Undefeated U-12 Boys Win Group Title

The following was submitted by Scott D'Entremont.

The North Andover F.C. United U-12 boys’ soccer team finished their inaugural season in Essex County Travel Team play on Saturday with a 3 – 1 win over Peabody.

With that win, the all 5^th grade Select Team finished the season a perfect 8 wins and 0 loses to take the group title in ECYSA play. Peabody proved to be a tough opponent holding a 1 – 0 lead going into halftime. The F.C. United boys rose to the occasion in the second half with a relentless attack and a shutdown defense.

The goals came from Justin Holland, Jules Bellosguardo, and Peter Coufos and assists from Nate D’Entremont and Nick Tilson. Both Nick Milliken and Tommy Cossingham made multiple saves spoiling any opportunity that Peabody had.

Nate D’Entremont anchored an impressive defensive unit that was extremely strong all season long. Jacob Sitak, Alex Martel, Tommy Cossingham, and Nick Milliken completed the defensive unit that had two shutouts and only allowed 10 goals all season -- a league best.

Jules Bellosguardo and Sebastian Keane led the offense along with Justin Holland, Matthew Niejadlik, and Kevin Wong to post an amazing 41 goals (5.125 goals per game) this season, also a league best.

The success of the F.C. United’s game plan centers on their midfield play. Matt Feng and Peter Coufos were a large part of that success at the midfield position along with Nick Tilson who stepped up as a leader on the field this season with his ability to control the pace of play and his vision of the field setting up many of the 41 goals scored this season.

No soccer team can be successful without great goal tending. The biggest obstacle heading into this season for the F.C. United was that they did not have a dedicated goalie. Without Matt Niejadlik and Nick Milliken, not only stepping into that position but the amazing saves they made this season, the F.C. United could not have gone undefeated.

The success of the F.C.United team can be strongly attributed to their ability to play as an unselfish, cohesive unit. Most of these boys have never played on a team together prior to this season so they had to work very hard all season during practices to understand each other’s skills and how to apply them to a team concept. Their dedication to each other has paid off for them this fall and they will look to continue to improve as they look ahead to the Spring 2012 season. 

Team Photo:

Front Row (Left to Right) Peter Coufos, Nate D'Entremont, Tommy Cossingham, Nick Milliken, Nick Tilson, Matt Feng

Back Row - Coach Scott D'Entremont, Sebastian Keane, Jacob Sitak, Jules Bellosguardo, Matt Niejadlik, Justin Holland, Alex Martel, Kevin Wong, Coach Shaun Milliken