11/17/10 - Brooks 0 - Berkshire School 2

No game results posted.  No comments from dad on this one.  The team didn't play very well.  Even hurt his knee again and left the field on crutches.  A great season overall!!!

11/13/10 - Brooks 1 St. Paul's 0 - Dads Game Review

What a difference from the St. Pauls game last year weather wise.  Today it was beautiful, 65 degrees.  Last year we had the second monsoon and I distinctly remember Nick hydroplaning himself to the corner after scoring a goal.  Much better this year.  Some of the parents boarded one of the Brooks mini buses and went up together.  Evidently a few of the boys were appalled that we would do such a thing.  A stop at a great Mexican restaurant in Manchester, NH for lunch (and a margarita or two) prior then on to the field.  The game started and the play was solid going both ways.  Brooks had a few chances but the defense for St. Paul held Brooks off.  On the other end, the Brooks defense was equally tough not allowing much through.  The match went back and forth with Elijah and Zach making some great runs and each nearly a scoring more than once.  Halftime 0-0.  St. Paul's was not playing like a bottom quarter team.  They only had 3 wins, but you would never know it by the way they were playing.  One parent pointed out that they had not lost a game by more than a goal all season.  

On to the second half.  Continued pressure by Brooks.  Finally a bit over 15 minutes in Brooks had a flurry in front of the goal.  Elijah shot, blocked.  Zach picked up the rebound and shot, blocked.  Sam's turn, blocked.  FINALLY Porter on the 4th rebound found the net!!  His first goal of the season on his last regular season game as a senior!!  The team mobbed him.  His mom sitting next to us started to cry, while his younger brother said "Mom? You're not crying are you???"  The half couldn't end fast enough.  Both teams had scoring chances the rest of the way.  Parents received word that Nobels had won 4-0 securing first place.  Under 5 minutes, Zach makes a run with the ball, beating half the team coming from one sideline to the other.  Killing time, but determined not to lose the ball.  Down in the corner, he spins through 2 defenders approaches the net and lays a pass across to the open Elijah.  Unfortunately it rolls off Elijah's foot just wide.  WHAT a run. WHAT A RUN!!!  Finally the whistle.  Brooks has secured second place in the ISL and a sure berth in the NE Tournament.  

After the game, I shake Dusty's hand, and he says to me: "Did you see that run?  Did you see that???  Unbelievable.  He has played so hard and so well over this last 10-12 games.  That slightly slow start is long forgotten.  He's playing at an ALL-ISL level. I have to find him and talk to him."  He left me chasing Zach down and giving him a big hug before talking to him for a couple of minutes.  Almost brought a tear to my eye!!  Now the wait for the tournament berth!!

11/13/10 - Brooks 1 St. Paul's 0 - Official Game Review

Boys Varsity Soccer Tops St. Paul's

St. Paul's played gamely for the full ninety and Brooks struggled to find a way through a well organized defense. Both teams had good chances in the first half but the goalkeeping was superb. Coming out of the break Brooks carried the play and finally broke through with a composed finish from senior Porter Grieve in the 62nd minute. Brooks finished their ISL season with a sterling 9-0-1 run to finish second to Nobles.

11/10/10 - Brooks 2 - Milton Academy 0 - Dads Game Review

This was not a very pretty game.  Yet another small field; and small fields don't suit Brooks very well.  On top of that it was a very slick and bumpy small field.  That said; Brooks opened fast with a great finish by Alex off a very nice cross from Patrick.  Not even 3 minutes in and Brooks is up.  The balance of the half showed some pretty sloppy soccer on both sides.  Brooks pressed, but lots of feet just going out from under.  Evidently you needed 1 inch studs for this field today.  And so it went bot the next 40 minutes. Some decent opportunities for Brooks but not really much to make the game interesting.  Late in the half Drew placed a pass right on Zach's foot and Zach continued his scoring rampage doubling the score.  The half thankfully ended.  Unfortunately, the second half was not much better.  Mud started to show through the grass and footing was awful.  All the parents were watching the clock and hoping for the game to end without any injuries. 

Looking ahead and wanting to ensure the team stayed healthy: Stronach didn't play at all, Sam saw limited time and Cam played the final 30 in goal.  Many of the non starters saw a good amount of time in the second half.  It was obvious to me that Zach's leg still hurt a bit and Dusty pulled him at the 20 minute mark, but 10 minutes later Zach was back in and ready to go.  I'm sure he stayed on Dusty's ear until he went back in.  He came out again with 10 left in the game thankfully.

11/10/10 - Brooks 2 - Milton Academy 0 - Official Game Review

Boys 1st Team Soccer Wins

Brooks earned their tenth victory in convincing fashion today with a 2-0 result down at Milton. Alex Vozzella was the star of the match with relentless work rate and a superb finish in the 3rd minute on a pass from Patrick Gordon. Zach Vieira scored his eighth goal in the last six matches on a fine assist from Drew Myers. Brooks has now pulled within 1 point of league leading Nobles going into the season's final matchday.

11/5/10 - Brooks 3 - Nobels 3 - Dads Game Review

Waiting for the BB&N game was bad enough.  Waiting for the Nobles game was even worse!  Nobels was 10-0-1 going into the game and leading the league.  Brooks was 9-2-1 and tied for second.  Talk about a big game!!  Brooks came out hard and fast.  In the first 10 minutes Brooks had 5 corners and multiple scoring chances.  Nothing crossed the line.  More chances ensued, but still nothing.  As is normally the case, the first chance Nobles had found the back of the net.  Before the half ended they struck again.  A bit of sloppy defense off a corner and bang, 2-0.  

After the half, Sam took a nice feed from Andres, cut across the top of the box and drilled a shot low to the corner.  Momentum Brooks.  Unfortunately more sloppy corner coverage led to a 3-1 Nobles lead.  It looked bleak when Zach, seeming to have a wide open net, had the ball deflected by the back heel of a defender falling to the ground.  Out of nowhere, the heel came up and tipped it away.  It appeared that today was not Brooks' day.  Down to the last 5 minutes.  Intense pressure by Brooks.  A great feed from the flank by Zach to Alex who immediately spotted Jon streaking in on the left and it was 3-2.  

Brooks dug the ball out and retreated to center.  The next minute or two were frantic in front of the Nobles net.  The ball popped up high, Zach went up to get it and headed in the tying goal!!  Can you believe it???  The last minute and extra time had chances for both teams but the game ended tied.  Unfortunately in that last 2 minutes Zach took a knee to the thigh and was hobbled a bit.  On his last run to the net, he was kicked hard in almost the exact same place.  As the ball went back to the Brooks end Zach lay on the field rolling around in pain.  It took everything I had to keep myself from running onto the field to see him.  When the final whistle blew I did run out there.  As I reached Zach I inadvertently touched his leg exactly where he was kicked and it appeared I was meeting a character from the Exorcist!!  Such language from my Zach??????  I guess it really hurt.  I helped him over to the bench with assistance from Dusty and Elijah.  A cart took him over to the trainers room where it was determined he had a deep thigh bruise.  Nothing serious thankfully.  

A side note here, that goal has moved Zach up to 6th place in scoring in the ISL.  He's tied with Jon, one of the Brooks captains!!  Certainly a great accomplishment for a Sophomore!

11/5/10 - Brooks 3 - Nobels 3 - Official Game Review

Boys 1st Team Rallies For Tie

This exciting and high level match featured the wildest of finishes seen in many  a year. Brooks, playing its third competitive match in five days, carried the play to the league leading visitors in the opening half hour. A number of golden opportunities went by the boards as the Brooksians couldn't find their finishing touch. Against the run of play, the estimable Nobles offense, as they have done throughout the season, found two impressive goals to leave the home side down two at the half. 

Continuing to carry the play out of the halftime, Sam Milbury buried a ball from Andres Burbank-Crump and Brooks looked to have life again. But the resilient Nobles side finished service from a free kick deep in the Brooks end only five minutes later. The home side was crumbling from tired legs and deflated wills. Then, out of nothing in the 87th minute,  Jon Stronach, brilliant all day, took a beautifully slotted pass from Alex Vozzella and made no mistake with the goalkeeper as he finished to the side netting. Now play was furious end to end, as both sides sensed the outcome was still in doubt. In the 89th minute Brooks found multiple attempts in the Nobles goalmouth when, finally, Zach Vieira skied to reach a ball and head it over the keeper. Suddenly, the match was tied and both teams furiously struggled to possess and get forward. The ninetieth minute, extended through stoppage time, saw both teams attacking as the matched stretch from end to end. Brooks had three tremendous runs at the Nobles goal but were thwarted by last second defensive stops. Neither team could find the winner in an incredibly emotional and hectic final minute. It was grand soccer entertainment, and the Brooksians, if disappointed in the result, can take great pride in the heart that was shown on the day. Certainly their coaches do exactly that.

11/4/10 - Brooks 4 - BB&N 0 - Dads Game Review

This is the game everyone has been anxiously awaiting.  Lots of familiar faces on the BB&N team.  The coach, Jesse, was part of the Inter club coaching the older boys when Zach played for Roland.  3 North Andover boys were playing for BB&N.  One, a would be senior for NA High is now a junior at BB&N.  A couple of Brooks recruits who decided on BB&N and a few old Inter teammates.  Many familiar faces here to watch.  

Zach started the scoring early again.  He is surely on a roll - six goals in 4 games!!  YEAH!!!  Talk about total domination.  Who could have expected this?  The second goal saw Andres line up for another PK.  The keeper saved it, but the ball went right back to Andres.  Second shot, and the keeper came up with it.  A second rebound to Andres, a third shot.  Can you believe this?  And a 2-0 lead.  After the half it was more Brooks.  It seems like BB&N wasn't really here today.  Sam scored, taking a great shot after a beautiful pass from Porter.  And not to be forgotten, Elijah closed it out making it time to bring in all the non starters to give them a run.  A SWEEEEETTT Win for sure. 

11/4/10 - Brooks 4 - BB&N 0 - Official Game Review

Brooks Comes Out On Top Of ISL Battle

The First Team gave one of its best performances of the past five or six seasons with a through domination of a very strong B.B.&N. side in North Andover this afternoon. Brooks carried the play to the visitors from the opening whistle and Glen Martin and Cam Johst were called upon to make only a save apiece over the course of ninety minutes. Zach Vieira opened the scoring finishing a fine service from Jon Stronach in the 5th minute. Brooks pressed for more but were denied by solid goalkeeping the woodwork twice before Stronach was taken down in 42nd minute on a dazzling run through the box. Andres Burbank-Crump stuffed his own saved penalty by the keeper for the 2-0 halftime scoreline. Brooks got right at it after halftime when Sam Milbury took a pass from Porter Grieve, wove his way at the top of the box and buried the ball to the far post. It was Elijah Soko who finished Alex Vozzella's feed in the 70th minute for the final 4-0 scoreline. The Brooks defense was resolute in the face of much attacking talent. Brooks is in second place in ISL play and now hosts league leading Nobles Friday afternoon to finish off a very exciting week of soccer.

11/1/10 - Brooks 3 - Rivers 1 - Dads Game Review

Ok, so the coldest day of the fall so far.  I travel to Weston expecting a beautiful campus with great facilities.  The campus was very nice.  As was the football field and the turf field with the soccer nets.  Unfortunately as I waited there only the girls JV team came onto the field.  I asked where the boys might be and was directed over the hill and through the woods.  Must be a really nice field tucked at the back of campus.  Surprise, Surprise!!!  Over the hill and through the woods brought me to the facilities garage.  The field was no bigger than one Zach and Matt both played on in U9 soccer.  This was an ISL boys varsity soccer field?  With the infield between first and second base carving out a good portion of one of the sidelines?  Evidently, Rivers is made for this field as they posses a very good record on it.  

A fairly even start.  Both sides pressing and having chances.  Alex was taken down in the box and Andres stepped up for yet another PK.  1-0 Brooks!!  Rivers was floating guys behind our defense and just bombing out long ones.  They made a touchdown connection which lead to Glen hesitating and the Rivers player heading one in to tie.  Much back and forth until Elijah powered around 2 defenders in the corner, came along the end line and somehow snuck one past the keeper.  We'll take it!!!  A short time later, Zach picked up an opposite side rebound off the post and rolled one into the open net.  Game over!!

11/1/10 - Brooks 3 - Rivers 1 - Official Game Review

Boys 1st Team Soccer Wins In Weston

Brooks traveled to Weston on an off-day makeup and won a well contested match between two of the league's better sides. Rivers started the game well putting pressure on the visitors with quick, direct play. But it was Brooks who struck first when Alex Vozzella took a long service beautifully and got into the box, where he was taken down. Andres Burbank-Crump converted from the spot in the 29th minute. Collin McCabe got on the end of a long ball over the top from Chris Goyeneche after timing his run well. He tipped the ball by the onrushing Martin to equalize in the 39th minute. In the second half Elijah Soko took a throw-in and beat two defenders on the byeline and snuck a ball inside the post at the 62nd minute mark. Brooks finished things up with a great strike off the left post from Jon Stronach with the rebound falling to Zach Vieira for his fifth in three games.

10/29/10 - Brooks 4 - Governors 0 - Dads Game Review

Evidently the prank played on Govs by the Brooks students went a little to far this year.  The GIRLS spray painted 20/3 somewhere on the Govs campus.  That 20/3 was the number of yellow cards (20) and the number of goals (3) Govs has scored so far this year.  Dusty was livid as he knew Govs would use that as a rallying point.  Govs came out flying.  They did not look like a team that has not won a game all year.  They controlled the game for the first 15 minutes taking the play right to Brooks and forcing Glen to make some early saves.  After that initial period, Brooks started to turn the momentum back in their favor.  Much pressure from the Brooks team, with an occasional counter by Govs.  0-0 at the half.  

The parents were all worried about this one.  The second half started with more pressure from Brooks.  Zach scored his 3rd in 2 games to put Brooks up 1-0.  This goal was followed up by a great strike by Elijah to the top corner.  About 3 minutes later, Zach found the back of the net again continuing his scoring roll.  It's clear that the effort is finally paying off with scoring opportunities that he is able to finish.  The last goal, looked like a very unselfish feed from one of the seniors to one of the reserves.  Evan broke in behind the defender, mad a move and appeared to leave the ball and a wide open net for Marc to just roll in.  After the game we found out the ball actually slipped off his foot and Marc happened to be in the right place at the right time.  We won't tell anyone though!!

10/29/10 - Brooks 4 - Governors 0 - Official Game Review

Friday Night Excitement For Brooks Soccer Fans

The score in no way captures the incredible spirit of this match. An enormous crowd from both schools was treated to an excellent display of ISL soccer from both sides. The Governors played with great heart in the first half and matched the visitors stride for stride. While the Brooksians carried much of the play to the home side, it was the estimable Baxter in goal and Wadman and DiFronzo in defense who time and again came up with big plays to neutralize great attacking chances. In the 39th minute Baxter saved Burbank-Crump's effort from the penalty spot and the Govs had very much earned a 0-0 scoreline at the half. 

But Brooks was persistent and finally broke through in the 57th minute when sophomore Zach Vieira rifled a shot home from a rebound twelve yards out. This was followed by a superb strike from Elijah Soko on service from Patrick Gordon. It was Vieira again in the 69th minute and Marc Youkel finished in the 90th with a clever assist to Evan Merriam. The match was played at a fine pace with much emotion, yet the play was fairly contested on both sides and well refereed. It was a tremendous show of school spirit from both institutions and a fitting start to the always exciting Brooks-Govs weekend.

10/27/10 - Brooks 2 - Lawrence Academy 0 - Official Game Review

Brooks wins windy affair at Lawrence Academy

This windy affair was well refereed and well played. Dan Caeser was very effective for Lawrence in the back and quite dangerous when coming forward on set pieces. Matt Tower was outstanding in goal for the home side, as well. It was Zach Vieira's day, however, as he finished a nice feed from Elijah Soko in the 27th minute from in close. Then in the second half he took a long service from Alex Vozzella and slotted home a ball to the far post. Brooks attacked well but was unable to beat Tower otherwise. The Brooks defenders were resolute throughout the ninety minutes and gave the Lawrence attackers very little space to find chances. The Brooksians were in solid control for most of this match.

Dad's Game Review - I wasn't able to make this game.  Unfortunately, for me, it was Zach's breakout game.  Reports from many of the parents raved about Zach's play over the last 5 games and how his hard work really paid off today. 

10/23/09 - Brooks 2 - Belmont Hill 1 - Dads Game Review

This one was a strange one.  Brooks looked so good for a good portion of the first half, but they also looked bad at times.  Belmont had a number of good chances on Glen and broke through midway into the half.  Brooks countered with good pressure of their own and knotted the score on a beautiful feed from Zach to Elijah who tied it up.  These two are going to be a formidable pair of strikers this year and next.  Elijah scored the winner early in the second half.  Brooks had good pressure following that goal but was not able to widen the lead.  Belmont never gave up either and countered occasions only to be turned away by Glen and the improving defensive crew led by Andres.

10//23/09 - Brooks 2 - Belmont Hill 1 - Official Game Review

Thrilling Win For Boys First Team Soccer

The First Team had a thriling win this afternoon against archrival Belmont Hill 2-1. Belmont Hill played a spirited match and jumped to a lead in the 33rd minute on a fine finish. Jake Kotlier, who took a high service, turned, and volleyed a ball past Glen Martin. Martin was very active throughout under some pressure from the visitor's flank attacks. Brooks, after missing a couple of great opportunities, combined well on a play with Elijah Soko finishing off a deft feed from Zach Vieira. The half ended 1-1. 

Soko struck again in the 56th minute, this time on fine service from Jon Stronach out on the far left flank. Belmont Hill pressed the rest of the way but were unable to find an equalizer. Sam Milbury and Stronach were tremendous in the middle of the park and generated many offensive chances. It was a very competitive match on a beautiful afternoon in North Andover.

10/20/10 - Brooks 2 - St. George's 0 - Dads Game Review

Ok, so I told him it would come and it did!!!  On top of that it came pretty early and put Brooks up early for once!!  I could see the relief on his face as he celebrated with his team.  I think they all felt the dam had finally broken for him.  Brooks had many chances both before and after Zach's goal but they just couldn't get that second goal.  Closing in on the end of the half, Andres launched a looooong ball that was nicely collected by Jon.  Jon made two cutting moves and the defender backed away expecting Jon to go down the line.  Instead, he pulled up and let one rip.  The ball caught the top right corner of the net.  As beautiful a shot (and pass from Andres) as you'll ever see.  

The second half saw pressure both ways.  Dusty gave many of the non starters a good amount of play over the last half of the second half.  One note, Jory is becoming a force on the back corner.  His development and confidence in himself are really showing over this shutout stretch.

10/20/10 - Brooks 2 - St. George's 0 - Official Game Review

Boys 1st Team Soccer Earns Shutout Win

IVth Former (Sophomore) Zach Vieira finished a pretty combination with Elijah Soko in the 9th minute after a couple of near misses for Brooks. St George's was competitive throughout the match and Valdair Gomes was particularly effective in the St. George's midfield. In the 39th minute Jon Stronach received a 50 yard ball across and up the pitch from Andres Burbank-Crump, took two touches and lofted a 25 yard strike to the far upper corner. Though there was no further scoring, both teams had chances. St. George's hit a crossbar and Brooks was unable to find a finishing touch in close on a number of occasions. Both teams deserve credit for a well contested match.

10/13/10 - Brooks 3 - St. Sebastian's 0 - Dads Game Review

Elijah, wow!!!  What else can you say.  He was everywhere today.  Shows why he's on the National team back in Zimbabwe.  Once again, Elijah chased down balls and scored the goals.  One frustrating note is that everyone is now just throwing the ball over the top to let the horse run.  Not the greatest way to play a game, but when it works it sure is fun to watch.  Offense was strong.  Zach is really making his presence felt, but I know he is frustrated about not scoring.  I tell him, it will come.  Just keep working.

10/13/10 - Brooks 3 - St. Sebastian's 0 - Official Game Review

Strong Showing For Boys 1st Team Soccer

The First Team had a banner day, as junior Elijah Soko was unstoppable and the Brooks defense stood resolute in the face of a fine St. Sebastian's side. Soko scored in the 10th, 12th, and 78th minutes on superb through balls from Sam Milbury and Jon Stronach for the first two and a driven cross from Stronach for the third. Zach Vieira was a constant danger for the home side and Glen Martin in goal and Andreas Burbank-Crump steadied the backline and lead the best defensive effort of the season. Both Stronach and Alex Vozzella on either flank broke down the SS midfield and lead the charge.

10/9/10 - Brooks 1 - Middlesex 1 - Dads Game Review

Brooks continued its sloppy defending today and once again found itself down early in the game.  The 8th minute AGAIN!!  A short while later, the ball was all over the goal box bouncing between Zach, Elijah and the Middlesex defense.  Somehow, Sam found it and looking back toward center, back-heeled the ball surprising everyone including the Middlesex keeper.  1-1.  

The balance of this one was pure soccer both ways.  Exciting buildups, beautiful crosses, great saves by both keepers.  The end brought frustration for Brooks as this could have been a win but, at this point in the season 1 point is better than none.

10/9/10 - Brooks 1 - Middlesex 1 - Official Game Review

Boys' Soccer Ties Middlesex

Brooks and Middlesex battled to a draw in a highly competitive match this afternoon in North Andover. Middlesex's Daniel Skayne scored unassisted from a rebound in front in the 8th minute. From there on the Brooks defense solidified and the visitors found little space in the front third. However, Mike Kenny and Toby Porter were dangerous on the flanks and had to be watched carefully. Brooks drew level when Sam Milbury heeled in a ball from close range after a scrum in the Middlesex box in the 16th minute. Brooks' Elijah Soko and Zach Vieira made continual forays into the Middlesex rear guard but were denied by some resolute defending in front of Jason Robart. Both teams showed strong tactical play and the match had much back and forth action to entertain a large Parent's Day crowd.

10/7/10 - Brooks 1 - Thayer Academy 2 - Official Game Review

Boys' Varsity Soccer Edged by Thayer

Brooks traveled to Braintree to played a rescheduled match against a tough ISL opponent. The side played well, generally, but handed the home side a win with some soft defending in allowing two goals four minutes apart towards the end of the first half. Those goals sandwiched an absolutely spectacular finish from senior Alex Vozzella on a fine assist from Jon Stronach. The side showed its characteristic hard word work throughout the match.

No Dad Game Review. I did not make the game today.  Thankfully so.

10/2/10 - Brooks 3 - Groton 1 - Dads Game Summary

Brooks came out to a slow start today and found themselves behind early in this one.  Luckily the goal served as a wake up call for the Green.  Elijah tied the game outrunning the whole Groton team to chase down a long over the top ball and finished as Elijah always does; ball in the net and Elijah looking to the sidelines encouraging cheers from the crowd!!  While Groton did play well for the balance of the half, Brooks could have and SHOULD have blown this one open.  Zach missed high on two beautiful feeds from Elijah & Stronach.  Elijah missed high on another tracked down long ball and Sam hit the crossbar.  Should have been lights out 5-1 at the half.  But this Brooks team tends to let the opponent stay around far to long.  

Into the second half and Jon was conducting ball handling classes for the Groton defenders along the left side.  Time and time again he showed them the ball and took it away only to lay a beautiful cross across the box.  Mid way through the 2nd, Jon decided to do it himself and took nice ball from Alex and Brooks was up 2-1.  Once again, Jon looking to carry the team on his back schooled the Groton defense.  This time he was taken down for a PK. Andres stepped up and it was 3-1.  A needed win but one that should have been a blowout.

10/2/10 - Brooks 3 - Groton 1 - Official Game Summary

Boys' Varsity Soccer Beats Groton

The Brooks attack was flying almost from start to finish and created numerous good chances. But it was Matt Hennrikus who finished first in the 8th minute for a solid Groton side. Porter Grieve sent a ball over the top in the 17th minute and Elijah Soko went in alone and calmly finished to knot the score. The halftime score of 1-1 was indicative of a match played well to both ends of the pitch. In the second, Jon Stronach, dangerous all day, powered his way through the Groton defense in the 58th minute after collecting a well weighted ball from Alex Vozzella and willed the ball past the Groton keeper. Jon was a handful all day and totally dominated his flank offering great service to Soko and his fellow strikers Vieira and Vozzella. Stronach was then taken down in the box in the 72nd and Andres Burbank-Crump finished the rebound from a Bukawyn save of his penalty. The defense was much improved from the previous two matches with the return of Drew Meyers and the rapid development of Jory Makin. It was a well contested match on a fine fall day in North Andover. Credit goes to both sides and the referee for their contributions to it.

9/29/10 - Brooks 2 - St. Mark's 1 - Dads Game Review

This was one of those games.  Fairly even early play turned into Brooks taking control after about 10 minutes and applying heavy pressure.  Unfortunately, St. Marks scored the first goal off a corner kick rebound that was not well defended.  Over the next 20 minutes Brooks totally controlled the game.  Jon Stronach torched St. Marks down the lest side every time he touched the ball, creating strong opportunities for his side.  On one of his runs from the left into the box Jon was cut down and earned a PK.  Andres calmly stepped up and put the ball away, off the outstretched fingertips of the St. Mark's keeper.  The pressure continued and about 5 minutes later Brooks strung about 7 passes together and marched the ball beautifully up the field.  The last two passes were Sam to Zach and then Zach laid a nice pass back to Jon at the top of the 6 and Brooks was up 2-1.  A few minutes later Sam blasted a shot off the cross bar.  In the next sequence Hayden put what appeared to be the 3rd goal in but it was called back for offside.

Coming out for the second half, expectations for continued pressure were very high.  Unfortunately, Brooks left their game on the sideline and St. Marks controlled the half.  Glenn made a number of key saves and St. Marks missed the net on a number of other chances.  The half was not without a couple of chances for Brooks the best of which was Elijah missing a wide open net from outside the 18 on a pass from Zach.  Bottom line, it was a win.

9/29/10 - Brooks 2 - St. Mark's 1 - Official Game Review

Boys' Soccer Escapes With a Narrow Victory Over St. Mark's

 

Brooks escaped with a narrow victory over a severely depleted St. Mark's side with a blistering 20 minute stretch to end the first half. St. Marker opened the scoring, a bit against the run of play, as Matt Heise stuffed a rebound in front by Glen Martin in the 27th minute. Brooks responded with their only dominating stretch on the day, netting two in three minutes, a third thereafter called back for offsides and a spectacular near miss off the bar from Sam Milbury. Jon Stronach proved very dangerous on the flank and was taken down in the box, with Andres Burbank-Crump, from the penalty spot, barely beating a diving goalkeeper. Stronach then finished off a fine feed from Zach Vieira moments later. But it was a determined and regrouped home side on the other side of halftime. St. Mark's pressured the Brooks goal and were unlucky not to finish one to pull even. Brooks also had chances, including another hit post and a brilliant though unsuccessful run by Elijah Soko, but lacked the cohesion they had shown in the first half. It was a fine match and the St. Markers deserve much credit for the spirit and tenacity they brought to the game. For Brooks, standout performances by Jory Makin, Porter Grieve and Zach Vieira highlighted the affair.

9/25/10 - Brooks 2 - Roxbury Latin 4 - Official Game Review

Boys' Soccer Comes Up Short Against Roxbury Latin

The First Team played its third match in six days and the the schedule and heat certainly took its toll. The side was flat throughout and couldn't seem to muster the sterling play nor energy it had shown previously. Elijah Soko was sent in behind the Latin defense by Jon Stronach in the 8th minute, finished cleanly and all looked good. But unsteady defending was evident and the home side broke through with a well earned goal in the thirtieth minute. Alex Vozzella answered quickly three minutes later as Stronach sent him in alone as well. Another defensive lapse of attention allowed Latin back in with a goal at the stroke of halftime. With the score knotted, much back and forth action preceded Latin's fifty third minute winner, the result of a counter against the run of play. Brooks pushed furiously for the equalizer with at least four near misses, but it was not to be. Latin finished at the stroke of fulltime with a fourth through a depleted and exhausted defense.

No formal dad game review this week as I wasn't able to attend this game. Evidently, 3 games in 1 week were a bit much to start the year off.  The team was tired from the 2 very physical games earlier in the week and it showed on the field.

9/22/10 - Brooks 0 - Phillips Academy 2 - Dads Game Review

Brooks was hoping for a repeat of last year's upset of PA today.  Unfortunately they ran into a bigger, stronger PA team.  Brooks hung tough for most of the first half having many chances of their own to counter PA's many.  Late in the half, PA made a deep run through the Brooks defenders for a shot at Glen.  Glen turned away the first one but gave up a rebound.  He turned away the second but unfortunately, the third found the net.  Not sure where the defense went on that one.  The second half started very much the same way the first had.  Lots if up and down action, exciting saves, exhausting runs but no goals.  Brooks put some pressure on for most of the half but you could see the starters tiring as the game wore on.  PA put the game away with a late goal as Brooks totally lost their legs at the end. 

9/22/10 - Brooks 0 - Phillips Academy 2 - Official Game Review

Boys' Soccer Falls to PA

This was a very high level match from start to finish for such an early season meeting. Brooks and Andover battled furiously from end to end with both sides getting good chances at the other's goal. Both defenses, however, were resolute, often forcing the match into sterling midfield combinational play. Finally, PA broke the deadlock with a penetrating run on the left flank that was followed by service and three shots at goal before the winner in the 41st minute. The second half saw more back and forth even play with Brooks just missing a finishing touch on numerous occasions. Both teams tired from the pace of the match and the afternoon heat. A counter-strike in the 88th minute with Brooks pushing for the elusive equalizer salted the match away for the home side.

9/20/10 - Brooks 1 - Worcester Academy 1 - Dads Game Review

Brooks was clearly the stronger team in this season opening non league contest.  The game was very competitive, but Brooks showed they were the better side throughout. Worcester's goal was a lucky deflection that rose over Glen's extended arms/fingertips.  Lucky one for sure.  For the rest of the half Brooks ran all over Worcester but could not find the net.  Early in the second, Sam popped home the first goal of the Brooks year.  The balance of the game had many opportunities but Brooks could never put another one in the Worcester net.  If the team can play at this level throughout the season it bodes well for them.  They do need to work a bit on finishing!!

9/20/10 - Brooks 1 - Worcester Academy 1 - Official Game Review

Boys' Soccer Ties Worcester in Season Opener

Brooks started off its season with a highly intense, competitive match this afternoon against one of the better sides in New England Prep soccer. Worcester got on the board first in the 20th minute after some confusion reigned in the otherwise steady Brooks backline. A deflected shot sailed over goalkeeper Glen Martin into the far corner. But the home team regained control of the midfield and pressed the action throughout the remainder of the first half. The hard work up front of Zach Vieira and Elijah Soko created an opportunity early in the second half and Sam Milbury buried a rebound in the 48th minute to even the score. Though Brooks pressed for the winner throughout the remainder of the match it was not to be. The boys were impressive in their 90 minute effort and only lacked a bit tidier play in the front third to carry the day. It was a fine start to the season.

9/21/10 Lawrence Eagle Tribune

Brooks Soccer: Burbank-Crump, Martin among ISL's best

Brooks boys

2009 record: 11-7-1, lost in New England Prep B semifinals

starters (7): Glen Martin, Sr., goalie, Andover; Jon Stronach, Sr., midfielder; Andres Burbank-Crump, Sr., defender, North Andover; Alex Vozzella, Sr., striker; Nick Potter, Jr., midfielder; Zach Vieira, Soph., striker, Andover; Sam Milbury, Soph., midfielder

Returning lettermen: Drew Myers, Sr., defender, North Andover; Porter Grieve, Sr., midfielder; Evan Merriam, Sr. defender; ; Zach Allen, Sr., defender, Andover; Cam Johst, Jr., goalie, Andover; Marc Woukel, Jr., striker; Jory Makin, Soph., midfield

Promising newcomers: Elijah Soko, Jr., striker; Patrick Gordon, Soph., midfield

Candidates in all grades: 37

Captains: Andres Burbank-Crump, Jon Stronach

Returning goal leaders: Andres Burbank-Crump 6, Zach Vieira 6, Drew Myers 3

Returning honorees: Andres Burbank-Crump and Glen Martin, Eagle-Tribune All-Stars

Assistants: Willie Waters, David Cohen, varsity; Dave Harris, Second team coach
Odds and ends: Elijah Soko, a junior striker, is from Zimbabwe.

Coach Dusty Richard (33rd year): "(Elijah) Soko is a pretty accomplished player. We're going to be strong up front with Soko, (Zach) Vieira and (Alex) Vozzella. So we should be a strong attacking team."