal by Real Madrid’s Justin Basso, who streaked across the field with Halloween glitter in his hair to kick the ball in off a well-placed pass by Max Sternberg.
Lyon vs. Monaco (M-11)
Lyon faced off against Monaco Sunday morning in the division of 11-year-olds. In the opening minutes, Lyon scored first with a strong kick by forward Ray Perez. Monaco quickly struck back with two goals by Nathan Miller. As reported by Lyon sixth grader Sasha deGrave, both teams were very fast and capable but Monaco had the special touch. Lyon’s Victoria and Victor Smith played with spectacular sibling power and passed to each other in harmony, supported by forwards Ian Tullis and Andrew Chow, who were awarded the weekly “game ball.” Both teams attacked repeatedly, and both defenses were able to stop most of the scoring opportunities. Lyon midfielders deGrave, Alex Wedmore, Alex Lois and Matthew Hickey supported the center of the field while Rashid Oord, Jukie Tsai and Maya Ilyashov held the back. In the second half, Lyon switched positions around and Alex Wedmore took the goal, permitting only one more Monaco goal by the nimble Miller, as Monaco bested Lyon 3-1.
Nice vs. Bordeaux (M-11)
Nice, which has been struggling all season to find their offensive stride, came out with their first win of the year against Bordeaux Sunday morning. The match opened up midway through the first half on a goal by Nice’s Philip Kay off a corner kick and deflection. Bordeaux’s Sam Gilberg matched the goal late in the first half on some pinpoint passing. The second half of play had Nice passing the ball between Kay and Tim Rossi, resulting in a goal by Miro Boncich. Key playing throughout the match by Nice’s midfielders Jack Sordato, Alessandro Fusillo and Cole Franchi enabled Nice to control the field of play, while Scott Franchi played well in goal. With less than a minute to play a penalty kick was awarded to Bordeaux but was sent over the net to end the game.
Metrostars vs. Revolution (Sr 12-13)
An unusual turn of events left Revolution short of players Saturday afternoon as two-thirds of the team was trapped a block away taking Stuyvesant’s admission test, which ran an hour late. Still eager to play, Revolution’s remaining five drafted several spectators and three Metrostars for an informal but exciting game.
Thanks to all of the coaches who contributed to this report. Please e-mail information about games Monday morning to news@DowntownExpress.com and Ashley@DowntownExpress.com.
