Brooks Soccer Highlights
Lawrence Eagle Tribune Article - 9/17/11
http://www.eagletribune.com/sports/x2127773978/Prep-School-Boys-Soccer-Zimbabwe-star-paces-Brooks
Cancelled
9/21/11 | 2:45 PM | HOME
Dad's Game Review - What a start to the new season. Arriving at the field with much anticipation for the new year, I noticed a number of familiar faces on the PA team. Former ODP, Inter and Aztec teammates now turned opponent. I watch the warm up and see Zach sporting his new number 15. Obviously this brings a huge smile to my face. He never wanted 15 before, and for some reason he surprised me this year by taking it. The game itself was a little sloppy at the start. Brooks had good pressure and PA seemed to be a bit on their heels. A couple of close off sides calls on Brooks had the crowd moaning already. PA began to apply pressure but had a costly turnover right at mid field. The ball was quickly played through where Zach collected it, held off his friend Taylor Perkins getting great body position and went in alone on the keeper. 1-0 Brooks!!! A beautiful goal. Much cleaner than the first one against PA when he was a freshman. Interestingly enough, Zach ran to the corner flag and waved his open arms to his teammates. They mobbed him in the corner while the PA guys watched. Evidently, Taylor gave Zach a nice elbow in the ribs and he needed to come out for a bit to catch his breath. The rest of the half has PA pressing and Cam made a coupole of nice saves, but nothing all that dangerous. The second half continued with periods of sloppy play. Brooks started trying to do long ball soccer which Dusty said was not very elegant. Brooks missed 2 sure goals by inches and the game ended without further scoring. The team left the field relishing the win but knowing they need to be better as they enter ISL play.
Dad's Game Review -
Dad's Game Review -
This game was one of those games were there really wasn't a heck of a lot of excitement. Much play between the 18 yard line on both ends, so not much in the dangerous areas of the field. Zach scored early on a great pass from Elijah to put Brooks up and there it stood for a good while. Good combinations by the top end of the Brooks team, but great defense just pushed the ball back repeatedly. On the other end the Brooks back line stood solid on their 18. Jory put home a corner kick which bounced and found the net. Looks like Jory is the secret weapon this year. He is playing very strongly on the back left corner, plus his offense is really an added benefit. Add Jory, to the Elijah & Zach combo and teams better watch out. Not to mention Gregg. I'm sure he will settle into his new team and once the nerves are gone...wow, watch out ISL. The Green Machine is coming.
ISL Web site Summary
Lawrence Eagle Tribune Article - 9/17/11
http://www.eagletribune.com/sports/x2127773978/Prep-School-Boys-Soccer-Zimbabwe-star-paces-Brooks
Prep School Boys Soccer: Zimbabwe Star Paces Brooks
2010 record: 11-4-3, lost in New England Prep B quarterfinals
Returning starters (5): Nick Potter, Sr., midfielder; Elijah Soko, Sr., striker; Zach Vieira, Jr., striker, Andover; Sam Milbury, Jr., midfielder; Jory Makin, Jr., midfield
Returning lettermen: Cam Johst, Sr., goalie, Andover; Marc Youkel, Sr., striker; Hayden Lynch, Sr., striker; George Demoulas, Sr., midfielder; Patrick Gordon, Jr., midfield
Promising newcomers: Andrew Bruno, Jr., striker, Andover; Greg Conrad, Jr., midfield; Dylan Quigley, Jr., defense; Mike Sciascia, Jr., midfield; Andover; Brian Levenson, Soph., back; Seve Elkin, Soph., midfield, Andover; Andrew Bolte, Frosh., defense
Candidates: 85
Captains: Nick Potter
Returning goal leaders: Elijah Soko 10, Zach Vieira 9, Sam Milbury 4
Returning honorees: Elijah Soko, All-ISL
Assistants: Willie Waters (co-head coach), Dave Harris, JV; John Haile, Nabil Alami
Odds and ends: Andrew Bruno was the manager last year. ... Greg Conrad is a talented transfer from Governor's Academy. ... Dylan Quigley didn't play last year but might start. ... Nick Potter is a three-sport captain.
Coach Dusty Richard (34th year): "We're going to be pretty good. We came in second to Nobles last year. They'll still be strong. I think we'll be in the running. We're very strong up front with Elijah Soko and Zach Vieira, who are probably the best pair in the league. Elijah is on the Zimbabwe U18 national team and will play at Dartmouth."
9/16/11 | 6:00 PM | AWAY
VS Worcester Academy |
Cancelled
9/21/11 | 2:45 PM | HOME
W 1-0
VS Phillips Academy |
Boys 1st Team Soccer Opens With A Home Win Against Phillips Andover
The First Team fashioned a well deserved 1-0 victory to open the 2011 season against Phillips Andover this afternoon. Junior Zach Vieira finished cleanly going in alone on the PA keeper in the 15th minute after pouncing on a stray touch from a defender. Brooks carried the play for the first 25 minutes but was forced to defend the remainder of the half. The second half was more even, though Brooks couldn't finish two clean opportunities in front. PA also was unlucky once in front. Brooks' defense stood tall throughout the contest, led by Sam Milbury, George Demoulas and goalkeeper Cam Johst. The side worked very hard, but wasn't able to play its best soccer. Both teams did well in very hot weather and it was a fairly contested match. Brooks opens its ISL season against Roxbury Latin on Saturday.
Dad's Game Review - What a start to the new season. Arriving at the field with much anticipation for the new year, I noticed a number of familiar faces on the PA team. Former ODP, Inter and Aztec teammates now turned opponent. I watch the warm up and see Zach sporting his new number 15. Obviously this brings a huge smile to my face. He never wanted 15 before, and for some reason he surprised me this year by taking it. The game itself was a little sloppy at the start. Brooks had good pressure and PA seemed to be a bit on their heels. A couple of close off sides calls on Brooks had the crowd moaning already. PA began to apply pressure but had a costly turnover right at mid field. The ball was quickly played through where Zach collected it, held off his friend Taylor Perkins getting great body position and went in alone on the keeper. 1-0 Brooks!!! A beautiful goal. Much cleaner than the first one against PA when he was a freshman. Interestingly enough, Zach ran to the corner flag and waved his open arms to his teammates. They mobbed him in the corner while the PA guys watched. Evidently, Taylor gave Zach a nice elbow in the ribs and he needed to come out for a bit to catch his breath. The rest of the half has PA pressing and Cam made a coupole of nice saves, but nothing all that dangerous. The second half continued with periods of sloppy play. Brooks started trying to do long ball soccer which Dusty said was not very elegant. Brooks missed 2 sure goals by inches and the game ended without further scoring. The team left the field relishing the win but knowing they need to be better as they enter ISL play.
9/24/11 | 3:30 PM | HOME
T 1-1
VS Roxbury Latin School |
Boys' Varsity Plays to a Draw
Roxbury and Brooks played to a draw in front of a large crowd in North Andover this afternoon. The visitors had the better of play for the first twenty minutes while putting Brooks under much pressure. Gradually the home side began to turn the tide and by halftime the visitors found themselves under similar pressure. Both defenses stood tall until Patrick Barry headed home a deflected cross from Nick Modest to put Roxbury in front in the 53rd minute. Brooks equalized through Sam Milbury on service from Jory Makin in the 67th minute. Both teams had great chances for the winner, none better than Elijah Soko's superb finish that was called back on a handled ball in the 82nd minute. Each side was exhausted by the end of a long, humid afternoon. Captain Nick Potter waged a furious 1v1 battle with RL's outstanding striker Andrew Wheeler and his defensive effort secured the draw for Brooks. It was good early season ISL soccer both teams should be proud of their effort.
A tough start for the Brooks boys as RL came out hard. RL had Brooks pinned back in their own end for a good portion of the first half. Slowly Brooks began to even the play out as they found their stride. For the last 10 minutes or so Brooks had pressure on RL with Elijah and Zach making deep runs and being very disruptive in front of the net. After the half, Brooks finally tied the score with Sam heading home a Jory corner kick. Jory places the ball so nicely into the box. Start contrast to Andres hard corners that usually bounded away of over the group. Zach had multiple chances to break the tie but was turned away either by the keeper or the RL defense. Elijah took a long cross down to his feet and drove to the net placing the ball nicely into the far back corner. Unfortunately, the blind linesman was waving his flag furiously, saying that Elijah brought the ball down off his arm. While it did hit the upper arm, it was not something that should have been flagged as a hand ball. A little more back and forth and the game ended a tie.
9/28/11 | 3:00 PM | HOME
W 2-0
VS St. Mark's School |
Boys' Soccer Tops St. Mark's
Brooks found two clean finishes in the 6th and 54th minutes from Vieira and Makin to take a well played match in North Andover this afternoon. Both teams had solid possession and the St. Mark's defense stood tall in the face of much Brooks play in the front third. Harry Copeland was immense in making timely challenges and thwarting Brooks' active striking trio of Vieira, Soko, and Conrad. St. Mark's countered continually and successfully through the midfield as Jacob Burke proved a handful for the Brooks defenders. Sam Milbury was outstanding anchoring the back line and Cam Johst had another solid effort in goal for the home side. It was a fairly contested and exciting match for the full ninety.
Dad's Game Review -
This game was one of those games were there really wasn't a heck of a lot of excitement. Much play between the 18 yard line on both ends, so not much in the dangerous areas of the field. Zach scored early on a great pass from Elijah to put Brooks up and there it stood for a good while. Good combinations by the top end of the Brooks team, but great defense just pushed the ball back repeatedly. On the other end the Brooks back line stood solid on their 18. Jory put home a corner kick which bounced and found the net. Looks like Jory is the secret weapon this year. He is playing very strongly on the back left corner, plus his offense is really an added benefit. Add Jory, to the Elijah & Zach combo and teams better watch out. Not to mention Gregg. I'm sure he will settle into his new team and once the nerves are gone...wow, watch out ISL. The Green Machine is coming.
10/1/11 | 2:00 PM | AWAY
W 2-1
VS Groton School |
ISL Web site Summary
Groton deserved better than this result as they controlled midfield play throughout much of the match. Brooks' winner came on a fine service from Pat Gordon with a surely headed finish from Andrew Bruno, celebrating his first ISL goal in the 62nd minute.
Brooks Summary -
Dad's Game Review -
10/5/11 | 3:15 PM | HOME
Dad's Game Review -
Brooks Summary -
Bruno Goal Propels Boys' Soccer To Victory
It is an encouraging mark of this young side that they can get a result while playing a less than stellar match away from home. Brooks fashioned a messy 2-1 win and in it was one of the most exciting and heartwarming moments in the program's recent past. Elijah Soko got us started in the 15th minute with a close in finish off of some very hard work by Zach Vieira. The normally lock solid defense was struggling with the soggy pitch and tight dimensions, and Groton found a well earned equalizer in the 60th minute. At that point junior Andrew Bruno was inserted to try and bring some life to the flagging side. Formerly a third team player as a IIIrd Former, Andrew's love of the game and the team led him to a role as manager last season. This season he had won one of the final shirts in preseason, after often stepping on in training last year to even up numbers. His enthusiasm and active playing style had won over his teammates and coaches. So it was that only seconds after walking on the pitch he made a perfectly timed run down the right flank to the far post and Pat Gordon, a terror all match on the left, serviced across the box. Andrew met the ball squarely at full pace and buried it past the Keeper and into the net for what turned out to be the match winner. His teammates mobbed him in celebration, both for his personal triumph and for what it meant for our team. After the victory, the team travelled on to Foxborough to watch Mike Fucito ('04) and his Seattle Sounders defeat the Revolution 2-1 as well. It was a long, but gratifying, day and night of soccer and the team is surely coming together in fine fashion.
Dad's Game Review -
I think the Green Machine forgot to wake up today. They played slow and sluggish for most of this game. There were moments where you could see some good things happening. Zach bulldogged his way along the goal line turning the corner back and breaking towards the goal. He put a nice pass across to Elijah who found the net. Brooks missed a few chances over the rest of the half, but they really were not sharp. The ground was wet and slippery, but it was for both teams. Brooks doesn't do well with the smaller fields and this one is pretty small. After the half, Groton came out on fire and had Brooks pressed hard on Brooks. The defense stood up, but all they would do is put the ball back into the Groton midfield and Groton would turn right back on goal. This resulted in Groton tying the score shortly after half. Dusty inserted the energizer bunny, Andrew Bruno. Andrew buzzed around the field like a madman and connected his head to the end of a nice cross from Patrick for a 2-1 lead. Groton continued to pressure Brooks and had multiple chances to tie the score. They did put one in which was called back for some unknown whistle to stop play. Brooks will say they heard the whistle and let up, while Groton will argue the opposite. Either way, the goal did not count. Thankfully the final whistle came and Brooks escaped with a less than deserved 2-1 win. The definition of Winning Ugly for sure.
10/5/11 | 3:15 PM | HOME
T 2-2
VS Thayer Academy |
Boys 1st Team Soccer Ties Thayer
Brooks and Thayer battled to a draw this afternoon as the visitors knotted the score in the 86th minute with a low drive to goal. Cam Johst was superb in the Brooks goal making two key saves while Brooks led 2-1. After Thayer went up with the first goal, Elijah Soko serviced Zach Vieira in front of the Thayer goal and he redirected the ball past the keeper. Jory Makin scored unassisted in the 60th minute when he drove a fee kick just inside the far post. Despite Sam Milbury's dazzling defensive effort, Brooks was unable to make their second goal hold up.
Dad's Game Review -
Tough tie to take. Brooks started this one off well but were unable to get the first goal. The teams went back and forth for quite a while with Thayer getting the first goal on a great combination play. Brooks pressed after that trying to find the equalizer. Zach and Elijah continually having opportunities turned away by stellar defensive play or by Thayer's keeper Dominic Quade (A friend of Zach's from ODP). Finally, Elijah took a shot/cross from the right that found Zach's foot. Zach redirected and knotted the score. After half, both teams continued periods dominance. Not really a back and forth game, just one team had pressure then the other. In the midst of that, Jory had a free kick from the side and fooled everyone with a low line drive not much off the turf. It found a hole in the bodies and then found the net. Later, Cam had to make 2-3 fine saves to keep the score at 2-1, but unfortunately, late in the game, the defense broke down and Thayer came right up the middle to get the tie. Sour end to an otherwise good game.
Dad's Game Review -
Victory Vaults Boys' Varsity Soccer Into 1st Place
Dad's Game Review -
Dad's Game Review -
The most exciting game of the year so far. Belmont Hill came out with a plan. Man marking was front and center in that plan. Zach had a player following him all over the field. No matter what he did, the marker was right there. Elijah also had a marker, but he wasn't as sticky as Zach's marker. Made for some interesting soccer. Two minutes into the game, Zach is moving across the middle with the ball and his old ODP buddy MJ, who is now 6'5", lays a hip check on Zach that any hockey coach would love to see on the ice. Unfortunately, this is soccer and not really acceptable. Sam lined up the free kick and hit one of the prettiest line drive shots you'll ever see. Right into the top corner of the net. Just like that Brooks is up. BH did not quit though. They countered and pressured. Sam, trying to shoulder the ball out of pressure, inadvertently had the ball his bicep/forearm and the referee called a PK. Everyone argued, but from my position, it looked like the right call. Cam made the initial save, but no one followed except the shooter. His second attempt found the net. The game went back and forth pretty evenly for the rest of the half with both keepers making some saves. After the half, Brooks pressured and Elijah found the net, just off the post and Brooks was up. Fast and furious is the best way to describe the remainder of the game. A huge celebration by the Brooks team when the final whistle blew. What a game!!!
An inspired and impressive Lawrence side gave the league leaders all they could handle in this exciting match. Brooks got an early goal in the second minute on another accurate corner from Jory Makin that Zach Vieira finished well. Lawrence responded with some fine possession and stout defending. They finally evened the scored when Amadu Kunateh and Abdul Khan combined through the Brooks defense for a very well constructed goal. Brooks came out of halftime firing on all cylinders and peppered the Lawrence goal with a number of fine chances. But it wasn't until the 76th minute that Elijah Soko put Brooks ahead with a lethal strike from the top of the box. Lawrence again pressured for the equalizer, but this time Cam Johst made two monstrous saves to to retain the points for Brooks. The final Brooks goal came as Lawrence continued to throw numbers forward in a desperate effort. Brooks was overjoyed and relieved with the result. The visiting team deserved a far better result than they got, as they played with skill, passion and determination. Sam Milbury was superb on the Brooks backline and Nick Potter did a fine job marking Kunateh for the full ninety minutes. Brooks takes on rival Governor's Academy on Parent's Weekend Saturday at 2:00 pm.
10/07/11 | 2:00 PM | AWAY
W 6-0
VS Middlesex School |
Boys 1st Team Soccer Plays Strongest Game To Date
The First Team had its most complete effort of the season with a 6-0 thrashing of a side that was only one point back in the ISL standings. Brooks' attack was in full gear right from the start as Jory Makin's corner kick to the far post was met surely by Sam Milbury with a header into the near post netting in the 11th minute. Brooks was dominating the midfield with fluid passing and tenacious defensive challenges by Demoulas and Potter. In the 16th minute Greg Conrad took a nicely timed pass from Elijah Soko and hit a twenty five yard bomb into the top corner of the Middlesex goal. Brooks created chance after chance for the remainder of the first half while playing their best soccer of the season. But the third goal did not come until the second half kickoff as Elijah Soko pressured a defender into a giveaway and went in alone. Hayden Lynch then scored two headed goals in the 77th nd 86th minutes on service from, respectively, Soko and Makin. The big day was capped off with the most exciting goal as IIIrd (Freshman) former Andrew Bolte hit a 90th minute drive from over twenty five yards that made a bee-line into the far side netting. Goalkeeper Cam Johst and back Sam Milbury led another superb defensive effort to keep the clean sheet in back. Brooks now sits one point behind Nobles in second place and three points clear of the rest of the league.
Dad's Game Review -
A beautiful day out at Middlesex school. A fast start for Brooks. Sam made a beautiful header of a Jory corner kick to get the boys rolling. Greg hit a bomb of a shot and it was 2-0. Middlesex was on it's heels for most of the half and the score could have been much worse. The Middlesex team looked like it did not want to come out after half as Brooks waited a good 10 minutes for Middlesex who were all sitting under a tree a bit away from the field. The referee had to walk over and invite them to come back to play. Very odd. But, maybe they knew something. Right after the opening kick, Elijah pressed the Middlesex defender who nicely placed the ball on Elijah's foot. Surprised, Elijah went in along on the keeper. 3-0. Hayden came in to relieve Elijah and proceeded to score 2 goals in under 10 minutes. Andrew capped the scoring with a long rising shot that find the far corner just before the final whistle.
10/12/11 | 3:15 PM | AWAY
W 5-0
VS St. Sebastians
Five Goal Scorers Contribute to Victory
Five different players found the back of the net for Brooks in this well contested match in Needham this afternoon. The star of the game, to be sure, was St. Sebastians's keeper Benjamin Piersiak, who was acrobatic throughout. He made scintillating saves from Soko and Vieira and was inspirational to his side. The Brooks attack was again hitting on all cylinders and Sam Milbury converted Jory Makin's corner in the 8th minute. Zach Vieira, having one of his best games, sent Elijah Soko in alone with a clever through ball and Soko made no mistake in the 13th minute. Seve Elkin had a fabulous first time volley of Mike Sciascia's service to round out the first half scoring. George Demoulas got into the scoring act early after the break, again from one of Jory Makin's deft and accurate corners. Hayden Lynch added the last in the 64th minute from close in after Greg Conrad found him with a short pass in the box. The entire side, both first eleven and reserves, played their best soccer of the season with a superb short passing game and electric runs from the strikers. Cam Johst and the defense recorded their fourth clean sheet as St. Sebastian's never really threatened. Brooks remains undefeated at 5-0-2 in second place in the ISL.
Dad's Game Review -
What do you expect coming off a 6-0 drubbing of one of the premier teams in the ISL? A letdown maybe? St. Sebs is not the team Middlesex is. Sam started the scoring with a finish of another great Jory corner. Following that, Zach sent Elijah in alone with a great feed and it was 2-0 just like that. Just before the half Seve scored his first Brooks goal of a nice cross from Michael. It's great seeing some of the subs making an impact when they have the opportunity. George played a nice back heel into the net of another Jory corner to stretch the score out. Pressure from Brooks continued with the team buzzing all around the goal. Zach was pulled to give Hayden some more time and Hayden made good use of his time scoring his 3rd in the last 2 games. The balance of the game had Brooks threatening but I believe Dusty placed the no more scoring edict on the team.10/15/11 | 2:00 PM | HOME
W 5-1
VS Rivers School |
Victory Vaults Boys' Varsity Soccer Into 1st Place
Brooks again got off to a fast offensive start when Greg Conrad finished Jory Makin's well placed service in the 5th minute. Makin then found Zach Vieira only four minutes later and he was able to chip a long ball into the Rivers goal vacated when Andrew Ades slipped on the wet turf while changing direction. Conrad then blasted one to the near post in the 30th minute on a deft pass at the top of the box from Andrew Bolte. At that point Rivers began to control the midfield and exert significant pressure on the Brooks defense. They were rewarded for their hard work just before halftime when Duncan Orlander received a ball behind the Brooks backline and finished cleanly, ably assisted by Sal Sprofera. Brooks was determined to regain control of the match and came out of halftime with renewed energy. Vieira got his second in the 54th minute as Dylan Quigley attacked from the back and sent him through. There followed a number of near misses at both ends until Conrad completed his hat trick after taking a clever knock off from Vieira in the 82nd. Rivers never stopped working at it and the match was competitive throughout. Both sides deserved much credit.
Brooks' victory vaulted them into 1st place in the race for the Gummere Cup, one point ahead of Nobles, who were tied by Thayer.
Dad's Game Review -
Brooks is coming off an 11 goals in 2 games performance. Would it continue? Could it continue? One thing for sure, Zach was pressing. Can you imagine 11 goals and none by Zach. Talk about a caged animal trying to get out. I told Zach; this is the same as last year. Stop pressuring yourself. The goals will come but you need to relax. Brooks started fairly quickly again with Gregg converting yet another Jory corner. Talk about a huge weapon. Jory places the ball so nicely into the box, it's just amazing. A few minutes later, Zach takes a pass from Jory and tries a cross into the box. The wind gusts and the ball curves down fast towards the net. The keeper needs to switch direction, but the wet turf has other thoughts. Down goes the keeper and the wind pushes the ball into the net. Zach stands there in amazement. I just smile!!! Brooks continued to control the game and press. Finally Gregg gets goal #2 on the day for him. Rivers came back somewhat and put one in making it 3-1. After the half, Brooks pressure continued. Dylan put a ball over the top that was collected by Zach. He broke down the left side and found the right top corner of the net. Gregg got his 3rd shortly after. Following that goal, Dusty pulled Zach, Elijah and Gregg. I know Zach wanted to stay in to get his 3rd, but it was time to pull back.
Dad's Game Review -
Brooks is coming off an 11 goals in 2 games performance. Would it continue? Could it continue? One thing for sure, Zach was pressing. Can you imagine 11 goals and none by Zach. Talk about a caged animal trying to get out. I told Zach; this is the same as last year. Stop pressuring yourself. The goals will come but you need to relax. Brooks started fairly quickly again with Gregg converting yet another Jory corner. Talk about a huge weapon. Jory places the ball so nicely into the box, it's just amazing. A few minutes later, Zach takes a pass from Jory and tries a cross into the box. The wind gusts and the ball curves down fast towards the net. The keeper needs to switch direction, but the wet turf has other thoughts. Down goes the keeper and the wind pushes the ball into the net. Zach stands there in amazement. I just smile!!! Brooks continued to control the game and press. Finally Gregg gets goal #2 on the day for him. Rivers came back somewhat and put one in making it 3-1. After the half, Brooks pressure continued. Dylan put a ball over the top that was collected by Zach. He broke down the left side and found the right top corner of the net. Gregg got his 3rd shortly after. Following that goal, Dusty pulled Zach, Elijah and Gregg. I know Zach wanted to stay in to get his 3rd, but it was time to pull back.
10/19/11 | 4:30 PM | AWAY (Played on 10/24)
W 8-3
VS St. George's School |
Brooks Cruises to an Easy Victory
Brooks got goals from seven different scorers in fending off a determined St. George's side that never quit. It was Brooks' fifth straight win.
Dad's Game Review -
A long trip down to Newport for the Brooks parents and a few minutes into this one Sam lost his footing, handed the ball to a surprised St. George player. A quick shot on goal tipped off Cam's fingers and found the net. Not what we expected from the high powered Brooks team. The field was obviously bad and contributed to that turnover. Elijah rallied the team shouting "Come on boys. Let's show them Brooks"!! And show them they did. A few minutes later Zach showed great determination and powered his way through the defense to tie the score. Right after that, Jory popped a corner into the goal. Sam followed with a great header off another Jory corner. Elijah followed with 2 quick strikes. These goals all came between the 9 minute mark and the 31 minute mark. One minute into the second half and Greg made it 5-1. St. George never quit, adding a second goal. The teams swapped goals until the final count was reached. Overall a ho hum type of game but St. George played hard to the end.
10/22/11 | 2:45 PM | AWAY
W 2-1
VS Belmont Hill School |
Brooks 1st team Soccer Comes Out On Top Of Match Pitting Twp Unbeaten ISL Teams
This was a very fast paced 90 minutes of action between two undefeated sides. Brooks came away the winner of this close contest, but Belmont threatened throughout. The visitors got off to a dream start when Sam Milbury hit a 2nd minute free kick from more than 35 yards out into the top corner. It was truly a strike to behold and an astonishing start to the action. Belmont then took control of the play through midfield and put pressure on the Brooks back four. Josh Voto was ever dangerous, but ably marked by Brooks captain Nick Potter. The home side was able to knot the score when a Brooks defender was called for a handled ball going back to his own goal. Cam Johst saved Voto's initial spot kick but the rebound fell back to Voto, who made no mistake. Brooks composed themselves at halftime and played much more fluid soccer after the break. Vieira and Soko were quite a handful and Belmont's Tucker Hallowell did a fine job marking under pressure. Will Crowley was superb throughout in the midfield for the home side and gave dangerous penetrating balls time and time again. Brooks found the eventual game winner through Elijah Soko's deft finish early in the second half. Brooks' defense solidified to secure the three points, but not without much pressure from the Hillies.In the final minutes Brooks countered the pressure through their strikers and created a a number of near misses. George Demoulas and Pat Gordon were superb throughout, as was Jory Makin. Both sides acquitted themselves well and deserve much credit. But it was a tremendous victory for the Brooksians, who retained their slim hold on first place in the Gummere Cup race. A three-match week begins Monday with an arduous trip to Newport. The side has gained much confidence while creating plenty of magical moments for themselves. This is truly beginning to look like a season to remember.
Dad's Game Review -
The most exciting game of the year so far. Belmont Hill came out with a plan. Man marking was front and center in that plan. Zach had a player following him all over the field. No matter what he did, the marker was right there. Elijah also had a marker, but he wasn't as sticky as Zach's marker. Made for some interesting soccer. Two minutes into the game, Zach is moving across the middle with the ball and his old ODP buddy MJ, who is now 6'5", lays a hip check on Zach that any hockey coach would love to see on the ice. Unfortunately, this is soccer and not really acceptable. Sam lined up the free kick and hit one of the prettiest line drive shots you'll ever see. Right into the top corner of the net. Just like that Brooks is up. BH did not quit though. They countered and pressured. Sam, trying to shoulder the ball out of pressure, inadvertently had the ball his bicep/forearm and the referee called a PK. Everyone argued, but from my position, it looked like the right call. Cam made the initial save, but no one followed except the shooter. His second attempt found the net. The game went back and forth pretty evenly for the rest of the half with both keepers making some saves. After the half, Brooks pressured and Elijah found the net, just off the post and Brooks was up. Fast and furious is the best way to describe the remainder of the game. A huge celebration by the Brooks team when the final whistle blew. What a game!!!
10/26/11 | 3:00 PM | HOME
W 3-1
VS Lawrence Academy |
An inspired and impressive Lawrence side gave the league leaders all they could handle in this exciting match. Brooks got an early goal in the second minute on another accurate corner from Jory Makin that Zach Vieira finished well. Lawrence responded with some fine possession and stout defending. They finally evened the scored when Amadu Kunateh and Abdul Khan combined through the Brooks defense for a very well constructed goal. Brooks came out of halftime firing on all cylinders and peppered the Lawrence goal with a number of fine chances. But it wasn't until the 76th minute that Elijah Soko put Brooks ahead with a lethal strike from the top of the box. Lawrence again pressured for the equalizer, but this time Cam Johst made two monstrous saves to to retain the points for Brooks. The final Brooks goal came as Lawrence continued to throw numbers forward in a desperate effort. Brooks was overjoyed and relieved with the result. The visiting team deserved a far better result than they got, as they played with skill, passion and determination. Sam Milbury was superb on the Brooks backline and Nick Potter did a fine job marking Kunateh for the full ninety minutes. Brooks takes on rival Governor's Academy on Parent's Weekend Saturday at 2:00 pm.
Dad's Game Review -
Winning Ugly!! That's what today was. Zach scored 2 minutes into the game of another fantastic Jory corner beautifully placed into the box. The confidence was very high at this point. The steam engine was revving, but someone forgot to tell Brooks to keep their foot on the pedal. Play became very sloppy. Passes to no one. Dribbles to the corner and then ooops, the ball rolled out. Crosses directly to the keeper. Meanwhile, Lawrence was gaining confidence and Cam needed to make some nice saves to keep the score as is. Brooks' luck ran out and Lawrence tied the score on a very nice combination play. Frustrated Brooks went into half tied 1-1. The second half started with much Brooks pressure. Zach set up Greg beautifully but Greg, hit the crossbar. Shortly after, Zach megged the defender cut to the net and hit the post. Balls flying all around the Lawrence net but not connecting. Meanwhile Lawrence had their chances. Finally, Elijah was able to move Brooks ahead with a nice shot to the top of the net. Relief all around. But, it took another miraculous save by Cam; a diving one hand extended save to preserve the score. Probably the save of the year! That sequence had the ball go out to the left side and down to the Lawrence corner. Zach tracked it into the corner, cut past the defender and crossed the ball to Greg in front. Luckily it hit the Lawrence defender covering Greg and found the net. The final whistle brought much relief to the Green. Lawrence played very well and deserved quite a bit of credit. On to Govs on Saturday. Hopefully the boys received the wake up call today!! On the ride home, Zach assured me they did!
10/26/11 | 3:00 PM | HOME
Boys 1st Team Soccer Blanks Governor's
Dad's Game Review -
11/2/11 | 3:00 PM | AWAY
Dad's Game Review -
Disappointing tie for sure. This was a game the boys needed to win to keep distance between themselves and Nobles. Unfortunately, starting with the storm on Saturday thing just did not go well for Brooks. The Parents weekend dinner Saturday night was disrupted by the storm. The Brooks campus lost power that night and it was not restored until Wednesday. Monday was a planned day off, but Tuesday there was no school or practice. I know I was worried about going into BB&N and not being prepared. The BB&N field is a small turf field and small fields are not good for Brooks. Early on, you could see the impact. Sloppy passing, balls bouncing off feet, far to much long ball rolling out of bounds. Just ugly soccer. BB&N took advantage of it and pressured Brooks throughout the half. Defense would just blast the ball out and the mid field would play head the ball sometimes with 4-5 heads in a row until BB&N stole it. Luckily, Zach sent a sloppy pass intended for Elijah but to far out in front of him for Elijah to collect, between 3 BB&N defenders. Gregg ran onto it and put it past Ryan in the BB&N net. Half ended 1-0. UGLY!! And let's not even mention the referee. He let everything go for BB&N and called every little bump against Brooks. The second half was no better. Cam had the sun directly in his eyes and was slow reacting to balls coming to the Brooks net. He kept things at 1-0 though. BB&N kept taking shots on net and cheap shots at the Brooks players. With about 20 minutes to go, Zach took a shot that went wide of the net. About 2 seconds after the shot he was hit by the defender. They both went flying, unfortunately Zach hit the hard turf sholder first and the defender hit him again as he fell into Zach. I heard the scream, and saw Zach rolling in pain. I knew this wasn't good. BB&N parents were calling him a baby and saying things like, "Oh you can't take it? Only like to give the rough hits, you don't like receiving?" I engaged with one dad and had to tell him to just walk away and be quiet. The line was crossed with that hit but he kept chirping. I had to walk away, but I was very concerned about Zach. He's tough and normally gets up and bounces back. He went to the bench and was just sitting there staring as the trainers worked on him. I knew this was bad. A few minutes later, BB&N tied the game and Zach sat motionless on the bench. At the end, he walked across the field to meet me as he always does. With tears in his eyes he shook his head and said "I think I'm done for the season dad". The biggest game of the year is Friday against Nobles and it's looking like he will not be able to play. We took him to the ER for X-rays and it showed a slight separation of the left shoulder. I know this injury well. Only time and his ability to tolerate pain will factor in his return. Hopefully there will be post season games for Brooks again this year!
11/4/11 | 2:30 PM | AWAY
Dad's Game Review -
The end to what was to be the most exciting week of the season was very disappointing. Zach was not able to even put the uniform on today. He stood on the sideline trying to cheer and encourage his teammates on. The Brooks boys opened the game strong and were generating some pressure but not much for clean/direct chances. Midway through the half you could see Nobles turning the pressure onto Brooks. Multiple corner kicks in the last 10 minutes really had Brooks on their heels. The last play of the half, literally, was a corner for Nobles. Somehow, in the scramble around Cam, the ball found the head of a Nobles player and then it rolled to the back of the net. I wasn't even sure it was in. But Nobles was positive about that. The teams lined up at the center, the ball moved forward and the half whistle was blown. Lots of concern from the parents. Much of it centering around the lack of offence and Zach not being on the field. I tried to assure everyone it was only one goal and we had plenty of players who could score. Second half started with a change in the configuration, which moved Gregg up to striker with Elijah. I thought it was a great move. Unfortunately, it did not help all that much as Gregg just didn't know how to help Elijah inside the box. Times when he should have moved for a pass he stopped and other times he pressed forward when he should have given a safe out. Normal stuff for a new pair. It was killing me to watch this knowing Zach would have made a difference out there. The fire was not on the field and you could see it in the team. I knew he was an important component of this group, but never expected it to be this obvious. The energy up top was just missing. Defensively the boys did well. Allowing only one goal to Nobles would have been a great goal for the day. Nobles has the scoring leader, Ollie White, so defensively they did all that could be expected. Dusty changed things up midway through putting Sam up at striker. Sam plays with all the passion of Zach and he did well up top but again, the boys just couldn't connect. The final whistle blew and the Nobles team piled high on their keeper. The Brooks boys each dropped to the field and lay staring up at the sky. Some wiping tears from their eyes. Definitely a sad end to the day and week. Two more games to go that Brooks needs to win to ensure a tournament spot. Zach came over after the game, with his ice pack on his shoulder, put his forehead on my shoulder and said a few things that I probably shouldn't write here. He knew he could have made a difference out there. I believe he would have. Hopefully he'l get the chance in the tournament.
10/26/11 | 3:00 PM | HOME
W 5-0
VS Governor's |
Boys 1st Team Soccer Blanks Governor's
Both teams played surprisingly good soccer despite increasingly horrendous conditions. Nick Baxter made a number of very fine saves in goal for the Governors but the Brooks attack proved too powerful for the young visiting side. Brooks got started in the 6th minute with Zach Vieira's close in drive from a pass by Patrick Gordon. In the 19th minute Seve Elkin scored the prettiest goal of the day when he swiveled and fired a laser up under the bar from 14 yards out after receiving a nice ball from Elijah Soko. In the 40th minute Greg Conrad threaded a ball through the Gov's defense which Soko ran onto and calmly beat Baxter for the finish. In the 45th minute, just before halftime, Greg Conrad skied above all else in the goal mouth to head home another of Jory Makin's precise corner kicks. Conrad then finished off the scoring right after the opening whistle of the second half by poaching a ball off the Gov's defense and going in alone. Cam Johst and Dan Smith combined for the side's fifth clean sheet. It was Brooks' seventh straight win and left them in first place in the ISL.
Dad's Game Review -
How do you describe a game that was really no contest from the opening kick? The Brooks JV team probably would have given the Govs varsity a good run today. Six minutes in, Brooks wins a corner kick. Jory places another one nicely into the box. Zach moves around a group of guys, and just as the ball nears the ground, places it nicely into the net. Far to easy a goal. Five minutes later, Zach making one of his aggressive runs down the outside of the box, cuts in and gets taken down. PK! Zach steps up to the spot and takes the shot. The Govs keeper dives and makes a great save. Did Zach rush it? Was he over confident? Not sure. But he was mad at himself on the field!! He was buzzing out there for a while after. A short time later, Seive, places a beautiful shot off the outside of his left foot to the top corner. Then Elijah made it 3-0 and just before the half Gregg made it 4-0. Gregg was to be the Govs captain this year but he transferred out to Brooks. Halftime, brought the hard rains that had been predicted for the afternoon. Winds whipping and driving the rain across the field. No more than 1 minute into the second half, Gregg scored his second goal and it was 5-0. After a few hard, questionable tackles by the Govs side, Dusty pulled Zach and Elijah. Both took off their cleats and put on sweats. We knew they were done for the day. Gregg came out 5 minutes later and then most of the subs came into the game. The coaches agreed to call the game off at the 77th minute. To bad they waited so long. Next week is the toughest week of the season for Brooks. 2 wins and they wrap up first place!!!
11/2/11 | 3:00 PM | AWAY
T 1-1
VS BB&N |
Brooks 1st Team Soccer Ties BB&N
Brooks traveled to Cambridge and garnered a somewhat disappointing 1-1 draw to keep their undefeated season alive. Greg Conrad finished cleanly in the 18th minute after receiving a deft pass from Zach Vieira. The team generated a number of fine chances thereafter, but were unable to find the goal that might have iced a win. The Knights equalized in the 76th minute on a fine back post service and header. The final fifteen minutes saw furious action but neither side could produce a winner. Brooks must now face Nobles in Dedham on Friday in a match that should well determine the winner of the Gummere Cup
Dad's Game Review -
Disappointing tie for sure. This was a game the boys needed to win to keep distance between themselves and Nobles. Unfortunately, starting with the storm on Saturday thing just did not go well for Brooks. The Parents weekend dinner Saturday night was disrupted by the storm. The Brooks campus lost power that night and it was not restored until Wednesday. Monday was a planned day off, but Tuesday there was no school or practice. I know I was worried about going into BB&N and not being prepared. The BB&N field is a small turf field and small fields are not good for Brooks. Early on, you could see the impact. Sloppy passing, balls bouncing off feet, far to much long ball rolling out of bounds. Just ugly soccer. BB&N took advantage of it and pressured Brooks throughout the half. Defense would just blast the ball out and the mid field would play head the ball sometimes with 4-5 heads in a row until BB&N stole it. Luckily, Zach sent a sloppy pass intended for Elijah but to far out in front of him for Elijah to collect, between 3 BB&N defenders. Gregg ran onto it and put it past Ryan in the BB&N net. Half ended 1-0. UGLY!! And let's not even mention the referee. He let everything go for BB&N and called every little bump against Brooks. The second half was no better. Cam had the sun directly in his eyes and was slow reacting to balls coming to the Brooks net. He kept things at 1-0 though. BB&N kept taking shots on net and cheap shots at the Brooks players. With about 20 minutes to go, Zach took a shot that went wide of the net. About 2 seconds after the shot he was hit by the defender. They both went flying, unfortunately Zach hit the hard turf sholder first and the defender hit him again as he fell into Zach. I heard the scream, and saw Zach rolling in pain. I knew this wasn't good. BB&N parents were calling him a baby and saying things like, "Oh you can't take it? Only like to give the rough hits, you don't like receiving?" I engaged with one dad and had to tell him to just walk away and be quiet. The line was crossed with that hit but he kept chirping. I had to walk away, but I was very concerned about Zach. He's tough and normally gets up and bounces back. He went to the bench and was just sitting there staring as the trainers worked on him. I knew this was bad. A few minutes later, BB&N tied the game and Zach sat motionless on the bench. At the end, he walked across the field to meet me as he always does. With tears in his eyes he shook his head and said "I think I'm done for the season dad". The biggest game of the year is Friday against Nobles and it's looking like he will not be able to play. We took him to the ER for X-rays and it showed a slight separation of the left shoulder. I know this injury well. Only time and his ability to tolerate pain will factor in his return. Hopefully there will be post season games for Brooks again this year!
11/4/11 | 2:30 PM | AWAY
L 0-1
VS Noble's |
Boys 1st Team Soccer Suffers First Defeat
The First Soccer Team lost their first match of the season on heartbreaking fashion Friday. Both Nobles and Brooks played outstanding games and the competition and pace were intense from the start to the finish. Brooks’ high flying attack was shut down for the first time this season, but not without several great chances. Nobles was able to find the goal that Brooks couldn’t just seconds before half on a header from corner service. The Brooks boys played furiously throughout, but it was not to be. The team looks to finish strong next week and make a good NEPSAC Tournament run afterwards.
Dad's Game Review -
The end to what was to be the most exciting week of the season was very disappointing. Zach was not able to even put the uniform on today. He stood on the sideline trying to cheer and encourage his teammates on. The Brooks boys opened the game strong and were generating some pressure but not much for clean/direct chances. Midway through the half you could see Nobles turning the pressure onto Brooks. Multiple corner kicks in the last 10 minutes really had Brooks on their heels. The last play of the half, literally, was a corner for Nobles. Somehow, in the scramble around Cam, the ball found the head of a Nobles player and then it rolled to the back of the net. I wasn't even sure it was in. But Nobles was positive about that. The teams lined up at the center, the ball moved forward and the half whistle was blown. Lots of concern from the parents. Much of it centering around the lack of offence and Zach not being on the field. I tried to assure everyone it was only one goal and we had plenty of players who could score. Second half started with a change in the configuration, which moved Gregg up to striker with Elijah. I thought it was a great move. Unfortunately, it did not help all that much as Gregg just didn't know how to help Elijah inside the box. Times when he should have moved for a pass he stopped and other times he pressed forward when he should have given a safe out. Normal stuff for a new pair. It was killing me to watch this knowing Zach would have made a difference out there. The fire was not on the field and you could see it in the team. I knew he was an important component of this group, but never expected it to be this obvious. The energy up top was just missing. Defensively the boys did well. Allowing only one goal to Nobles would have been a great goal for the day. Nobles has the scoring leader, Ollie White, so defensively they did all that could be expected. Dusty changed things up midway through putting Sam up at striker. Sam plays with all the passion of Zach and he did well up top but again, the boys just couldn't connect. The final whistle blew and the Nobles team piled high on their keeper. The Brooks boys each dropped to the field and lay staring up at the sky. Some wiping tears from their eyes. Definitely a sad end to the day and week. Two more games to go that Brooks needs to win to ensure a tournament spot. Zach came over after the game, with his ice pack on his shoulder, put his forehead on my shoulder and said a few things that I probably shouldn't write here. He knew he could have made a difference out there. I believe he would have. Hopefully he'l get the chance in the tournament.
11/9/11 | 3:00 PM | HOME
L 2-1
VS Milton Academy |
Boys 1st Team Soccer Suffers Heartbreaking Loss
The First Team suffered another heartbreaking loss in the 90th minute to a game Milton side. The Brooksians dominated play throughout and saw chance after chance go by the boards. Milton was able to convert their lone second half chance in the 74th minute from a free kick. Brooks continued to press with a fury and Seve Elkin found the back of the net with a smash in the 84th minute. The side pushed for the winner and nearly had it at least three times in the final minutes. Yet, on the counter, Milton was able to push one home just before time from a free kick service to a back post finish. It was the first loss for Brooks at home in nearly three full seasons (September, '09). The loss also broke a ten match winning streak against Milton dating back to 2001. Brooks is now 10-2-3 for the season
Dad's Game Review -
Who was that team in green today? Where did the Brooks varsity team go? While, the team did control most of the game, the fire was just not present. The play in the offensive end is not what we've come to expect from Brooks. And the defensive lapses are coming more often now. Every corner or free kick is a challenge. Opposing players are left unmarked and finding their heads on balls which end up in the net. The team is just different with Elijah out with his knee injury and Zach not playing like Zach. Zach tries when he is out there, but he can't play his normal physical style. He lets others go in to bang the bodies around and lays back. Not unexpected due to the injury. The heart of the team, in my opinion anyway (and I know my opinion is very biased), is just not himself. Sam is trying to do everything out there to fill the void, but he can't do it all. Defensive mistakes may be due to the back line trying to hard to press forward. In any case, Milton took the lead on a free kick which found a head and the net. Late in the game Seve, took a beautiful shot which found the top corner and it was tied. Brooks pressed and we thought Zach scored what would/should have been the winner, but Gregg, trying just as hard to knock it home, ended up blocking Zach's try on the goal line. Brooks pressed multiple times and had a few good opportunities but just couldn't get it in. As would be expected, a defensive foul, a free kick and another uncovered opponent. 2-1 Milton. The guys lined up quickly and right after the kickoff the whistle blew. Dejected, crying players on one side a the jubilant Milton team on the other. The thrill of victory and the agony of defeat. Hopefully the guys can regroup as St. Pauls always plays Brooks tight. A loss to them and a Belmont Hill win against Govs (that's pretty automatic) and Brooks drops to a 2nd place tie with Belmont. Luckily we have the tiebreaker as Broks beat them earlier in the year. Who ever expected to be in this situation 2 weeks ago.
11/12/10 | 1:30 PM | HOME
W 2-1
VS St. Paul's |
Boys 1st Soccer Ends Regular Season With A Win
Patrick Gordon hit a 67th minute far post drive for the eventual game winner in this well contested match in North Andover. Brooks had fashioned a lead after considerable pressure on a header by Greg Conrad in the 35th minute from one of Jory Makin's dangerous corners. St. Paul's worked hard and had a few good chances of their own throughout. They were rewarded with a penalty in the 80th minute that Jae Shim converted. Sam Milbury was quite effective in the back for the home side as Brooks captured their second successive Founder's Bowl. The assist gave Makin the league lead with 14 for the ISL season. Brooks looks forward to a home match vs. Suffield on Wednesday as the #3 seed in the New England Prep Tournament.
I was away and unable to make this game.
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