Girls

U8

Crushing Warriors 0, Dynamo Kids 0: Greeted with warm weather in a rematch of the previous week’s exciting contest, the Crushing Warriors and the Dynamo Kids treated the fans to sizzling play in another action-packed tussle. Both teams advanced the ball well and had scoring chances, but were thwarted by exceptional defense from both sides. The Crushing Warriors offense displayed fine passing and relentless pressure, with Sarah Bertsche, Jillian Bobowick, Emily Dunford, Eva Barricelli, and Katelyn Zaniewski leading the charge, only to be stopped by a stout Dynamo Kid defense led by Lauren Jacobs and Amanda Stowe and a fine effort from Grace Popkin in goal. Riley Powers led a forceful Dynamo Kid attack with the Crushing Warriors countering with stifling defense from Amelia Bajcer, Elise Barricelli, Alyssa Jones, and Alexis Woods. Maggie Breault and Samantha Kuruc both made several amazing saves in goal while Isabella Gerace chased down all breakaway chances to preserve the tie, a fitting end for these two evenly matched, hardworking teams.

U9

Tigers 6, Shelton 3: The first goal was netted by Emma Magazu, who had two for the game, the second off an assist by Erin Phaneuf who also scored her own goal off a double assist starting with Ella Hage and Emma Magazu. Another goal was then netted by Tori Gioiele assisted by Katie Teixeira. Ally McCarthy, who played amazing on defense in the first half alongside Sienna Harper, then also netted a goal of her own. Shelton came roaring back with 3 despite strong play by Emily Tressler in goal, but Izzy Butler stepped up to lead the defense with a header alongside Victoria Stevenson and Abby Stites who shut Shelton down. Stites also had three aggressive saves in goal. Maggie Labanca and Shannon Kelleher had some terrific runs up the field on offense, creating several scoring opportunities. Katie Teixeira then closed the game with monster corner net for Newtown.

U10

Net Rippers 2, Shelton 0: The Net Rippers capped off an undefeated season with a determined victory over an aggressive Shelton squad. Newtown started slow but was kept in the game early with four saves by goalie Jane Shearin. The Net Rippers then began to gain momentum with outstanding midfield play by Gwen Drew and Morgan Seras who were controlling the field. Mary Sortino, Jillian Carrino, Olivia Cornett and Carlie Smith then began to apply repeated offensive pressure but could not convert as the first half finished 0-0. The Rippers started the second where the first half left off with crisp passing by Sophia Bajcer and Gabrielle Sadowski. The constant pressure finally paid off with Jane Shearin and Paige Farley combining to feed Maddie Patrick on a well-struck goal. But the Rippers weren’t satisfied and Charlotte Branchflower and Olivia Buchler continued to fly around the pitch. Jane Shearin managed get her strong right foot on a ball in traffic to make the score 2-0 which would be the final tally. The Net Rippers finished an outstanding fall season at 6-0-2.

U14

American Eagles 1, Other Direction 1: The American Eagles were locked in an intense battle for the full 80 minutes against a relentless Other Direction squad. Sara MacMullan stuck early for the American Eagles, scoring her sixth goal of the season on assists from Izzy Kaiser and Olivia Falk. Megan Cooney and Megan Nahmias tirelessly patrolled the midfield, and Maggie Beardsley and Elizabeth Chamiec-Case showcased their speed and precision passing that led to several scoring chances. The defense, led by Grace Sholtes and Caroline Viselli, contributed another rock solid performance, while Olivia Butler and Kaysie Fisher were stellar in goal. For the Other Direction, Sophia Albano scored on a late penalty kick to even up the score. Tessa Leon-Gambetta, Madi Ziperstein, and Kaitlyn Reilly had good overall games. Erika Teetsel and Angela Vodola both had great games in goal.

American Eagles 4, Team Four 0: A shorthanded, but determined, American Eagles team bested Team 4 in a hard-fought match. The skilled front line of Maggie Beardsley (hat trick) and Elizabeth Chamiec-Case scored for the American Eagles on assists from Olivia Falk, Megan Nahmias, Caroline Viselli, Grace Shotles, and Haley Taylor. The forceful defense of Sholtes and Viselli successfully broke up several odd man rushes by the opposition, while Taylor and Nahmias earned the shutout while splitting the goalkeeping duties.

American Eagles 4, Team One 1: In an inspiring matchup of two teams that came together to play in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, the American Eagles prevailed 4-1. Sarah MacMullan continued her torrid goal-scoring pace, netting her seventh and eight goals of the season on assists from Olivia Butler, Elizabeth Chamiec-Case, and Sarah Brittin. Chamiec-Case intercepted a goal kick and buried the ball into the back of the net for her second goal in as many games, and Butler struck a blistering shot that tore into the upper-right corner of the goal. Haley Taylor, Izzy Kaiser and Justice Zoto stopped several good scoring chances from the opposing team. Caroline Viselli and Grace Sholtes showcased their versatility playing tremendous soccer in the forward, midfield, and defensive positions.

Boys

U12

Newtown Lightning 6, Trumbull Crushers 1: The last game of the season for Newtown Lightning took place Sunday afternoon at Tilson field. In the first five minutes of the match, Ty Dickinson scored a goal with an assist from Thomas Briscoe. This was followed by a pass from Garrett “G” Mandarano to Thomas Briscoe and a goal by Declan Sughrue. Trumbull scored with a kick in the upper right corner of the goal that was beyond the reach of the Newtown keeper. Shortly after the halftime whistle, Miles Martiska sailed one in to the goal to bring the score to 3-1. The Crushers made several runs at the goal but with Travis Huzina acting as the sweeper and Thomas Hartley as the goalie their efforts were in vain. Issac Silverman and Cory Furrier added to the defense effort, while Alek Budd and Alex Hagischi kept the pressure on Trumbull. Brian Montoya’s powerful kick from quarter field gave Newtown another point. Sean Connor’s penalty kick hit the goal post to the relief of the Trumbull team. A pair of goals from Alex Delp and Travis Huzina finished the match and gave Newtown a 6-1 win.

After the win, Coach Blair Hamilton announced the winners of the team awards. The Parents’ Player of the season was awarded to Jackson Dooley, while Garrett Mandarano walked away with the Coach’s Award. Coach Hamilton also praised the efforts of Alek Budd as the newest member of the team and a first year travel player. Travis Huzina was voted by his fellow teammates as the Players’ Teammate of the Season.