Compiled by Ashley Winchester
Ipswich vs. Liverpool (Jr-6)
The first cold wind preview of winter were not enough to cool off a red hot Ipswich team as they made up for a tough season with a win against Liverpool Saturday morning in a Downtown Soccer League game. Ipswich scored early and often despite persistent goaltending by Adele Johns, who turned away some 20 shots on goal. Ipswich’s striker squad of Owen O’Keefe, Scott Bamford and Aidan Rogers kept play in the Liverpool end of the field with several goals assisted by Anthony O’Donnell at midfield. Liverpool’s Olivia-Rose Cohen and Oliver Mettle gave it their best try at midfield, but were cut off offensively by Ipswich’s Taylor White, Tao Hunt and Kerrick Hahn, handing goalie Alston Biggs his first shut-out of the season, 8-0.
Leeds United vs. Chelsea (Jr-7)
Leeds United faced Chelsea in a tight match in the bitter cold Saturday morning on the middle field in Battery Park City. Even play on both sides held the score at 0-0 at the half, as strong offensive play by Leeds’ Isabella Pecorari, Lee Perry, Ethan Skelskie and Ethan Feldman was met by Chelsea’s stonewall defense. Late in the second half, Leeds striker Louis Moreschi fired a shot through to score the only goal of the game. First-time goalie Cliff Benfield was selected as Leeds’ M.V.P. for his efforts, which were helped by defensive players Violet Low-Beinart, Marina Ouranistas and Jackson Collins.
Manchester vs. Derby (Jr-7)
The seven year-olds on teams Manchester and Derby scrambled to a 0-0 tie Saturday morning. Goalies on both teams stymied all scoring attempts as Manchester’s Andrew Jansen and Derby’s Sota Hosoi and Jake Essman protected the nets. Christina Basso, Dean Scotti, Max Sperling and John Barbieri put on the offensive pressure, but were stopped by Derby defender Rachael Hersey who pounded the ball back to midfield. Likewise, Gordon Spector, David Said, Marhsall Akselrad and brothers Jason and Jack McKivergen’s many shots on goal were deflected by Manchester’s impenetrable defensive line of Michael DiMaria, Michael Marino and Gabriele Ponce.
Livingston vs. Rangers (M-9)
Another evenly matched game was had in the minor 9 division as the Rangers played Livingston Saturday afternoon on the north field. A combination of well-played positioning and good saves on both sides made for a nail-biting 0-0 tie at the half. Livingston keeper Josh Colon, supported by Miguel Leiro and Olivia Lautin, consistently cleared the ball to teammates David Hersey, Jessica Nosenchuk and Kirnan Hahn waiting at midfield. Livingston’s Jeremy Allen and Oren Shore made the switch to offense this week to keep up the pressure against Rangers’ strong defense. Overall improvements were seen on both sides as the teams celebrated a 1-1 tie at the whistle. “It’s great to see how the kids are learning each week,” Livingston coach Kate Shore said. “This team is the most fun I’ve had coaching yet. They are a great bunch of kids and really enjoy playing with each other.”
Motherwell vs. Dundee (M-9)
Parents and fans braved the continued cold Saturday afternoon to watch Dundee play Motherwell for the second time this season. Celebrating teammate Anna Schwab’s ninth birthday, Motherwell scored first on pinpoint passing from Jake Miller to Jake Shapiro and another then by Schwab to Miller for a birthday assist. Michael Herman of Dundee returned the favor with a quick corner shot assisted by Bridget Doherty into the right-hand side of the net, past the diving Ali Rossi in goal. Dundee’s Henry Gunderson did well at goal in the first half, making several scrambling saves. “Henry does a great job of jumping on the ball,” Dundee coach Dan Costa said. “The boy has no fear.”
Motherwell’s revised lineup in the second half placed Jessica McAleer and Sandella Taylor on defense and Brian Boyd at midfield, providing the answer to Dundee’s aggressive play. Cameron Spector, Motherwell’s goalkeeper, was assisted by several deflections off the goalpost, but Herman squeezed by with another powerful kick. Motherwell’s Joseph Demarco broke the tie, scoring his first goal of the season on a hard right-footed shot late in the game for the win.
Valencia vs. Real Madrid (M-10)
Valencia had their rematch Sunday afternoon against Real Madrid. In the first match, played under the lights on a warm October evening, Real Madrid won going away. This week, both the weather and results were different. Real Madrid scored in the first minute of play on a goal by midfielder Max Sternberg, and a high kick by Justin Basso brought the score to 2-1 at the half. As Valencia tied the score early in the second half, the match turned quickly into a battle of the goalies. Kristin White of Valencia made several key saves from point blank range to deny Real Madrid another goal, and sweeper Asa Capsoutto drove away the rest. Reuben Sinder was equally strong in goal for Real Madrid until the offensive team of Alsan Baghlan and Jackson McGonagele of Valencia, with less than a minute left of play, knocked home a rebound for the win.
Le Mans vs. Lyon (M-11)
A shortage of teammates refused to slow Le Mans down as all eight players suited up for play for a closely contested match Sunday morning. Lyon’s front line of Lila Low-Beinart, Andrew Chow, Jukie Tsai and Victor and Victoria Smith attacked repeatedly, only to be stopped by Le Mans’ goalie Luke Smith-Stevens and the relentless defensive line. Low-Beinart and Victor continued their mastery of dribbling skills as they moved the ball deep into Le Mans territory, taking a number of shots on goal. Victor scored one on a breakaway for Lyon after luring the goalie out of the net. Precision passing by Le Mans’ Ben Lenovitz, Willy Gibbons and Scarlett McCamen brought the ball past Lyon’s defensive line, allowing for several shots on goal. Lyon’s midfielders and defensive line of Tsai, Maya Ilyashov, Rashid Oord, Matthew Hickey, Alex Lois, Sahsa deGraeve slowed a number of offensive threats, but Le Mans broke through. Two scores came on a Lenovitz breakaway and a loose ball shot from the left side after a Le Mans corner kick, securing the win. Lyon goalie Sam Fishman held the net, stopping many shots on goal, and, with Ilyashov, was awarded Lyon’s weekly game ball.
Monaco vs. Nice (M-11)
Monaco met Nice Sunday morning in tightly contested game, with many scoring opportunities on both sides. Monaco’s Nathan Miller shone at offense, scoring all four of the team’s goals, assisted by the offensive line of Michael Galindo, Griffin Goldsmith, Luke Soloway, Jordan Segal, Santi Slade and Dillan Cooper. Monaco’s defense kept all but one goal out of the net. “The teams are very evenly matched and the score does not reflect how close the game was,” Monaco coach Dennis Spates said. “Each team had many scoring opportunities. Fortunately, Monaco’s shots went in the net.”
Thanks to all of the coaches who contributed to this report. Game results should be e-mailed to news@DowntownExpress .com and Ashley@DowntownExpress.com by Monday morning.
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