Youth & High School

Mariner seasons come to an end
November 14, 2006


Under 11 Girls (MAPLE White Division)

Mariner bounced back form two tough loses to defeat FC United, 3-0, at the Mariner fields in Fairhaven.

Despite playing without one of their key players, Alexa Ferreira, Mariner dominated the first fifteen minutes and got on the scoreboard when Nicole Simas was able to find the back of the net after a scramble on the top of the eighteen.

Ten minutes later Simas scored again off a cross from Marissa Rocha and, early in the second half, Courtlyn Long finished the scoring with a goal off another cross from Rocha.

The defense then stepped up to hold the game and was solidified with strong play from Simas, Emma Porto, Julia Silverstein, Erin Gallagher and Kristina Georgadarellis, all of Dartmouth.

Rocha continued to lead the midfielders and forwards, with help from Haley Dickerson, Bay Gammans, Courtney Fox, Emma Finnerty and Morgan Carney. Sarah Zielinski turned away a number of shots.

With the victory, the team ended their first season together with a 3-5-1 record. After the match, coach Sarah Bourque, who also serves as Assistant Coach of the UMass-Dartmouth Women's team, said she was very pleased with the team's progress:

“The Mariner U-11 Girls are looking forward to the winter season to prepare for what should be a winning spring season.”

Under 12 Girls (MAPLE Red Division)

Mariner faced off against the undefeated Sachem FC squad out of Winchester for their final match of the fall season. In soggy conditions, an exciting match ended with Sachem walking away with a hard fought 3-2 victory.

Mariner carried the play early on, creating numerous scoring opportunities off some very good combination play among their midfielders, Ashley Harwood and Kasey Casella, Sammy Bucknell, Mackenzie Martin, and forwards, Tori Vargas, Emma Morehead and Nicole Fusaro.

However, Mariner were unable to put the ball in the net and fell behind two goals behind by half-time. After the break, playing with the feistiness that has characterized their team all season, Mariner fought back. Vargas cut the Sachem lead in half with a goal following some nice footwork to create space for a well-placed shot from just inside the box.

Later in the half, Morgan Gidley made a nice touch off a loose ball in the air to set up Vargas, who converted her second goal of the match to tie the score.

Andrea Chaput, Desiree Santos, Sydney DaCosta, Katie Wilbur, Madison Catarius and Erin Reardon played valiantly on defense to help stifle the speed of the Sachem attack during the second half, while Morgan Stott of Dartmouth played excellently in net to keep the match close and was unlucky, late in the second half, not to reach a Sachem free-kick.

Mariner Technical Director Ray Cabral noted how well the side, who finish the fall season with a 5-4 record, played during the match:

“I'm very impressed with how well these girls are playing. They're passing the ball beautifully. They could have easily won this match against a very good opponent.”

Thanks to John Casella of Mariner SC for this report. To get your club's latest news to appear on www.soccernewengland.com, simply send it to newsdesk@soccernewengland.com.