Marblehead Youth Soccer PO Box 827
Marblehead, MA 01945
ph: 781-631-MYSA
marblehe
In conjunction with the update of our uniforms, many of our members have asked about recycling the old uniforms. In response, Marblehead Youth Soccer Association is pleased to announce our participation in US Soccer Foundation’s Passback Program. Through the Passback Program, new and gently used soccer gear is collected by organizations, teams, clubs, and individuals, and then redistributed across the globe to help underserved communities play the Beautiful Game. You may donate your old uniform:
Boys U12 Rebels qualify for Essex County Championship Tournament
In an outstanding season, the Marblehead U12 Boy “Rebels” effort, dedication and team work enabled them to complete the eight-game regular season in second place in their group and division. The Rebels achieved an impressive 7-1 regular season record, with wins against Haverhill, Boxford, Lynnfield, Amesbury, Beverly and Gloucester. After a close 3-2 loss to Winthrop in the second game, the Rebels won six consecutive games. Their successful season included a must win 5-0 victory in their last game of the season against Lynnfield to gain a spot in the championship tournament. Along the way, the Rebels scored a remarkable 36 goals while allowing only 11 against them in eight games.
In Friday’s early evening quarter-final tournament match against the first-seeded Salem Storm, Marblehead played in Danvers under threatening, cloudy skies and warm, humid conditions. From the first whistle, faced with a formidable opponent, the game reflected the positive spirit and unselfish effort exemplified by the eighth-seeded Rebels throughout the season. Salem scored first in the game, on a breakaway just a few minutes into the half. A short time later, another Salem breakaway and shot into the Rebels’ net was called back because of an offside penalty. The Rebels rose to the challenge, while continuously battling Salem for possession and control of the ball. Fed by well placed through and cross passes from midfielders Joe Canova, Erik Larson and Henry Mitrano, the Rebels’ offense pressured Salem’s defense, which had allowed a mere four goals to be scored against them during the regular season. Forwards Liam Kane, Agustin Groppa-Venzal and Kevin Morgan made multiple angled runs and cross passes, ending with several shots blasted on goal, but Salem’s goalkeeper did not allow the ball to get into the goal. Outstanding goalkeeping by Blake Russell and tenacious defense by Rebels Ben Birnbach, Tucker Braun, David Ducharme, Remy Watkin and Sam White valiantly thwarted Salem’s further scoring attempts and held the game close, with only a 2-0 deficit at halftime.
In the second half, Salem came out strong and attacked the Rebels’ goal repeatedly within the first few minutes. Second-half goalkeeper Remy Watkin made several impressive kick and diving saves, and halted several Salem scoring efforts when their fast forwards raced down the field. In the face of near constant offensive pressure, the Rebels’ defense of Ben Birnbach, Tucker Braun, Blake Russell, Remy Watkin and Sam White repeatedly cleared the ball. The Rebels held firm against Salem until another breakaway resulted in a third goal. The Rebels persevered, nonetheless, and counterattacked with their own strong offensive effort. Midfielders Joe Canova, Elrick Larson and David Ducharme, who also shared some second half defensive duties, protected the passing lanes, intercepted Salem’s passes and directed the ball to their teammates. Forwards Agustin Groppa-Venzal, Liam Kane and Kevin Morgan continually hustled and advanced the ball, but the Salem defense constantly blocked their scoring attempts and the Salem goalkeeper stopped all shots on goal.
Against the Rebels’ unrelenting defensive efforts, Salem netted a fourth goal. The Rebels, although confronted with recurring offensive runs by Salem, did not become discouraged. Midfielder Henry Mitrano pushed the ball into the Salem end, and with an assist from forward Kevin Morgan’s precision pass, forward Liam Kane fired the ball past the Salem goalie to make the score 4-1. As the game neared completion, the Rebels continued to challenge Salem for the ball, never giving up even when Salem’s defense closed off the Rebels’ passing lanes and halted their scoring drives. The Rebels’ best efforts could not stop Salem from penetrating into the box, however, and scoring two more goals. Undaunted by the 6-1 score, the Rebels’ performance exemplified the character and spirit of true champions as they played aggressively until the final whistle and congratulated their opponent afterwards.
Congratulations to the players and their coaches, David Ducharme and Kris Larson, for a wonderful season. Thanks to all the parents, grandparents, friends and others who supported the Rebels and attended their games throughout the season.


PO Box 827
Marblehead, MA 01945
ph: 781-631-MYSA
marblehe