Girls Teams Sweep Dracut, Boys U12-1 Ties Charlestown

(Editor's note: The following information was submitted by the coaches and administration of the Tewksbury Youth Soccer League.)

Tewksbury GU10-3

Tewksbury – 1

Dracut – 0

The Tewksbury Girls U10 Division 3A team pulled out a close one against a talented Dracut team. Early on both teams had some good chances but the goal tenders (Marissa Ladderbush for Tewksbury) or defense was there to turn away the attack. About 7 ½ minutes into the 1st half Olivia Houghton was able to score on a nice pass from Lauren McIntyre. All of this occurred inside the box which showcased the nice focus and effort by Tewksbury. The rest of the half could be summarized by excellent shots by Tewksbury and excellent goaltending by Dracut. Jordon Paula, Olivia, Grace Morris, Lauren, and Kenzie Kennison all put high hard shots on net which were turned away by the outstretched hands of the goalie.

The 2nd half of the game was back and forth with Tewksbury controlling the tempo more than Dracut but with no goals. The big story of the game however was the great effort by many of the players in positions that they have not played all year. Lauren McIntyre played goal in the 2nd half and had at least 10 saves. Grace Morris on offense for the 1st time all year pounded a high left-footed, arcing, shot to the net that was barely deflected away. Meaghan Welch also playing offense for the 1st time made several runs up the field with the ball. Jordan Paula played the whole 2nd half at right defense and was relentless with her energy and poise. Kenzie and Olivia who normally don’t play defense spelled some of the defenders and were solid as ever. Great team win GU10-3!!!

Tewksbury GU10-4

Tewksbury – 2

Dracut - 1

Tewksbury hosted Dracut on Saturday morning and took home a victory. It was an exciting game played well by both teams. Tewksbury's Cora Barrett scored the first goal of the game on a penalty shot. Her powerful kick landed the ball perfectly in the top corner of the net. Tewksbury defensive standouts include both Cora and Isabelle Frost. They did a great job by not letting Dracut's offence get past them. The Crushers goal tender Julia Cafferty was again amazing in net making many spectacular saves. The Crushers offense also played well together. There were some great moves by Catherine Mawn. Tewksbury's Gianna DiGiorgio brought the ball up field multiple times with her lighting like speed. Ryan Quinn played extremely well offensively and defensively. The second goal of the game was scored by Erin Carter who had a exceptional game. The Crushers Julia Garland, Caitlin Sheehan, and Hannah Slattery all played well together bringing the ball up the field with some great passing. Great Job Crushers...Lets do it again next week.

Tewksbury GU12-1

 Tewksbury – 5

Dracut - 0

 The Tewksbury Girls U12-1 travel team played their best game of the season at home this past Saturday against Dracut.   Tewksbury’s goaltender, Lindsay Harris, made two impressive saves on direct kicks to earn her 3rd shutout of the season.   The defense was solid again for the Redmen.  Defenders Victoria Mirabito, Maggie Penta, Isabelle Picher and Rachel Sessa continue to frustrate opponents with their solid play.   With the defensive side of the field under control, Tewksbury’s offense came to life.   Emily Sessa got the scoring started with great patience and foot control.  She received a crossing pass from Rachel Prevost and calmly put one past the Dracut goaltender.   Isabelle Picher got credit for the next goal when her corner kick deflected off a Dracut defender and squirted just past the goalie.  Tewksbury went into halftime with a 2-0 lead.   The 2nd half was all Tewksbury.   Several scoring chances were available to Tewksbury throughout the half.   Alison Piracini, Samantha Schultz, and Samantha Mercurio all had chances to put their name on the score sheet, but came up just short.  However, based on the applause, their aggressive play did not go unnoticed by the fans in attendance.   Jessica Cacciola scored two consecutive goals in the 2nd half.  The first off a great rush and pass from Maggie Penta and the second from a great seam pass from Emily Sessa.   Jessica did the rest with a great shot into the corner of the net.  Emily Sessa finished off her impressive three point game when she took a crossing pass from Rachel Prevost and blasted one past the Dracut goalie as Tewksbury went on to win easily 5-0.

Tewksbury GU12-2

 Tewksbury – 2

Wakefield – 2

The Tewksbury girls got off to a rough start when they gave up a goal in the opening minutes of the game against Wakefield on a corner kick.  We have never been a team to hang our heads and the girls began battling back on the ensuing kickoff.  Sarah Ciampa kept the Wakefield defenders pinned which opened up the middle of the field for Ashley Antonelli and Kayla Makooi to start the attack.  The Wakefield goalie was tested early including a memorable blast 25 yards out from Madison Wescott which clanged off the crossbar.  Emily Langone and Andrea DiCiaccio were dominating the left side of the attacking zone with support from defender Viviana Bain who was constantly harassing any opponent that dared move into her area.  Andrea moved into some open space and curled a high arcing shot from 20 yards out which was beyond the reach of the Wakefield keeper, tying the game at 1-1 going into the half.

In the second half the defense was feeling the pressure but Stephanie Graffeo and Samantha Surowiec took turns chasing down and turning away the Wakefield attackers.  Katie Famiglietti was even more impressive on defense battling the attackers and winning challenges with her footwork.  Brittany Malfa controlled her side of the midfield with multiple attempts at springing the forwards on the attack.  Tewksbury got a break ten minutes into the half when they were awarded a penalty kick.  Kelly Fortier lined up and looked the goalie away while she steered a hard shot into the left side of the net for the go-ahead goal.  Ally Couillard continued to stonewall the Wakefield attack as they brought increasing pressure in the waning minutes of the game.  Unfortunately Wakefield put forth some late game heroics and was able to tie the game.  There was a lot of impressive play for the girls to be proud of as they improve their skills each week.  We are looking forward to pushing for an even better 2^nd half to our season, in particular our rematch against Wakefield.

Tewksbury GU12-3

 Tewksbury – 3

Westford – 0

The Tewksbury Redman Racers (GU12-3) went on the road again this week for their third away game in a row.  This week they took on the Westford team, but the one difference this week was there was no rain!  Playing in a beautiful spring day the Redman were determined to bring home a win this week.  Becky Reynolds and Sam Alman were excellent as our defensive wall protecting the goalies Jocelyn Duval and Karina Crowley, who both played awesome halves shutting out Westford.    The Redman’s new offensive formation seem to have paid off this week with the midfielders  Emily Steward, Maeve Moynihan, Jocelyn Duval, Rachel Figuica and Karina Crowley staggered their play and overlapped as needed to  give and receive passes from the forward Robin Czarniecki, Brigid Voto, Deidre Roche, and Erin Coulter.  The first goal was scored by Deidre Roache after receiving a pass from Jocelyn Duval from the corner to the eighteen line.  The second goal was scored by Karina Crowley in a one time left foot shot on net from a string a passing from Brigid Voto and Emily Stewart.  The third goal was scored by Rachel Figucia after her and Robin Czarniecki overlapped their positions, freeing Rachel to receive a pass from Robin and driving it into the net.   The girls should be very proud of this win, they work so hard during the week and it is quite apparent that they are clearly thinking with every possession of the ball.   Great Job girls!

Tewksbury GU14-2

Tewksbury – 3

Somerville – 0

The Tewksbury GU14-2 soccer team hosted Somerville at Frasca Field in a rare afternoon game.  The locals came out high energy, keeping the ball in front of their opponents’ net, and 4 minutes in, Big D (Darien Lavino) popped in a goal to make it 1-0 Tewksbury.

 Somerville tried to mount an offensive attack, but was turned away by rock solid defender Haley Aznavoorian.  On their next trip down the field, goalie KG (Kaleigh Gammon) came out of net to stop a shooter, who crossed to her teammate at the last second, who shot on net, only to be denied by defender Emily Velozo who headed the ball over the net to make a very impressive save.

At the 10 minute mark, middie Christine Baptiste sent the ball to forward Brittany Fletcher, who knocked it in to put Tewksbury up 2-0.  Just before the half, KG made a great save on a Somerville direct kick, to keep her shut out alive.

 The second half was more of the same, the Tewksbury girls in a groove.  Midfielders HP (Haley Pozuto), Hannah Silvia and Meredith Cahill worked tirelessly, getting the ball up front, while Lear Bear (Caitlyn Leary), Aria Porzio, Big D and Brittany Fletcher kept the Somerville goalkeeper busy with shot after shot on net.

 KG made a big save 7 minutes in, and Emily Velozo was incredibly in sync with KG, protecting the net each time her goalie moved out to pressure a shooter or cut off an angle.  Fifteen minutes into the 2nd half, with an assist from Taylor Donahoe, big D crashed the net for her 2nd goal of the game, to give Tewksbury a 3-0 lead.

 The awesome Tewksbury effort was rounded out by Nicole Malfa who kept the middle shut on defense. Megan Lavino, Christine Baptiste, Karah Chaisson, Emily Donahue & Hillary Fletcher were all key in the victory patrolling the midfield.

 In the final minutes KG took the field at mid (for the first time this year & to the cheers of her teammates), showing she has moves out of net as well, while Big D took over net minding duties, making one great save to keep the final score Tewksbury 3, Somerville 0.

Tewksbury GU14-3

Tewksbury – 7

Lowell - 1

The Tewksbury Lady Ninjas came out flying on Friday night.  Ashley Figucia netted the first 3 goals for Tewksbury (5 for the season).
The next 4 goals were all first of the season goals for Kiera Lawlor, Juliana Wahl, Caroline Ferrari and Kate Gilbert.  
The team on a whole played great and each week get better and more solidified as a TEAM.   Stephanie Travis get's the Teammate of the week award as she came and cheered on her team while nursing a broken foot.

Tewksbury GU14-3

Tewksbury – 1

Woburn - 4

Playing with limited subs and on short rest, the Lady Ninjas put up a valiant effort in windy Woburn a top the mountain at the Joyce fields.   Nikalina Taromino netted the only goal (1st of the year).  Keepers Kate Gilbert and Lauren Strange both handled injuries and adversity with great determination.  Our MVT's (Most Valuable Teammates) are as follows: Sarah Baptista, Taylor Laycox, Alexia Johnson, Kenzie Wyatt, Juliana Wahl, Caroline Ferrari, Katie Dunleavy, Kiera Lawlor, Gianna Dell'Orfano and Ashley Figucia.  The girls hung strong the whole game but just ran out of gas in the end.  We host rival Billerica this Saturday.

Tewksbury GU14-4

Tewksbury – 2

Westford - 2

On a warm overcast day, with both teams having only one or two substitute players, Tewksbury battled Westford to a 2-2 tie.  From the start, Tewksbury provided offensive pressure with a goal from Katie Adelsberger.  However, the referee nullified it as a result of an off-sides violation.  Pouncing on an errant rebound,  Emily Duquette pummeled her first goal of the season just under the crossbar.  Roaming the midfield, Dimple Gandhi and Jessica Ripley set up Tewksbury's forwards for scoring chances.  From inside the center circle, Catherine Ozek dribbled the ball around oncoming Westford players.  After a Duquette direct kick trickled into traffic, Stephanie McHatton and Monica Aronson hustled after rebounds for opportunities on the Westford goalkeeper.  Spotting her alone on the left sideline, Kelsie Allen passed to Ariana Calouro, who zipped in Tewksbury's second score.  Working the backfield, Mary Bliss and Kayleigh Bishop admirably conflicted with Westford's forwards to break up attempts.  To preserve the tie, Tewksbury goalkeeper Molly McDonald dove to snare the ball from going into the net.

Tewksbury BU10-3

 Tewksbury – 7

Dracut - 0

The Tewksbury BU10-3 team travelled to Dracut this afternoon.  They were starting the game out with only one substitution, and they were nervous.   Without a doubt, they rallied together and played as a team.  Nicholas Biron was starting the first half in net, with the help of Arya Mehrabani and Sean Cunningham who were solid at defense.  Dracut had a few attempts on net but the boys kept them out of the area, with their quick thinking and decisive ball control. 

The first goal of the game was due to some great passing by Riley Auth who assisted Shawn Manson’s goal within minutes of the start.  Next the forward line of Liam Cafferty, Shawn Manson, and Joey Branchaud together dribbled past a stunned Dracut defense to connect for the 2nd goal of the game from Joey Branchaud.  Next the third goal was scored by Liam Cafferty assisted by Joey Branchaud as was the same combination for the fourth goal of the game, scored by Liam Cafferty (assisted by Joey).  The forwards were relentless as they pushed the ball, up the field against Dracut.   The BU10-3 team was always looking for the open player, combined with outstanding passing they were able to tire out the Dracut defense.   Dracut was no match for these boys.  At the end of the half it was already 4-0.   With the dark skies looming in the distance Tewksbury braved the elements to start the next half with this solid lead.

Shawn Manson took to the net, at the start of the second half and had a quick save early on.   Right away, the boys were down in the Dracut area.  Nicholas Biron was out dribbling his opponent to set up/assist Joey Branchaud’s 2nd goal of the game.  Next with the help of Riley Auth, who then set up/assisted Joey’s third goal to give him a nice hat-trick!!!!   There was an example, of how well the Tewksbury squad out-hustled their opponent.  Dracut attempted to shut down this ferocious forward line but they could not.  Arya  Mehrabani and Sean Cunningham were moved to the forward line, and were quite helpful in setting up the 7th goal of the game scored by Riley Auth.   This Tewksbury team was working with one sub and they did not show any signs of fatigue.  They gave 110% and were impressive with their ball control and executed some great passes to set up outstanding goals.  They may have won big here but they demonstrated a lot of heart and hard work-they earned it.  They did not back down from any of the Dracut players and their skillful dribbling and passing game really connected today, for them.  AMAZING job!!!!

 Tewksbury BU12-1

 Tewksbury – 1

Charlestown – 1

The Tewksbury Boys Under 12-1 team tied the Charlestown BU12-1 team on Saturday.  Charlestown had the 1-0 lead until the 53 minute mark when Adam Colon took a pass from Alex Papageorgiou and put it in the net from the left slot.  Chris Repucci kept his team in the game with good goaltending.  Sam Fortier and David Durante both left it on the field with good hustle.  Connor Dane made two rushes on net from deep in his own territory. 

Tewksbury BU12-1

Tewksbury – 2

Lowell - 3

The Tewksbury Boys Under 12-1 team lost to Lowell by a score of 3-2 in a back and forth affair.  It was a game of corner kick piece plays to determine the winner.  Gavin Slattery got things started at the 17 minute mark off of a Chris McCabe corner kick.  The keeper left a rebound in front of the net and Gavin tapped it in.  Lowell made it 1-1 off of a corner kick of their own by way of a great one-time header.  Ameen Kalkhoran placed a corner kick right in the box at the 36 minute mark.  David Gammon was first to the ball for the put in off his thigh to go up 2-1.  Adam Colon had a couple of good drives and bids on net from the stopper position.  Cameron Legvold and Connor Dane both played stout defense on the left and right sides.  The Redmen relinquished the lead on a couple of occasions but Lowell did not return the favor after making it 3-2 late in the game