Girls U12-1 and U12-2 Score Big Wins

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

Tewksbury GU10-2

Tewksbury – 0 vs. Chelmsford - 4

The GU10-2 played their second game of the season against Chelmsford GU10-2; unfortunately Tewksbury came up short in the end losing 4-0. Chelmsford scored early on a couple of breakaways and lead 2-0 at the end of the half. The Tewksbury girls came out of the half with some great scoring opportunities, but failed to find the back of the net. Madison Bourassa, Emma Scopa, Brianna Walker, and Cassidy Grunning applied pressure on the offensive end coming up with some good opportunities in the second half. MaryCate Cassidy and Sophie Eskenas played very well in the middle of the field helping on defense and supporting the offense. Julie Ozek, Jess Potito, and Kiley Tibbetts were tough on defense making it tough for Chelmsford to get a sustained attack going. Rebecca Smith was her usual steady presence in goal. We look forward to next Tuesday’s game in Lowell, hoping to get one in the win column.

Tewksbury GU10-4

 Tewksbury – 0 vs. Woburn - 1

The Tewksbury girls U-10-4 lost a close one to Woburn on Saturday 1-0, they played the game with only 1 sub as some girls were away on vacation and out sick. The steady cold rain made for extremely tough conditions but the girls put in an incredible effort. The girls played a solid first half keeping Woburn at bay with no score on the board. In goal Julia Cafferty made some incredible saves throughout the game. Cora Barrett and Ryan Quinn played strong defensively making some nice plays while defending the goal. During the game Hannah Slattery and Erin Carter had some strong rushes but could not get past Woburn's goal tender.

The second half of the game the girls played well together with some good passes and shots on Woburn’s net. Offensively, Gianna DiGiorgio and Julia Garland keep the ball on Woburn’s defensive side for a majority of the second half. Woburn was able to score one goal on the Crushers in the second half. We look forward to better weather for our game at home next Saturday.

Tewksbury GU12-1

Tewksbury – 1 vs. Woburn – 0

 The Tewksbury Girls U12-1 travel team played their first home game this past Saturday against Woburn. The biggest opponent in this one turned out to be the weather, with cold, windswept rain and sleet falling throughout the game. The team displayed their “Tewksbury Tough” attitude and fought hard to get their second win of the season. Tewksbury controlled most of the game, but had some trouble finishing. Tewksbury’s midfielders, Allison Paracini, Lillian Holden and Emily Sessa played outstanding throughout. Their play sparked some good offensive rushes from the Tewksbury forwards, Jessica Cacciola, Sam Schultz, Rachel Prevost and Kayla Devlin. Tewksbury had to fight through more adversity when Isabelle Picher made a great crossing pass to Emily Sessa and she blasted one by the Woburn goalie. The celebration was short lived as the referee called the goal back due to an offside’s penalty. Tewksbury’s defensive unit of Victoria Mirabito, Rachel Sessa, Maggie Penta and Isabelle Picher continue to excel this season with some impressive play. They were able to minimize any Woburn attacks on their own net. Lindsay Harris played tremendous in goal and earned her 2^nd shutout of the season. With less than a minute to go, Tewksbury’s pressure finally hit pay dirt. Kelly Golini and Emily Sessa worked a textbook give and go to put the Redman on top. Golini gave a great pass to Sessa and she placed one perfectly past the Woburn goalie. This time, the goal stood and Tewksbury came away with an impressive 1-0 victory.

Tewksbury GU12-2

 Tewksbury – 2 vs. Chelmsford – 0

The players, coaches, and parents of Tewksbury GU12-2 spent Saturday afternoon battling heavy rain and winds on the pitch against 1^st place division rival Chelmsford. Chelmsford won the coin flip and kicked off to start the game. Their top players worked the ball carefully into the offensive zone but the Tewksbury defenders were patient as they gave ground but did not break under the attacking pressure. Sam Surowiec anchored the middle of the defensive zone. Stephanie Graffeo and Katie Famiglietti fought hard along the sidelines and forced the turnovers which Sam was able to clear all the way into the attacking zone.

Kelly Fortier danced her way past the Chelmsford midfielders opening up passing lanes and hitting fellow mids Andrea DiCiaccio and Brittany Malfa. There were a number of solid scoring chances for Tewksbury in the first half including a hard shot by Allison Couillard from the right side across an open net which clanged off the left post and ricocheted away.

The second half started and both teams were fighting to get on the board first. Ashley Antonelli and Emily Langone fought and won multiple 50/50 challenges sending the ball ahead for Sarah Ciampa and Madison Wescott. At the 15 minute mark Madison picked up the loose ball in the Chelmsford zone, tipped it away from the defender, then won the race to the ball against the Chelmsford keeper who was unable to make any kind of save when Madison sent in a solid shot to the open side of the net.

Chelmsford ramped up the pressure and manufactured a number of solid scoring chances to try and tie the game. Allison Couillard was rock solid in net handling the slippery ball cleanly and powering up the attack with strong goalie kicks over midfield. It was on one of these kicks that the Tewksbury midfielder deflected the ball forward and Madison was there to gather it up. She made her way forward breaking past the Chelmsford defender and the keeper raced out to try and kick the ball away before Maddy could set up her shot. Madison popped the ball up and away from the keeper and raced past her to settle down the loose ball and send it into a wide open net for the insurance goal with 8 minutes left to play.

The defense clamped down and Allison Couillard made a few more memorable saves to keep Chelmsford off the board and secure the victory. The final score was Tewksbury – 2, Chelmsford – 0.

Tewksbury GU12-3

 Tewksbury – 1 vs. Wilmington – 3

The Tewksbury Racers (GU12-3) had two very exciting games over the last couple of weeks. First they played our town rival, Wilmington, at home on Saturday, April 16^th. . This game was tough in more ways than one, not only is Wilmington always a competitive team but the girls had to battle through one of the coldest days we have had to play in years along with a very forceful wind-chill! Even though the girls played through the relentless elements, they lost the game 3-1. Jocelyn Duval and Karina Crowley defended the Racers net in stellar fashion. Emily Stewart scored the lone goal for the Racers off of a corner kick by Karina Crowley that was deflected by Maeve Moynihan. Sammy Alman and Danielle Carrigg were strong in the defensive position. The forwards for this game gave the Wilmington goalie plenty to stop with several shots on net by Rachel Figuicca, Robin Czarniecki, Deidre Roache, Brigid Voto and Erin Coutler. We look forward to our rematch later in the season.

Tewksbury GU12-3

Tewksbury – 5 vs. Chelmsford -1

 The Racers also had their first away game of the season this past Saturday, April 23^rd, in Chelmsford. Again, Mother Nature was not kind to our playing conditions, with rain and below normal temperatures. The girls fared better in this game, resulting in a 5-1 victory. The Chelmsford team got off to a quick start, scoring their only goal within the first minute of play. The Tewksbury Racers responded just as quick with their first goal, scored by Karina Crowley from a pass by Robin Czarniecki. Maeve Moynihan scored the next goal for the Racers off a rebound from the Chelmsford goalie. The third goal was scored before half time by Robin Czarniecki with a great follow-through shot at the net. Jocelyn Duval defended the Tewksbury net the first half and made some excellent stops in the muddy net. The second half was action packed as well, as the rain became more consistent. Emily Stewart scored 2 goals in this half, the first after receiving a leading pass from Jocelyn Duval up the middle of the field, and the second after receiving a pass from Maeve Moynihan and Deidre Roche. Sam Alman and Danielle Carrigg were fearless in the defensive positions. Brigid Voto, Erin Coutler, Rachel Figuicca and Becky Reynolds were awesome on the offensive line, pushing the ball forward, passing and crossing the ball to the open man to aid in the victory. Karina Crowley again showed her tough goalie stance in the second half-resulting a shut out with some outstanding saves, such as body dive, close-up shots and air shots. Great Job girls!

Tewksbury GU12-4

Tewksbury – 1 vs. Reading - 2

TYSL girls U12-4 hosted Reading for a Friday evening match to close out the vacation week. TYSL played a controlled first half and showed excellent team play. First offensive drive up the field initiated by Priya Vijay playing left fullback to Emily Satterfield created an opportunity 18 yards off the Reading net with Amanda Satterfield. The Redmen were eager to be the first to find the back of the net. Samantha LaLonde held striker early on in the match with many opportunities despite the Reading defenders consistency of showing multiple defenders inside the box and often being double teamed. Molly Hodgson defended the net as keeper for the first half showing excellent distribution of the ball. After many great saves early in the half, Reading found the corner just out of reach putting them on the board for the first goal of the match. The Redmen were not going to let up the pressure. Late in the half stopper Nicole Toland took advantage of a well placed chip shot from beyond the penalty arc and was able to find the top shelf matching the Reading goal to tie the score 1-1. Reading responded quickly finding the far post nearing the end of the half with the Redmen down 1-2. With two minutes left in the match another team effort with a drive started from sweeper Mary Cortes pushing the ball wide to Miranda Hulme. Miranda drove up the wing and connected with stopper Emily Satterfield who took a on two Reading defenders and created an opportunity with right wing Amanda Satterfield finishing with a shot on goal. Despite great team movement of the ball, the Reading keeper denied many opportunities throughout the game. Madeline MacMullin played keeper for the Redmen for the second half keeping the Reading offense scoreless for the remainder of the game. The Redmen came into the second half extremely strong and tried to move in from the outer flanks. Alyssa Theodos and Anabelle Barrett paired off early as right and left fullbacks. After taking the midfield positions each took advantage to create pressure down both wings with several breakaways in attempt to get the ball across. Exciting well played match; final score Tewksbury 1, Reading 2.

Tewksbury GU12-4

Tewksbury – 2 vs. Somerville - 2

TYSL girls U12-4 hosted Somerville Saturday the 23rd in what would turn out to be a match in 40 degree drenching rain. Amanda Satterfield would hold Somerville scoreless in the first half by playing an aggressive keeper position for Tewksbury. The Redmen came out strong to set the tone early of maintaining control and possession with ball control. Sweeper Mary Cortes, worked several drives up the field with midfielders Miranda Hulme and Elizabeth Barrett looking to finish with striker Samantha LaLonde. In the final seconds of the half Priya Vijay took advantage of an offensive drive across the 18 yard line moving past the defenders and finishing the ball strong with a shot to the back of the net giving TYSL the lead going into the second half. Redmen would hold their lead and continue driving up field. Early on in the second half, Nicole Toland executed several offensive head balls. One was off a Redmen throw in from Emily Satterfield moving the ball down field connecting with Alyssa Theodos looking to finish the drive up the wing. Somerville answered 10 minutes into the second half to tie the game with a top corner shot out of reach of second half goal keeper Madeline MacMullin. The Redmen would not let up and pressed forward. Following 3 consecutive corner kick attempts to slide the ball past Somerville Molly Hodgson closed down the attacking space and knocked a solid shot driven in from 25 yards out to regain the lead. Somerville would answer 15 minutes later; final score would end with a 2-2 tie.

Tewksbury GU14-1

Tewksbury – 1 vs. Melrose - 0

 Despite the inclement weather with only two reserve players, Tewksbury prevailed for its first win, 1-0. Combining efforts to preserve the shutout, Kayleigh Bishop and Molly McDonald made kick saves and smothered the ball respectively as they shared duties as goalkeeper. From the backfield, Mary Bliss and Emily Duquette harrassed Melrose’s' forwards with disruptive tackles to prevent any pursuit to the net. Working the midfield, Alyssa Aurilio and Catherine Ozek clogged the passing channels to create scoring opportunities for their teammates. Providing tenacious havoc, Monica Aronson and Dimple Gandhi forced the Melrose backfield to erroneously lose the ball out of bounds to set up throw-ins at the offensive end of the field. Finding her sister racing toward the Melrose net, Ariana Calouro passed the ball to Makayla Calouro who tapped in Tewksbury's lone goal. Receiving a corner kick drilled by Stephanie McHatton, Katie Adelsberger popped the ball on net only to be stumped by the Melrose keeper. Throughout the first half, Nicole Salvato cruised in from left forward, but she couldn't capitalize on her chances.

Tewksbury GU14-2

Tewksbury – 0 vs. Lowell – 2

 The Tewksbury GU14-2 team lost a tough one to the Lowell GU14-1 on Saturday, in the freezing wind and rain. Lowell came out strong, pounding the defense, but co-captain HP (Haley Pozzuto), Nicole Malfa and Haley Aznavoorian stayed tough and turned them away time after time. Lowell finally got through at the 10 minute mark, to make the score 1-0. Goalkeeper co-captain KG (Kaleigh Gammon) gave a stellar performance in the mud, stopping a Lowell break away with a text book slide tackle 20 minutes into the first half. While midfielder Meredith Cahill was relentless, getting the ball to her forwards over and over, and Big D (Darien Lavino) seemed to be everywhere, giving her all. Unfortunately, the front line seemed disjointed and couldn’t find the net, although a good effort was given by Karah Chaisson. Despite the exhaustive effort of the defense, with 5 minutes to go in the game, Lowell scored again, to make the final 2-0. Tewksbury GU14-2 travels to Melrose Saturday for a 9:00 game.

 Tewksbury GU14-3

Tewksbury – 1 vs. Wilmington - 2

Mother nature was not on our side once again. On a cold and rainy Saturday morning, the girls from Tewksbury battled Wilmington to a scoreless first half. Like the week before, it took a half of play to warm up the muscles. The second half started with a jolt. The spark was provided by the 3 forwards. Kiera Lawlor, Skylar Jacques and Ashley Figucia. Kiera streaked up the left side and sent a perfect cross to the flying Ashley Figucia who controlled the pass and sent a missile over the keeper's head. Support was provided by the 4 Middies, Kate Gilbert, Katie Dunleavy, Bailey Gillis and Stephanie Travis. Our defense was anchored by Sara Baptista, Gianna Dell'Orfano, Nikilina Taromino, Kenzie Wyatt, Alexia Johnson, Juliana Wahl, Caroline Ferrari and Lauren Strainge Unfortunately we lost the battle 2-1 but are still in first place in our division with 6 Points. Offensive player of the game goes to Ashley Figucia and Defensive Player of game goes to Kate Gilbert who played net the 1st half and was stellar and played great "D" the second half.

TYSL BU12-1

Tewksbury 2 at Woburn 2

The Tewksbury Boys Under 12-1 team drew a 2-2 tie with the Woburn BU12-2 team on a cold and rainy April morning. Woburn was the better team in the first half and jumped out to a 2-0 lead. Ameen Kalkhoran broke the ice at the 28 minute mark on a direct kick just to the right of the penalty arc that bounced from the left goal post to the right and into the net. David Gammon, David Durante and Adam Colon had made bids on net in the first half as well. Tewksbury woke up in the second half and pressed the Woburn defense for the last 15 minutes. Jack Bicknell and Alex Papageorgiou combined for the equalizer at the 55 minute mark. Jack crossed the ball from left to right deep in the goal box while Alex streaked in from the right side of the penalty area to stuff it home. Chris McCabe made numerous plays from the left slot to keep the ball in Woburn's end in the last minutes of the game. Nick Paolillo and Gavin Slattery had solid games as well.