York 3 Kennebunk 1
Just as the days are getting shorter, the air more crisp, and the wind pouring in from the northwest, the York Boys 8th Grade Soccer Team kicked off the season ending match against a tough and experienced Kennebunk squad. Knowing this would be an up and down the field battle, York needed to match the intensity of the hosts who perenially show speed, quickness, and keen sense of taking advantage of an opponent's mistakes.
With the wind against the Wildcats in the first half (coach likes this challenge), York jumped on the board early. Some good quality play down the right wing side earned York a corner kick. Coming up from his stopper position, Quenton Convery hit a cracker high into the mixer. The goalie, with a slight misplay, ended up deflecting the ball over the line. The opening tally was credited to Quenton with no assist.
While still controlling the time of ball possession, the 'Cats continue to wreak havoc on the Rams defensive side. Smartly keeping the ball close to the ground and the defenders quickly clearing any ball off their line, York pressed forward with the wind still in their faces. Then came a burst up the middle, right in the teeth of Kennebunk's strength. Brian Kenealy got around a Ram player and returned the ball back to Alex Neilson who blasted a high shot towards the Kennebunk net. Again the keeper made a little bobble and the ball bounded to the back of the net. Neilson's shot gave the 'Cats a 2-0 lead in the middle of the first half.
With some solid play in the back and at midfield, York was playing so-so on the forward end. With a little challenge during a sub rotation, Brady Cummins reentered the game with renewed vigor and lots of good touches on the ball. He was eventually rewarded with a perfect pass that sprung him clear for a direct shot on goal from about 18 yards out. His blast tore off right past the keeper giving the Wildcats a 3-0 lead. The goal put York in the driver's seat at the end of the first half with a whole 30 minutes with a gusty wind behind them.
A back line that included Tuke Murch, Nolan Layton, Darryk Kelley, Hunter Savarese, and Cam Runte thwarted any and all Kennebunk forays into the Wildcats defensive half. This solid defensive presence gave Trever Bastarache nary a sniff of the ball in the first 30 minutes.
With a twist of irony, the second half was a different game. With the wind at their backs, York thought they could press forward with more offense. However, it was the home team that made solid adjustments in their intensity and passing game that kept the ball in the 'Cats defensive end. Trever Bastarache came up with numerous saves to keep the hosts off the board. It wasn't until late in the second the home side found the back of the net. A few miscues by the stout defense gave the Rams a straight on shot which cut the York lead to 3-1.
Just minutes remained however and York would control the balance of the time in the Kennebunk end to secure the 3-1 final.
The Wildcats rounded out their season with a 9-0-1 record. They outscored their opponents 56-6 in the 10 games.
With the wind against the Wildcats in the first half (coach likes this challenge), York jumped on the board early. Some good quality play down the right wing side earned York a corner kick. Coming up from his stopper position, Quenton Convery hit a cracker high into the mixer. The goalie, with a slight misplay, ended up deflecting the ball over the line. The opening tally was credited to Quenton with no assist.
While still controlling the time of ball possession, the 'Cats continue to wreak havoc on the Rams defensive side. Smartly keeping the ball close to the ground and the defenders quickly clearing any ball off their line, York pressed forward with the wind still in their faces. Then came a burst up the middle, right in the teeth of Kennebunk's strength. Brian Kenealy got around a Ram player and returned the ball back to Alex Neilson who blasted a high shot towards the Kennebunk net. Again the keeper made a little bobble and the ball bounded to the back of the net. Neilson's shot gave the 'Cats a 2-0 lead in the middle of the first half.
With some solid play in the back and at midfield, York was playing so-so on the forward end. With a little challenge during a sub rotation, Brady Cummins reentered the game with renewed vigor and lots of good touches on the ball. He was eventually rewarded with a perfect pass that sprung him clear for a direct shot on goal from about 18 yards out. His blast tore off right past the keeper giving the Wildcats a 3-0 lead. The goal put York in the driver's seat at the end of the first half with a whole 30 minutes with a gusty wind behind them.
A back line that included Tuke Murch, Nolan Layton, Darryk Kelley, Hunter Savarese, and Cam Runte thwarted any and all Kennebunk forays into the Wildcats defensive half. This solid defensive presence gave Trever Bastarache nary a sniff of the ball in the first 30 minutes.
With a twist of irony, the second half was a different game. With the wind at their backs, York thought they could press forward with more offense. However, it was the home team that made solid adjustments in their intensity and passing game that kept the ball in the 'Cats defensive end. Trever Bastarache came up with numerous saves to keep the hosts off the board. It wasn't until late in the second the home side found the back of the net. A few miscues by the stout defense gave the Rams a straight on shot which cut the York lead to 3-1.
Just minutes remained however and York would control the balance of the time in the Kennebunk end to secure the 3-1 final.
The Wildcats rounded out their season with a 9-0-1 record. They outscored their opponents 56-6 in the 10 games.
York 8 Sanford 0
Wednesday, October 19
Coming off a 9-0 thrashing of Wells, the 8th Grade Boys Soccer Team continued their goal scoring barrage with an 8-0 win over Sanford. The victory raises the team's record to 8-0-1 on the season and sets up the big finale on Monday at Kennebunk.
With eight goals on Wednesday, the 'Cats have now scored 54 goals while giving up only five. York has shut out their opponents in seven of nine games.
Josh Gennaro opened the scoring early in the game with the feed coming from Brady Cummins. Rhys Evans continued his torrid scoring pace with his fourth goal in the last two games giving York a 2-0 lead. Josh flicked home his second of three goals on the day, as York upped the lead to 3-0. In cruise control the rest of the way, the Wildcats added tallies from Brady, Quenton Convery, Tuke Murch, and Trevor Bastarache (first goal of the season).
Stellar play through the midfield all game led to great scoring chances and limited Sanford's opportunities. Trever was solid again in net and Tuke Murch took the gloves for the last 18 minutes, providing shutout work in between the pipes.
With eight goals on Wednesday, the 'Cats have now scored 54 goals while giving up only five. York has shut out their opponents in seven of nine games.
Josh Gennaro opened the scoring early in the game with the feed coming from Brady Cummins. Rhys Evans continued his torrid scoring pace with his fourth goal in the last two games giving York a 2-0 lead. Josh flicked home his second of three goals on the day, as York upped the lead to 3-0. In cruise control the rest of the way, the Wildcats added tallies from Brady, Quenton Convery, Tuke Murch, and Trevor Bastarache (first goal of the season).
Stellar play through the midfield all game led to great scoring chances and limited Sanford's opportunities. Trever was solid again in net and Tuke Murch took the gloves for the last 18 minutes, providing shutout work in between the pipes.
York 9 Wells 0
Monday, Oct. 17
Ball control and possession was the name of the game as the 8th Grade Boys Soccer Team squared off against Wells on this fine Monday afternoon. While controlling the flow of the game, Rhys Evans and Tuke Murch led the way in the scoring department as the Wildcats upped their record to 8-0-1 with a 9-0 victory over Wells.
The rematch of an earlier 6-0 win at the Warriors' home pitch, York had the lion's share of possession. With Trever Bastarache in net, the visitors go nary a sniff on the Wildcats' net. The 'Cats passed the ball around the field with deft skill, rippling the old onion bag nine straight times.
Tuke Murch put the home side on the board shortly after the referee's whistled the action to begin. Quenton Convery continued his torrid assist pace, providing helpers on two of the first three goals.
Tuke, with his second goal, upped York's lead to 6-0 in the second half.
Rhys Evans was the beneficiary of the 'Cats excellent passing, finding the back of the net three times. His first and second tallies gave the Wildcats at two and three goal advantage.
Calvin May, Josh Gennaro, and Alex Neilson had single goals. Adding to the score was usual defensive back Cam Runte. Cam potted his first career goal as he got a rare shift playing on the wing.
Darryk Kelly had an outstanding game himself, assisting on two scores. His hustle all over the field was exemplary for anyone willing to ply their trade on the outside.
The rematch of an earlier 6-0 win at the Warriors' home pitch, York had the lion's share of possession. With Trever Bastarache in net, the visitors go nary a sniff on the Wildcats' net. The 'Cats passed the ball around the field with deft skill, rippling the old onion bag nine straight times.
Tuke Murch put the home side on the board shortly after the referee's whistled the action to begin. Quenton Convery continued his torrid assist pace, providing helpers on two of the first three goals.
Tuke, with his second goal, upped York's lead to 6-0 in the second half.
Rhys Evans was the beneficiary of the 'Cats excellent passing, finding the back of the net three times. His first and second tallies gave the Wildcats at two and three goal advantage.
Calvin May, Josh Gennaro, and Alex Neilson had single goals. Adding to the score was usual defensive back Cam Runte. Cam potted his first career goal as he got a rare shift playing on the wing.
Darryk Kelly had an outstanding game himself, assisting on two scores. His hustle all over the field was exemplary for anyone willing to ply their trade on the outside.
York 6 Saco 1
Wednesday, October 5
Reacting to adversity was again a theme for the York Boys 8th Grade Soccer Team yesterday as they traveled to Saco to take on the Bobcats. A traditionally difficult opponent, the Bobcats knotted the game up just before the half, 1-1. York had taken a 1-0 lead on a shot that was misplayed by the home side keeper.
After the brief half-time chat, the lads took over the pitch and netted five unanswered goals. The score sheet was littered with the name of Josh Gennaro as he scored four times, including three in the second half and added an assist.
Alex Neilson continued his torrid scoring pace by adding a goal and Calvin May rippled the old onion bag for his first of the season.
The 'Cats take a break from games for a week and a half. The next game is Monday, Oct. 17th when York hosts Wells. Game time is set for 4:30, right after the 7th grade game.
Good luck this weekend to all the U14 boys in the annual Harvest Cup.
After the brief half-time chat, the lads took over the pitch and netted five unanswered goals. The score sheet was littered with the name of Josh Gennaro as he scored four times, including three in the second half and added an assist.
Alex Neilson continued his torrid scoring pace by adding a goal and Calvin May rippled the old onion bag for his first of the season.
The 'Cats take a break from games for a week and a half. The next game is Monday, Oct. 17th when York hosts Wells. Game time is set for 4:30, right after the 7th grade game.
Good luck this weekend to all the U14 boys in the annual Harvest Cup.
York 6 Wells 0
Thursday, Sept. 29
Could there be any more construction in Ogunquit? After a long 12 mile drive to Wells Junior High last Thursday, the 8th Grade Boys Soccer Team dodged the traffic and the Wells Warriors in securing a 6-0 victory.
With blue skies and a chilly wind coming off the ocean, the Wildcats found themselves behind the eight-ball in the early going. A penalty kick was given to the hosts after a little roughness by a Wildcat defender. Trever Bastarache stood tall in the net and turned aside the bid as the hosts were looking to get an early lead in what they hoped would be an upset.
That event awoke the visitors and they started to get their feet and the ball in sync. Alex Neilson put the 'Cats on the board first off a nice feed from Brian Keneally.
Josh Gennaro followed that up with smooth finish off an unselfish play by Rhys Evans. With the 2-0 lead, the Wildcats were in the driver seat against the young and inexperienced Warriors.
Some nice goalkeeping by Trever helped keep the home team at bay as York flexed its strenght, the passing game.
Rhys and Josh connected again on the third goal, this time Rhys putting it home after a nice endline feed from Josh.
With blue skies and a chilly wind coming off the ocean, the Wildcats found themselves behind the eight-ball in the early going. A penalty kick was given to the hosts after a little roughness by a Wildcat defender. Trever Bastarache stood tall in the net and turned aside the bid as the hosts were looking to get an early lead in what they hoped would be an upset.
That event awoke the visitors and they started to get their feet and the ball in sync. Alex Neilson put the 'Cats on the board first off a nice feed from Brian Keneally.
Josh Gennaro followed that up with smooth finish off an unselfish play by Rhys Evans. With the 2-0 lead, the Wildcats were in the driver seat against the young and inexperienced Warriors.
Some nice goalkeeping by Trever helped keep the home team at bay as York flexed its strenght, the passing game.
Rhys and Josh connected again on the third goal, this time Rhys putting it home after a nice endline feed from Josh.
York 6 Shapleigh 4
Monday, Sept. 26
The 8th Grade Boys Soccer Team needed some extra motivation in an amazing come-from-behind victory over their neighbors to the south, Shapleigh.
Alex Neilson ripped home four goals as the Wildcats erased a huge 4-1 deficit with about 23 minutes remaining in the game. Some loose play by the 'Cats let the home side Sharks roll to an early 2-0 lead. Neilson netted his first tally to cut the deficit to 2-1 before the Kittery side slid home two more, one on each side of the break.
York ratcheded up the pressure after going down by three and controlled the possession for most of the rest of the game. Neilson made the score 4-2 before Josh Gennaro made it 4-3. The 'Cats faithful remained on edge as they also continued to knock the framework of the goal, four times by the midway point of the second half.
Alex blasted home the equalizer midway through the second, before Quenton Convery hit a cracker with his left, going upper nineties for the eventual game-winner. Convery also continued his torrid pace with three assists on the afternoon.
Neilson rounded out the scoring late in the final frame, giving York some breathing room as the hosts made a few last gasp forays into the Wildcat's final third.
An amazing comeback for a little bit weary team, but a great character builder as the team encountered its greatest adversity this season.
Alex Neilson ripped home four goals as the Wildcats erased a huge 4-1 deficit with about 23 minutes remaining in the game. Some loose play by the 'Cats let the home side Sharks roll to an early 2-0 lead. Neilson netted his first tally to cut the deficit to 2-1 before the Kittery side slid home two more, one on each side of the break.
York ratcheded up the pressure after going down by three and controlled the possession for most of the rest of the game. Neilson made the score 4-2 before Josh Gennaro made it 4-3. The 'Cats faithful remained on edge as they also continued to knock the framework of the goal, four times by the midway point of the second half.
Alex blasted home the equalizer midway through the second, before Quenton Convery hit a cracker with his left, going upper nineties for the eventual game-winner. Convery also continued his torrid pace with three assists on the afternoon.
Neilson rounded out the scoring late in the final frame, giving York some breathing room as the hosts made a few last gasp forays into the Wildcat's final third.
An amazing comeback for a little bit weary team, but a great character builder as the team encountered its greatest adversity this season.
York 0 Marshwood 0
Thursday, Sept. 22
Thursday, Sept. 22
The varsity field at York High School was the setting for the huge rivalry game between the YMS Boys Soccer Team and the Marshwood Hawks. With the sun settled behind the trees, the two neighbors squared off in a battle for supremacy in southern York County.
Kickoff after the girls game (won by Marshwood), the Wildcats threw out their best lineup against their strongest opponent. Brady Cummins had the first golden opportunity in the early going. His header was nicely picked off by the goalkeeper. Minutes later Quenton Convery blasted a free kick that rang on the underside of the crossbar and somehow managed to stay out of the net.
York used their skill, talent and tenacity to hound the purple visitors whenever they got a foot on the ball. Excellent catching back on defense kept the Hawks chances to a minimum.
The second half was much the same with numerous shots being turned aside by the Marshwood keeper. Trever Bastarache was in goal for York and was forced to thwart counterattacks.
After 60 hard fought minutes, the 'Cats and Hawks would both walk off the pitch with a share of the spoils.
Kickoff after the girls game (won by Marshwood), the Wildcats threw out their best lineup against their strongest opponent. Brady Cummins had the first golden opportunity in the early going. His header was nicely picked off by the goalkeeper. Minutes later Quenton Convery blasted a free kick that rang on the underside of the crossbar and somehow managed to stay out of the net.
York used their skill, talent and tenacity to hound the purple visitors whenever they got a foot on the ball. Excellent catching back on defense kept the Hawks chances to a minimum.
The second half was much the same with numerous shots being turned aside by the Marshwood keeper. Trever Bastarache was in goal for York and was forced to thwart counterattacks.
After 60 hard fought minutes, the 'Cats and Hawks would both walk off the pitch with a share of the spoils.
Wildcats 10 Noble 0
Wednesday, Sept. 21
The YMS Boys Soccer Team scored early and often as it defeated Noble 10-0. Rhys Evans got the Wildcats on the board in the first minute of play and the 'Cats cruised to their second road victory of the season. Trever Bastarache and Tuke Murch shared the duties in the net, earning the shutout.
The Wildcats led 7-0 at the half-time whistle. After Rhys' strike, Brady Cummins (2) and Alex Neilson upped the lead to 4-0. The lead increased to 5-0 with an own goal scored by the Knight's defender. Josh Gennaro and Quenton Convery rounded out the scoring in the first frame. The scoring was rounded out in the second half with another Quenton strike and two by Brian Kenealy.
Quenton finished his stellar afternoon with two goals and two assists. Excellent play by the ever improving Tuke Murch held the home squad in check.
The Wildcats led 7-0 at the half-time whistle. After Rhys' strike, Brady Cummins (2) and Alex Neilson upped the lead to 4-0. The lead increased to 5-0 with an own goal scored by the Knight's defender. Josh Gennaro and Quenton Convery rounded out the scoring in the first frame. The scoring was rounded out in the second half with another Quenton strike and two by Brian Kenealy.
Quenton finished his stellar afternoon with two goals and two assists. Excellent play by the ever improving Tuke Murch held the home squad in check.
Wildcats Clip the Clippers
York 8 Portsmouth 0
Fri. Sept. 16, 2016
The 8th Grade Boys Soccer Team used its obvious experience to twist and turn the visiting Portsmouth Clippers into knots with an 8-0 win on Friday.
The Wildcats were led by Quenton Convery who didn't put the ball in the net, but dished out five assists. "If I had a game ball to give out at the end of this game, it would go to Quenton with his very unselfish play," said Coach Webster after the game.
Brady Cummins, Alex Neilson, and Brian Kenealy all netted two goals apiece. Owen Andrews and Josh Gennaro added single tallies as the 'Cats raised their record to 2-0 on the young season. Handing out the other helpers were Gennaro and Rhys Evans.
Once again, Trevor Bastarache stood tall in net and turn aside at least six bids by the visitors.
The Wildcats were led by Quenton Convery who didn't put the ball in the net, but dished out five assists. "If I had a game ball to give out at the end of this game, it would go to Quenton with his very unselfish play," said Coach Webster after the game.
Brady Cummins, Alex Neilson, and Brian Kenealy all netted two goals apiece. Owen Andrews and Josh Gennaro added single tallies as the 'Cats raised their record to 2-0 on the young season. Handing out the other helpers were Gennaro and Rhys Evans.
Once again, Trevor Bastarache stood tall in net and turn aside at least six bids by the visitors.
