Wednesday, May 2, 2012
The 2012 Super Y-League season is into its second week of scheduled games in most age groups in the Mid Atlantic and New England divisions. While team performances was the theme, several players stood out in their teams’ victories.
Charlie Ortiz
New Jersey Stallions U14 Boys
With two goals, Ortiz helped orchestrate a 4-0 victory against Parsippany SC in New Jersey’s first match of the 2012 Super Y-League season. Following their trip to the 2011 Super Y-League North American Finals and a third place regular-season finish, the Mid Atlantic club started off the season on the right track.
After putting the pressure on Parsippany early and holding a 1-0 halftime lead, the Stallions found a more open game in the second half suited to its players. Rene White also had a goal and an assist in the win, while Will Woodfin scored the other goal. Justin Charkowski and Amani Marshall each tallied an assist.
“I’m very happy for the boys to get three points in the first game,” Coach Julio Cesar Letrari said. “Charlie is a great outside midfielder who we can also use up top to utilize his speed and skill.”
Owen Fingar
Black Watch SC U14 Boys
Fingar led his side with two goals in a 5-1 victory against the MPS Knights in a “tireless” performance, leading to the team’s first win of the season.
As the result of constant pressure early by Black Watch SC, Fingar and Leo Rabiu found the back of the net for a 2-0 lead at the half. Cameron LaVallee and Patrick Mahoney scored on either side of Fingar’s second. LaVallee and Rabiu each recorded an assist in addition to their goals, while Vikram Magnat and Benjamin Matz also had assists.
Fingar was a constant bother to the MPS Knights defense with a tireless work rate and caused several turnovers that resulted in counterattacks for his team.
“Owen puts enormous pressure on the defense with his physicality, and he led the way with his effort and running off the ball,” Coach Jake Boland said. “He just set the tone for us and everyone else followed suit.”
Sergio Matias
Westchester Flames U15 Boys
Matias (pictured) assisted Anthony Castro’s game-winning goal five minutes from time and the Flames defeated Ocean City FC 3-2 to improve to 1-1 this season. He also scored his team’s second goal.
In a back-and-forth game, Westchester’s Mizraim Batista, Jr. set up Chris Dimarco for the opening goal before an Ocean City equalizer 10 minutes later. Matias’ goal restored his team’s lead but Ocean City again scored with 10 minutes remaining in the second half. Castro’s winner came five minutes later and Westchester managed to hang on for the victory.
Recovering from surgery after last season, Matias was looking to get back to his normal level of play and found it against Ocean City FC with multiple shots on target and getting on the score sheet. His coach said Matias “battled Ocean City’s defense like a beast.”
“Our team focuses on a team and not individual players,” Coach Jose dos Santos said. “However, Sergio is most deserving for recognition through his hard work, great play, and dedication.”
Theo Malone
Black Watch SC U15 Boys
Malone helped Black Watch SC open its Super Y-League season with a resounding 8-0 thumping of the MPS Knights, recording two goals and an assist.
Playing out wide, Malone was able to be a constant threat for his team, providing opportunities for himself and his team’s forwards.
The winger was aided in the goals department by Dante Cilento, Samuel Finn and Aaron Sterngass, while Luke Faranda, Uyiosa Omorogbe, and Noah Van Zandt each had a goal and an assist. Thomas Kirk also had an assist.
“Our flank play was very good and Theo was a big part of that,” Coach Kirk Sinkins said. “He provided good service all day and found himself on the back post to finish off some chances.”
Black Watch SC received contributions from all 18 players, a trend it will look to continue as the season progresses.