Malden Youth Soccer Update

[Editor's note: The following was submitted by Malden Youth Soccer's Kim Brookes.]

Girls Under 10 Division

Malden Youth Soccer's GU10-2 played Somerville on April 30 and came away with their first win of the season at Amerige Field.

Malden brought their "A" game: the majority of the game was spent in Somerville's half of the field. They pounded away at the net and at the end, five different girls had made six goals: Jill Tramandozzi, Sophia Gouveia, Hailey Morris, Genny Murphy, and Darcy Cummings (2).

The only goal for Somerville came when Ashley O'Rourke subbed in for regular keeper Genny Murphy. O'Rourke, who had never played goalie before, put up a solid defense and quickly adjusted her tactics. Somerville was unable to score again.

The U10-2 girls tied their first two games and so have five points in the standings. Their next game is at Amerige on May 14 at 2 p.m. against Wilmington.

Boys Under 12 Division

On April 30, Malden BU12-3 faced Billerica. The skies were clear, the sun was out, and the Malden boys were ready to play. The game was Malden's first challenging one so far this season. There was hard play on both sides of Billerica's field. Finally, Malden drew the first strike and followed with a second goal just minutes before the half. 

Up 2-0 at the half, Malden entered the second half hoping to defend strongly against a quick Billerica forward. Against a new opposing goal keeper, Malden's offense gained new strength and suddenly exploded, scoring an additional four goals within minutes. The score was now 6-0, and Malden, well ahead with a comfortable lead, changed strategy and focused on defense.

However, Billerica was not going down without a fight. Their first goal came as a result of a foul awarded a penalty kick instead of an indirect free kick from the point of the infraction. The result was Billerica's first goal. Several minutes later, Billerica followed up with their their first legitimate goal. With the score now 6-2, Malden, now angered, regrouped and answered with another goal. The final score of the match was Malden 7, Billerica 2.

Malden continues to lead their division with Somerville hot on their tails. Malden BU12-3, will face Burlington at home at Devir Park, Saturday, May 7 at 1:30 pm.

Also on April 30, Malden Youth Soccer's boys U12-2 team, known as the "Malden Rockers" blanked Westford 4-0. The Rockers defense continues to work together like a well-oiled machine, with Demetri Christodoulides at sweeper, and Omar Alani, Josue Argueta and Gus Brookes playing left and right back. Only two balls have gotten by goalies Josh Andrews and Alani all season.

Striker Akif Yagicioglu snaked in, amongst, and around the opposition with lightning speed, finishing two goals in the first half. Kyle Kelley, who has been in a slump all season, finally put one past the goal keeper. Near the end of the game, on a beautiful cross from Yagicioglu, Jason Montezuma headed the ball through traffic into the net.

Malden dominated the game, but Westford was able to hold them to those four goals. The Rockers are  now 4 and 0 for the season, with 12 points at the top of their division's Middlesex Youth Soccer League standings.