YMS Boys Soccer Finish Season With 10-4 Win Over Saco
The end of the season was stamped with an exclamation point. The boys soccer team from York Middle School finished out the year with a big 10-4 victory over the Saco Bulldogs. The travelling road show continued as the 'Cats found themselves on foreign soil for the eighth time out of the 10 games on the schedule. That didn't matter as York scored early, often, late, and more often in hitting double digits for the second time this season.
With a new alignment up front, the Wildcats opened the scoring with a hat-trick from the crafty Nick Mauro. With a much wider field that York had seen this year, the squad took advantage of the extra width to work the ball into open space. Spreading out the host's defense turned into a huge tactical advantage, giving the Wildcat's skill players more room to pressure the net. Stefan McGovern and Liam Furlong assisted on two of Mauro's tallies.
Saco had cut the York lead to 2-1 before Mauro completed the trick. Then Chris O'Sullivan netted from close in and Graham Lamprey stole from the defense and upped the advantage to 5-1. On this sunny, blustery, and crisp autumn afternoon, the half-time whistle was none too soon for the hosts as the visitors has a solid grasp on the match.
When play was whistled to start the second frame, York continued to press forward. Two more scores by Mauro and single tallies by fellow 8th graders Furlong and Ethan Labelle upped the margin to 9-3.
With a huge chunk of time remaining, the Wildcats found only 7th graders on the pitch. The season was pretty much over for the seven 8th graders on the squad. A good solid look is what Coach Webster got from seeing next year's team running the show. Seventh grader Stefan McGovern finished off the scoring with a tap in behind the goalie for York's 10 goal.
Solid play for the entire squad rounded off a year that saw the 'Cats have an even record at 5-5. The team scored 42 goals and gave up 34. Pretty good numbers considering the team played an 8th grade schedule with just seven eighth graders and 11 seventh graders. The goalkeeping trio of Quinten Ayer, Jackson Frame, and Ryan Ridley gave the Wildcats a solid foundation on the defensive end.
With a visit to the Saco McDonald's after the game, the team enjoyed its last bit of camaraderie. Yes, the fast-food establishment is now short many, many chicken McNuggets and french fries. The team with lots of energy showed respect and class in leaving the place cleaner than when we arrived. (A very nice 84 year old Navy submariner veteran gave the coach some very nice words about our team! Coach has a hard time turning down an opportunity to talk to a veteran.)
With a new alignment up front, the Wildcats opened the scoring with a hat-trick from the crafty Nick Mauro. With a much wider field that York had seen this year, the squad took advantage of the extra width to work the ball into open space. Spreading out the host's defense turned into a huge tactical advantage, giving the Wildcat's skill players more room to pressure the net. Stefan McGovern and Liam Furlong assisted on two of Mauro's tallies.
Saco had cut the York lead to 2-1 before Mauro completed the trick. Then Chris O'Sullivan netted from close in and Graham Lamprey stole from the defense and upped the advantage to 5-1. On this sunny, blustery, and crisp autumn afternoon, the half-time whistle was none too soon for the hosts as the visitors has a solid grasp on the match.
When play was whistled to start the second frame, York continued to press forward. Two more scores by Mauro and single tallies by fellow 8th graders Furlong and Ethan Labelle upped the margin to 9-3.
With a huge chunk of time remaining, the Wildcats found only 7th graders on the pitch. The season was pretty much over for the seven 8th graders on the squad. A good solid look is what Coach Webster got from seeing next year's team running the show. Seventh grader Stefan McGovern finished off the scoring with a tap in behind the goalie for York's 10 goal.
Solid play for the entire squad rounded off a year that saw the 'Cats have an even record at 5-5. The team scored 42 goals and gave up 34. Pretty good numbers considering the team played an 8th grade schedule with just seven eighth graders and 11 seventh graders. The goalkeeping trio of Quinten Ayer, Jackson Frame, and Ryan Ridley gave the Wildcats a solid foundation on the defensive end.
With a visit to the Saco McDonald's after the game, the team enjoyed its last bit of camaraderie. Yes, the fast-food establishment is now short many, many chicken McNuggets and french fries. The team with lots of energy showed respect and class in leaving the place cleaner than when we arrived. (A very nice 84 year old Navy submariner veteran gave the coach some very nice words about our team! Coach has a hard time turning down an opportunity to talk to a veteran.)
Kennebunk 5 York 0
Another solid first half by the York Boys Soccer Team didn't materialize into success in the second half and the travelling booters fell to a strong Kennebunk team 5-0 on a cool and blustery Friday afternoon.
After an entertaining first half, the score read the same as when the referee's whistle blew to get action underway. Neither team could cash in on opportunities earned with excellent hustle and solid tactical play. The hosts may have had the better of the chances, but excellent control of the box by Quinten Ayer kept the Rams off the scoresheet. York had chances of its own, including a guilt-edge chance on the doorstep by high scoring striker Nick Mauro. With the lower left side of the net open, Mauro pegged his effort straight at the keeper for an easy turn aside.
Into the second frame went the two sides in their traditional end of the season matchup. Kennebunk began to flex their mettle as the momentum kept York back on their heels. Led by a rather tall and athletic center midfielder, the Rams found the target with the shots and burst out to a lead early in the second half. York's defense gave the effort, but they couldn't stay up with the all-eighth grade squad. The bigger, stronger, and faster Rams held their home ground with a 5-goal outburst in the final 30 minutes to secure the victory.
The loss drops the Wildcats record to 4-5 overall with one final game left on the schedule. Monday, October 22, the 'Cats will square off against Saco Middle School. Kickoff is set for 4:00 pm on the Bobcats' home pitch. The team will be signing autographs for the final time this season at the McDonalds in Saco after the game. Return time to YMS will be about 6:30 pm - 6:45 pm.
After an entertaining first half, the score read the same as when the referee's whistle blew to get action underway. Neither team could cash in on opportunities earned with excellent hustle and solid tactical play. The hosts may have had the better of the chances, but excellent control of the box by Quinten Ayer kept the Rams off the scoresheet. York had chances of its own, including a guilt-edge chance on the doorstep by high scoring striker Nick Mauro. With the lower left side of the net open, Mauro pegged his effort straight at the keeper for an easy turn aside.
Into the second frame went the two sides in their traditional end of the season matchup. Kennebunk began to flex their mettle as the momentum kept York back on their heels. Led by a rather tall and athletic center midfielder, the Rams found the target with the shots and burst out to a lead early in the second half. York's defense gave the effort, but they couldn't stay up with the all-eighth grade squad. The bigger, stronger, and faster Rams held their home ground with a 5-goal outburst in the final 30 minutes to secure the victory.
The loss drops the Wildcats record to 4-5 overall with one final game left on the schedule. Monday, October 22, the 'Cats will square off against Saco Middle School. Kickoff is set for 4:00 pm on the Bobcats' home pitch. The team will be signing autographs for the final time this season at the McDonalds in Saco after the game. Return time to YMS will be about 6:30 pm - 6:45 pm.
Sanford 5 York 4
Sanford Holds Off Furious York Rally
The changing face of the weather mimicked the changing momentum of the game as a furious storm blew through the second half the only tilt between York and host Sanford. The Wednesday afternoon game saw a gentle blue sky to start the game and a vicious gray sky flew across the field in the second half.
York started off the game on their heels as a strong contingent of Sanford 8th graders took control of the play. The home team used the wind advantage in the first half to barge their way to a 4-0 half time advantage. As soon as the weather turned bitter cold, rainy, and blustery, the Wildcats came to life. York scored four second-half goals, including three after Sanford had gained a 5-1 advantage.
Nick Mauro again led the was with a pair of goals, both blasted from distance. Noah Gennaro and Ethan Labelle also netted for York.
As the rain gave way in the latter part of the second frame, York continued to press towards the Sanford goal, looking for the equalizing tally. Sanford did counter attack as well, but the 'Cats defense rose to the challenge, including 2nd half keeper Jackson Frame.
Ticking towards the final whistle, York got one last chance to tie the score, but Nick Mauro's attempt rose too high over the crossbar leaving the travellers one shy.
The season is slowly winding down to its conclusion. Friday, the Wildcats travel to Kennebunk for it's annual battle with the Rams. The game is set to kickoff around 4:30pm or 10 minutes after the girls 8th grade game.
The final game of the season will be Monday, October 22nd as the team travels to Saco for the makeup game. Kickoff is set for 4:00 pm at Saco Middle School. And yes, the coach did say the team will stop at McDonalds after the game. Return time is around 6:30 pm at YMS.
York started off the game on their heels as a strong contingent of Sanford 8th graders took control of the play. The home team used the wind advantage in the first half to barge their way to a 4-0 half time advantage. As soon as the weather turned bitter cold, rainy, and blustery, the Wildcats came to life. York scored four second-half goals, including three after Sanford had gained a 5-1 advantage.
Nick Mauro again led the was with a pair of goals, both blasted from distance. Noah Gennaro and Ethan Labelle also netted for York.
As the rain gave way in the latter part of the second frame, York continued to press towards the Sanford goal, looking for the equalizing tally. Sanford did counter attack as well, but the 'Cats defense rose to the challenge, including 2nd half keeper Jackson Frame.
Ticking towards the final whistle, York got one last chance to tie the score, but Nick Mauro's attempt rose too high over the crossbar leaving the travellers one shy.
The season is slowly winding down to its conclusion. Friday, the Wildcats travel to Kennebunk for it's annual battle with the Rams. The game is set to kickoff around 4:30pm or 10 minutes after the girls 8th grade game.
The final game of the season will be Monday, October 22nd as the team travels to Saco for the makeup game. Kickoff is set for 4:00 pm at Saco Middle School. And yes, the coach did say the team will stop at McDonalds after the game. Return time is around 6:30 pm at YMS.
Wildcats Complete Sweep of Wells
York 5 Wells 1
Led by veteran Nick Mauro, the York Boys Soccer Team swept the home and home series against rival Wells on Monday. Mauro bedazzled the crowd with a pair of exquisite goals, leaving the hosts stunned and amazed. The 5-1 final was indicative of the balance of play throughout the cold and drizzly afternoon.
Noah Gennaro booted the 'Cats into an early 1-0 lead. Mauro made the nice feed to set up his fellow 8th grader. Nick then took over the scoring, netting the next three tallies in the game.
With the game knotted at 1 all, Liam Furlong laid off a simple pass to Nick who turned and blasted a lefty shot over the outstretched arms of the Wells keeper. With a 2-1 lead at the intermission, the Wildcats knew they could up the ante with the same high level of play in the second half.
And up the ante they did. Led by Nick Mauro's stellar efforts on the attack, York scored three goals in the second half to walk away with the 5-1 final margin. A throw-in by Sam Hunter along the left wing side deep in the Wells half of the field, Mauro gathered in the ball and raced at the Warrior's net. After nutmeging the keeper, Mauro cut back and slid the ball home for the beautiful tally.
Mauro decided that goal needed an encore. A few minutes later, he gathered in a ball deep in the Wells end again. This time the diminutive striker flicked the ball over the back's head then blasted by the helpless keeper, completing his hat trick.
Meanwhile, the trio of Jackson Frame, Ryan Ridley, and Quinten Ayer held back the Warrior attack, yielding just the lone goal in the first half.
The final week of the season will see the Wildcats continue as road warriors with three more away games.
Wednesday, Oct. 17 at Sanford 3:30 pm kickoff
Thursday, Oct. 18 Practice 2:30 - 4:00pm
Friday, Oct. 19 at Kennebunk 4:30 kickoff (8th grade girls play before us)
Monday, Oct. 22 at Saco 4:00 pm kickoff
Noah Gennaro booted the 'Cats into an early 1-0 lead. Mauro made the nice feed to set up his fellow 8th grader. Nick then took over the scoring, netting the next three tallies in the game.
With the game knotted at 1 all, Liam Furlong laid off a simple pass to Nick who turned and blasted a lefty shot over the outstretched arms of the Wells keeper. With a 2-1 lead at the intermission, the Wildcats knew they could up the ante with the same high level of play in the second half.
And up the ante they did. Led by Nick Mauro's stellar efforts on the attack, York scored three goals in the second half to walk away with the 5-1 final margin. A throw-in by Sam Hunter along the left wing side deep in the Wells half of the field, Mauro gathered in the ball and raced at the Warrior's net. After nutmeging the keeper, Mauro cut back and slid the ball home for the beautiful tally.
Mauro decided that goal needed an encore. A few minutes later, he gathered in a ball deep in the Wells end again. This time the diminutive striker flicked the ball over the back's head then blasted by the helpless keeper, completing his hat trick.
Meanwhile, the trio of Jackson Frame, Ryan Ridley, and Quinten Ayer held back the Warrior attack, yielding just the lone goal in the first half.
The final week of the season will see the Wildcats continue as road warriors with three more away games.
Wednesday, Oct. 17 at Sanford 3:30 pm kickoff
Thursday, Oct. 18 Practice 2:30 - 4:00pm
Friday, Oct. 19 at Kennebunk 4:30 kickoff (8th grade girls play before us)
Monday, Oct. 22 at Saco 4:00 pm kickoff
Sanford Game Site Switched ... Now AT Sanford
The Sanford game which is scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 17th will now be played at Sanford. Originially scheduled for a home game at the VES field, the game has been switched to the Sanford Junior High field. The field is located out back of the Junior High which is through the center of Sanford. The bus will leave from YMS at 2:30 pm and the game will kickoff at the regularly scheduled time of 3:30 pm.
York 4 Wells 1
Nick Mauro continued his hot streak with his third and fourth goals in the last three games as the YMS Boys Soccer Team took the victory against its neighborhood rival Wells.
On a golden autumn day at the VES soccer field, York came out early with a nice goal potted home by Mauro. The eighth-grade striker finished off a nice passing combination with the final helper coming off the boot of Noah Gennaro.
The visitors knotted the score at one all just a few minutes later. Some sloppy defensive play allowed one of the Warriors strongest players to get a clear bid on keeper Jackson Frame. Frame kept the game level with numerous saves as bouncing balls around the goalie box continued to abound.
The 'Cats got their feet about themselves and regained the flow of play. Chris O'Sullivan gave York a 2-1 lead off the nice feed from Jack Jellison and Stefan McGovern upped the lead to 3-1 with a distant effort that looped over the keeper's head into the far side panel. Noah Gennaro curled a sweet diagonal pass to the right in setting up McGovern.
In the second half, Wells continued to present a very high line with its backs. York took advantage with many through balls into space. Mauro finished out the scoring blasting by the keeper from 18 yards out for the final margin of victory. Ryan Ridley held strong in net for York in the second half.
The second half of the home and home set will be Monday at Wells Junior High. Kickoff is set for 3:30 pm.
On a golden autumn day at the VES soccer field, York came out early with a nice goal potted home by Mauro. The eighth-grade striker finished off a nice passing combination with the final helper coming off the boot of Noah Gennaro.
The visitors knotted the score at one all just a few minutes later. Some sloppy defensive play allowed one of the Warriors strongest players to get a clear bid on keeper Jackson Frame. Frame kept the game level with numerous saves as bouncing balls around the goalie box continued to abound.
The 'Cats got their feet about themselves and regained the flow of play. Chris O'Sullivan gave York a 2-1 lead off the nice feed from Jack Jellison and Stefan McGovern upped the lead to 3-1 with a distant effort that looped over the keeper's head into the far side panel. Noah Gennaro curled a sweet diagonal pass to the right in setting up McGovern.
In the second half, Wells continued to present a very high line with its backs. York took advantage with many through balls into space. Mauro finished out the scoring blasting by the keeper from 18 yards out for the final margin of victory. Ryan Ridley held strong in net for York in the second half.
The second half of the home and home set will be Monday at Wells Junior High. Kickoff is set for 3:30 pm.
A rare back to back set of matches on tap for the YMS Boys Soccer Team as they square off against the Wells Warriors. The first contest will be Friday, Oct. 12 with a 3:30 pm kickoff on the VES field. It will be just the second home game for the 'Cats this season. The return match will be Monday at Wells Junior High. The opening whistle will again be at 3:30 pm out behind the WJHS campus on Route 1.
Tuesday's (Oct. 2nd) Game vs. Saco Has Been Postponed
The boys soccer game against Saco scheduled for Tuesday, October 2nd has been cancelled. Saco's field is under water (as is ours at the VES). The game has been rescheduled for Tuesday, October 22nd. With the game pushed to the Tuesday after last game, we will add a practice on Monday, October 21.
YMS Boys Soccer to Combine Two Teams
Due to a small number of YMS 8th grade students showing interest in playing boys soccer, YMS has decided to combine 7th and 8th graders to make one squad for the 2018 fall season. With only seven 8th graders signed up, the decision was made to have one team representing the Wildcats.
The two grades will play together for the first time in many years and take on the 8th grade schedule. "It is virtually like having the 7th graders play up a level, with many teams still sporting two middle school teams," said head coach Pete Webster. However, schools like Kittery and Biddeford traditionally have only one team. The challenges will come in facing Marshwood and Kennebunk, two strong competitors who each have 7th and 8th grade teams.
"It kind of a preview of what the student-athletes will experience in high school. When they go down the street to YHS, three or four grades are represented on a team. This will help with our athletes experience in playing with players they have never played with," Webster added.
So the season will begin with the longest trip of the season, a 50 minute ride to Massabesic to kick off against the Mavericks. Then will come a match against the 'Cats biggest rival. York will find out soon if it is up to the challenge.
The two grades will play together for the first time in many years and take on the 8th grade schedule. "It is virtually like having the 7th graders play up a level, with many teams still sporting two middle school teams," said head coach Pete Webster. However, schools like Kittery and Biddeford traditionally have only one team. The challenges will come in facing Marshwood and Kennebunk, two strong competitors who each have 7th and 8th grade teams.
"It kind of a preview of what the student-athletes will experience in high school. When they go down the street to YHS, three or four grades are represented on a team. This will help with our athletes experience in playing with players they have never played with," Webster added.
So the season will begin with the longest trip of the season, a 50 minute ride to Massabesic to kick off against the Mavericks. Then will come a match against the 'Cats biggest rival. York will find out soon if it is up to the challenge.
