Season Highlights-
10/31/07- Medway 7 - Ashland 0
A great season comes to a close on yet another
beautiful autumn day in Medway. Ashland, a much improved team,
gave us a game today. Great goal tending in the first half kept
this one from turning into a blow out early. Ashland had one very
good scoring chance when a well placed cross came across the front of
the penalty area to a striker whose header ended in the hands of John
Fanning playing goal in the first half. Our boys on the bench,
who appreciate a good play when they see one, were disappointed that
Ashland didn't score. That was the only save a Medway goal keeper
had to make today. First half goals were scored by Weston
Forbes assisted by Phil Walker, Cody Young
unassisted and Brian Quinn assisted by John Tortorello.
Second half scoring came from Ryan Johnson on a long range shot
unassisted, Mike O'Brien assisted by Cody Young, Ryan
Gray, the team's leading scorer this season with 7 goals and 5
assists and then, after 6 attempts with only 21 seconds remaining in the
2007 season...Dave Graham put the ball past the Ashland keeper
for his first goal of the season assisted by John Tortorello.
But the player of the game,
Brian Quinn, in a selfless class act, volunteered to give up half of his last
shift of the season so that Dave Graham could sub back in for a
last chance to score his goal! Although he made us wait nervously
until the closing moments Dave got the job done. A fitting way to
end a great season.
10/24/07- Nipmuc 2 - Medway 1
An older and stronger Nipmuc team gave our guys a preview
of the level of play they will be up against every game next season.
Nipmuc won most of the physical challenges, legal or otherwise, except
for that one guy that Kaushal Desai leveled in the second half.
We lost the game but actually won the second half 1 - 0. I was
very impressed with the way the boys played for the last 50 minutes of
the game. They controlled the ball and kept constant pressure on
the Nipmuc mid field and defense. Brian Rojee took a
beating spending almost as much time on the turf as on his feet, most of
the time winning the call. Ryan Johnson and Ryan Gray
also took some knocks. Ryan Gray scored his 5th goal of the
season hitting home a rebound off of a Nipmuc defender after a Brian
Rojee direct kick from the top of the box. We actually out
shot them 9 - 5! Being out scored for the first time in 15
games by an older and more physical team is nothing to be ashamed of or
feel down about. This is what Ashland and Millis go through every
game of their season but they keep playing and you have to respect that.
Respect your teammates for the effort they put forth; forgive the errors
and celebrate the successes but above all learn and grow and improve.
10/23/07- Medway 3 - Hopkinton 1
Even without a shot in the first half the Hopkinton team
looked better than we had seen in our three previous meetings or was it
our slow start that made them look good? We didn't play well and
the first half ended scoreless. The boys knew they could play
better and turned it on in the second half. Connor Davock
started the scoring with a nice goal assisted by Ryan Gray.
The second goal scored by captain Brian Rojee assisted by
Connor Davock. Medway's final goal came from Ryan Johnson,
his first of the season, assisted by Brian Rojee. Hopkinton
scored their only goal shortly after a dangerous shot struck the
crossbar. Alex Cunha and Weston Forbes played very
well sharing duties at the stopper position. Kaushal Desai
continued to play aggressively at right midfield and Brian Quinn
had a strong game at left back. Tomorrow we play a Nipmuc team
that we know nothing about so we will need to bring our "A" game right
from the starting whistle. Kick off is at 5:00 following the
girl's game at 3:30. Players have been asked to be at the practice
field dressed and ready to go at 4:00.
10/18/07- Medway 1 - Medfield 1
It was no surprise to us that we would be in for a battle
with Medfield. They are the toughest team we have on our schedule
and they played better each time we faced them. Medway is the only
team to hand Medfield a loss this season and I know they wanted to
return the favor but the boys wouldn't let that happen. Mike
O'Brien scored in the first half assisted by Brett Marchione
and the score remained 1 - 0 late into the second half. After some
great saves by David Graham a small defensive mistake in front of
the net resulted in an equalizing goal for Medfield. Phil
Walker played well at stopper and striker and Kaushal Desai
played one of his better games of the season on right midfield.
The good seasons go by so quickly. We are now down to out last
three matches; two this week, Hopkinton away, Nipmuc at home and the
last one vs. Ashland on 10/31.
10/15/07 - Medway 2 - Westwood 0
On a beautiful autumn day we saw some equally
beautiful passing, timed runs and goals scored yesterday. Brett
Marchione played his best game of the season making nice runs and
delivering perfect passes to Ryan Parece. Brett's
two assists on Ryan's two goals was all the scoring the boys need
as they dominated the opposition again. Ryan Gray made some
perfectly timed diagonal runs behind Westwood's defense to receive
passes from Brian Rojee and Mike O'Brien but just couldn't
get the ball on his stronger shooting foot. Weston and
Cody were rock solid again as the Medway defense held Westwood to
only 3 shots. Dave Graham made a spectacular save late in
the game to preserve the clean sheet. There are only 4 games left in the season so if you
haven't been out to see these boys play you should check the schedule
and mark your calendar, you
don't want to miss seeing this team play!
10/12/07 - Medway 4 - Franklin 0
I always like the sound of that! The boys really
stepped it up a notch or two from yesterday's "effort".
Even more
challenging than the Franklin squad was the wind in the first half.
The boys felt they had this game won after Brett Marchione scored the
only goal in the first half against the wind; Ryan Johnson,
returning to play after suffering a concussion assisted on the goal, his
first of two on the day.
In the second half, with the wind behind us, three more Medway goals
were scored. Goals by Mike O'Brien assisted by Ryan Gray,
John Fanning,
un-assisted and Ryan Parece assisted by Ryan Johnson. The defense
held Franklin to only 2 shots which made it easy work for David Graham
to record a full game shut out. This was the team's fifth shut out in
the last six games!
10/11/07- Medway 6 - Millis 0.
Brian Quinn and Chris Verni shared duty in
the Medway goal making a save each in the shut out effort. We
played most players out of their normal positions again to give them a
different perspective on the game. Chris Verni scored twice
in the first half, the first assisted by Ryan Gray and the second
unassisted. Alex Cunha also scored unassisted.
Weston Forbes, who has play solid at the stopper position all
season, scored his first goal of the season assisted by Cody Young.
Goals by Cody and Kevin Ross assisted by Nick Brenock
and Ryan Parece rounded out the scoring. It was an ugly win
on an ugly day. The boys appreciated the fans who turned out for
the game. Franklin tomorrow at 3:30;
please be at the school by 2:30 for the bus. Franklin
could be a real test for us considering we will be playing our third
game in a row this week!
10/10/07-
Goals by Brett Marchione and Ryan Gray,
assisted by Brian Rojee and John Fanning led Medway to
a 2 - 0 victory over Hopkinton in the
second of back to back matches with the Hillers. Medway
defense shut down Hopkinton's offence
holding them to a single shot in two games! the boys played a
beautiful first half of soccer. It's so nice to see all of the
things we've been working on in practice fall into place on game day.
10/5/07- Medway beats Hopkinton 4
- 1. The results of hard work in practice
showed on the field Friday as Medway avenged an early season tie with
Hopkinton and dominated most of the game. Great defense by Cody
Young, Alex Cuhna, Brian Quinn, Eric Muench,
Chris Verni and Weston Forbes held the visiting Hopkinton
team to only 1 shot. Medway scored 4 goals on 17 shots.
Brian Rojee returned after being sidelined with a sprained ankle but
we had to play without Ryan Johnson (concussion in the Ashland
game) and Kaushal Desai (equipment failure). Ryan Gray
scored twice assisted by John Fanning and Brian Rojee;
Kevin Ross scored his seventh of the season and John Fanning
his second in his last three games.
The boys will not practice on Monday but the short week is going to
be a busy one with games on Wednesday (@Hopkinton), Thursday (@Millis)
and Friday (@Franklin).
10/1/07 - Medway beats Ashland 7 - 0.
Medway out scored Ashland but for a team made up of
younger players they played a better game than we expected.
Ashland moved the ball very well especially in the second
half and their keeper made some tremendous saves.
Medway scoring summary: 7 goals on
20 shots - Ryan Parece had a 4 point night with 3 goals and an
assist, John Tortorello had a goal and an assist, Alex
Cunha scored his first of the season with a great header from a
Weston Forbes cross, Brian Quinn scored his first
redirecting a David Graham shot past the keeper and Nick
Brenock fired a 25 yard shot into the top of the net just over the
keepers reach. Assists on the Parece goals came from
John Tortorello and Chris Verni. Our next game is
Friday, 10/5, at home against Hopkinton @ 3:30 on the grass field.
Due to the shorter daylight hours in the fall we are
required to shorten our games to only 30 minute halves for the remainder
of the season beginning October 1.
9/25/07- Medway beats Millis 8 - 0.
The following game summary provided by Captain Rojee-
The team looked very good in our
last nail-biting 8-0 win. We didn’t let the pressure get to our heads.
Our shooting was nothing short of awful seeing that we took about 35 and
made only 8, (22% shots made). Our defense was solid holding them to one
shot. We also had a lot of possession, which always helps. I’d like to
commend Ryan Gray for his excellent sportsmanship, as the ball
was just inches from going in the Millis net, he was not tempted to get
another goal, he wanted to share the wealth. Also, I’d watch out Dave
Graham, we might have a new goalie. Mike O’Brien showed us
that he could put up a shutout.
Goals were scored by Brett Marchione, Ryan Gray,
John Fanning, Connor Davock, Kevin Ross (his sixth of
the season), Chris Verni, Phil Walker and Eric Muench,
who is being credited with the goal that deflected off of a Millis
player. Hats off to the Millis team who never gave up and whose
goal keepers made some beautiful saves!
9/19/07- Another
exciting game as Medway beat Medfield 2 - 1.
It was a fast paced, physical contest. I thought we looked a
little sluggish in the first 20 minutes but then things started to
click. The first goal was scored by Cody Young who was
moved from sweeper to striker in the second 20 minutes of the half.
In the second half Medfield caught us relaxing on the field and scored
an equalizing goal. The Medway boys, remembering the first game
against Medfield who came back to tie, were determined not to let this
game end in a draw. Everyone wanted to be on the field. A
few minutes later Mike O'Brien scored his second of the season
subbing in for the injured Brian Rojee. It was a total team
effort with everyone contributing; Kaushal Desai had a great game
as did Ryan Johnson, Connor Davock and John Tortorello.
Nick Brenock played strong defense and Dave Graham came up
with some huge saves. A little more work on our shooting and we
will be filling the net with goals!
9/17/07- Medway beats Westwood 2 - 1.
The score doesn't tell the story. Today's story was about pressure
and possession. The boys dominated most of the game out shooting
Westwood 25 - 7. Dave Graham wasn't too busy stopping 3
shots while the defense took care of the rest. Cody Young
and Chris Verni played very well at sweeper with Alex Cunha
and Brian Quinn providing strong defense. Eric
Muench assisted on Mike O'Brien's goal in the first half.
Mike showed some good skill taking the pass down with a chest trap right
to his feet then a quick turn on the ball and a quality shot put Medway
up 1 - 0. In the second half we saw Kevin Ross score his
5th of the season assisted by Ryan Johnson, who continues to play
like a Tasmanian devil with his quickness and tenacity causing the
opposition to make mistakes and turn the ball over. Weston
Forbes has been playing very well at the stopper position.
Next game is away at Medfield @ 3:30. Medfield has been our
toughest competition thus far. It should be a good game.
9/12/07- It wasn't
the prettiest game we've played but the end result was quite nice as
Medway recorded their first win of the season beating another physical
team. Final score Medway 4 - Franklin 2.
Kevin Ross scored a 3 goal hat trick and Brian Rojee
scored a goal as well. Assisting on the goals were Ryan Gray
playing for the first time at center mid, Nick Brenock, Ryan
Johnson and Cody Young. Medway again out shot the
opposition 15 to 7 while Dave Graham made 4 saves. I'm very
happy that the boys kept their cool and didn't complain on the field
about the officiating today. Get used to it; this won't be the
last time! Enjoy your day off; we will practice Friday after
school.
9/10/07- A very
exciting come from behind effort got the boys a tie with a physical
Hopkinton team today by the score of 2 - 2.
Medway out played the opposition in every category except for goals
scored. Medway out shot Hopkinton 23 to 7 and took 10 corner kicks
to their 2. Dave Graham made 5 saves. Connor
Davock scored his first of the season. Medway's second
goal to secure the tie came from Kevin Ross assisted by John Fanning
who played very well in the second half. Weston Forbes put
in a total 80 minute effort. Ryan Parece looked good in his
first assignment at striker pounding a couple of shots just wide of the
mark. Brian Rojee and Ryan Johnson were all over the
field making their presence felt. It was a very exciting game and the
boys really worked hard looking for their first win but it just wasn't
going to happen today. Next game is at home on Wednesday vs.
Franklin @ 3:30.
9/6/07 - A
2 -
2 tie with Medfield is a great way to begin the regular
season. Medway controlled much of the game which I am sure
surprised the Medfield coach. We showed good ball movement and
teamwork. The first goal of the season came off the foot of
Ryan Gray about a minute into his first shift. Medfield tied
the game about 10 minutes later. Medway's second goal was a
beautiful long range shot from outside the 18 by Brett Marchione.
The first half ended with Medway leading 2 - 1. Medfield played
tougher and better in the second half but we had the better scoring
chances. Medfield scored with 3 minutes remaining in the game on a
fluke goal that just barely slipped into the net. Dave Graham
made 9 saves and Medway out shot Medfield 22 to 10. I am very
proud of the way the boys played and they should be too. Practice
tomorrow 3:00 - 5:30.
9/5/07 - The
names of the two captains elected by the team were announced by Dave
Graham tonight at the pasta dinner. Congratulations to
Brian Rojee and Cody Young who will share the captain's
duties for the season with Dave Graham. Our first real test of the
season will come tomorrow, Thursday, 9/6/07, as the Level 3 team takes
on visiting Medfield at 5:00. The Girls Freshman team plays at
3:30 come cheer them on. We will begin warming up at 4:00
9/3/07 - The
biggest player signing news since that other David joined the LA
Galaxy... Today David Graham agreed to join the Level 3
team as full time starting keeper and was immediately named first
captain by a unanimous vote of his new teammates. (As per team
policy, the financial terms of his new contract can not be disclosed.)
We are all very excited to have Dave with the team as we look forward to
a great season.
9/1/07 - Even
better than last scrimmage. You guys played very well against
Franklin. The game is a whole lot faster on artificial turf.
Considering all of our pre-season training has been on natural grass, I
thought you adapted very quickly to the conditions. We had some
nice corner kicks, some great finishes and good combination play.
I'd like to see more outside overlapping runs and balls played to the
corner flags. With a few minor adjustments and Dave Graham
in the net, we have a team to be proud of. During the first 20
minute period you held Franklin in their own half of the field for the
first 19 minutes! Enjoy your day off and I'll see you on the field
at 2:00 on Monday for our last scrimmage of the pre-season vs. Grafton.
8/30/07 - Two in a
row. The team looked even better than yesterday. Great
crosses lead to beautiful goals, good passing and well struck corner
kicks helped beat Wayland today. And how about the goal keeping of
David Graham; we would sure love to have him on our team! I
would like to thank the guys who have played in goal for us the last two
days, Brian Rojee, Cody Young and John Fanning all
played very well. We will practice tomorrow afternoon 4:00 - 6:00.
8/29/07 - Not
a bad showing this afternoon against Nipmuc's Freshman/JV team. I
saw some good things and some things we need to work on. That's
good! I purposefully played some players in positions out of their
comfort zone just to see how they would perform. I was very happy
to see that no one had a problem playing a 10 minute shift in the heat.
We may be able to go 15 - 17.5 minute shifts during the season, maybe
even 20s if we get any 80 minute games. I want to acknowledge
John Fanning for helping manage the team while I was on the field
refereeing the JV sessions. Scrimmage tomorrow morning vs. Wayland
at Medway HS. We will meet on the grass field at 8:30 for warm
ups. Wear white socks, blue shorts and white shirts. |
