Middlesex YMCA Adult Soccer under way
by Clark Laster, Program Director
The Middlesex YMCA Adult Soccer League got off to a great start on May 4-5. This season the YMCA has two leagues based on ability and competition level.
On Tuesday evenings, the league was kicked off by the B League. The B League is intended for individuals interested in soccer but maybe not as experienced or competitive as the Wednesday evening A League.
In the B League, the Chesapeake Custom Homes Yellow Bellies lost 2-0 to the Old South Lucky Charms. The Lucky Charms were led by goal scorers Jeff Coon and Stacey Moore, while the Yellow Bellies were led by Miracle Gordon and Joe Hogge.
The YMCA Staff Flying Tomatoes lost 5-3 to the Bayport Scout Reservation Blue Wave. The Flying Tomatoes got to an early lead, which was led by Kendall McNamee and Buzz Lambert, but the golden toes of Scott Rae and Kathy Ruark secured the victory for the Wave.
“This was exactly what we wanted,” said Ranger Joe Hickey, “We all had a great time, and I am really looking forward to this season. This is my favorite league.”
The A League began with games on Wednesday evening as the Café Mojo Red Devils downed Bayport Scout Reservation Revolution 2-0. The Revolution was led by amazing goal tending of Conley Laster and all-around play of Damien Rasmussen and Kai Evans. The Red Devils were led by the great Mike Kucera and Paul Maloney.
The other game running simultaneously featured Innovative Restoration Das Boot and Bristow Faulkner Boca Junior. Das Boot led 2-0 at halftime, but following a penalty kick Boca Junior took command of the game and pulled off a 4-2 victory. Das Boot was led by KJ Bassett and goal tender Mikey Lewis, while Boca Junior was led by Vladimir Rowe and Alberto Roman.
The next games featured the returning champion, the Oyster Seed Holding Rovers, and the Wells Fargo Wanderers. The Rovers took early command behind the offensive attack of Eric Smith and Chuck Johnson and went on to win 5-3. The Wanderers were led by the speed of Zach Shaver and defensive prowess of Darren Smith.
The final game featured the C. Ben Lennon United and Carlton & Edwards Arsenal. The Arsenal took an early 6-1 led led by Jurie Foman and Cameron Parker, but the United regrouped in the second half and fought back valiantly before losing 6-4. The United was led by Brandon Gibbs on offense and Princess Blanding on defense.
Special thanks goes to the Middlesex County Sports Complex for again allowing the Middlesex YMCA to use its facilities. Chuck Johnson; Stacey Moore, Chris Wood, and Joe Heyman for officiating the games; and Cheryl Holleran, Brenda Seay and Carrie Worden for their administrative help during the opening games.
Games will continue every week on Tuesdays and Wednesdays through the second week of June at the Middlesex Sports Complex. All fans are encouraged to attend.
