Gloucester's hopes of returning to tournament play after a year absence were dashed when Swampscott scored three goals in the final twenty minutes of play on their home field Tuesday afternoon.
Gloucester earned a 1-0 first half lead on Chris Peritore's eleventh goal of the season. Zach Ciaramitaro who looked dangerous in his twenty first half minutes provided the assist.
Although the Fishermen generated several other opportunities, most coming on direct counterattacks through Peritore, Ciaramitaro, and Anthony LaRocca, they could not stretch the lead and had to settle for the single goal lead heading into halftime.
Despite missing two starters and three other varsity players through illness and injury, the Gloucester midfield and back four stymied the Big Blue attack. The Fishermen contained Swampscott's attacking all-stars and won more than its share of 50/50 balls.
The second half began with the Fishermen and Big Blue carving out chances but neither able to alter the score. Then half way into the final frame a Swampscott striker latched onto a missed clearance and passed the ball into the corner of the Fishermen goal to equalize.
Ten minutes later calamity struck the Fishermen. Ben Hannah, who had played an error free game as a central back for Gloucester, was harshly adjudged to have fouled a Swampscott attacker on his way to goal. Hannah was sent off for decent and Swampscott scored the ensuing penalty kick.
Down to ten men the Fishermen struggled to find their way back into the match but could not generate genuine opportunities and in the final minute the Big Blue put the game beyond doubt on a free kick from just outside the penalty box.
The loss eliminated the Fishermen from the tournament. Despite the disaster that struck late in the match the Fishermen showed themselves to be worthy opponents, having generated dozens of chances and having played with tactical discipline throughout the match.
Gloucester will end their season with Senior Night Monday, November 2 at 6:00 PM against Danvers.
*
The JVs continued their winning ways with a 2-1 victory over the Big Blue.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Fishermen Raid the Vikings, 4-0
Gloucester avenged a 0-1 loss to Winthrop earlier this year by beating the Vikings 4-0 in Winthrop.
A strong first fifteen minutes from the Gloucester XI led to Marcos Rodrigues' first goal of the season. Rodrigues took a pass from Anthony LaRocca before crossing to the back post. Instead of finding a Fishermen head, the ball found the back of the net.
Gloucester let the Vikings back into the game when their up-tempo passing game slowed down. Winthrop looked dangerous on several restarts in the first half but strong clearances from the Fishermen back four and Chase Kelly's command of the penalty box kept Winthrop from scoring.
The Fishermen began the second half by returning to up-tempo passing and high-pressure defending. The tactics yielded dividends when LaRocca turned powerfully on a Ben Hannah pass before firing off the right-hand post.
Having doubled their advantage the Fishermen went looking for more goals. Chris Peritore scored his tenth goal of the season on an incisive pass from Hannah, who played perhaps his best game of the season as a deep lying holding midfielder.
The Fishermen finished their scoring minutes from the end. The move started when a pass from the Fishermen back line found target striker Aaron Horne, who played a square pass to Quinn O'Neill streaking down the right wing. O'Neill's cross found Kevin Hurd, who glancing header, was finished by left midfielder Paul Sutherland's run to the back post.
The Fishermen now travel to Swampscott on Tuesday, needing three points from their final two games in order to qualify for the state tournament.
A strong first fifteen minutes from the Gloucester XI led to Marcos Rodrigues' first goal of the season. Rodrigues took a pass from Anthony LaRocca before crossing to the back post. Instead of finding a Fishermen head, the ball found the back of the net.
Gloucester let the Vikings back into the game when their up-tempo passing game slowed down. Winthrop looked dangerous on several restarts in the first half but strong clearances from the Fishermen back four and Chase Kelly's command of the penalty box kept Winthrop from scoring.
The Fishermen began the second half by returning to up-tempo passing and high-pressure defending. The tactics yielded dividends when LaRocca turned powerfully on a Ben Hannah pass before firing off the right-hand post.
Having doubled their advantage the Fishermen went looking for more goals. Chris Peritore scored his tenth goal of the season on an incisive pass from Hannah, who played perhaps his best game of the season as a deep lying holding midfielder.
The Fishermen finished their scoring minutes from the end. The move started when a pass from the Fishermen back line found target striker Aaron Horne, who played a square pass to Quinn O'Neill streaking down the right wing. O'Neill's cross found Kevin Hurd, who glancing header, was finished by left midfielder Paul Sutherland's run to the back post.
The Fishermen now travel to Swampscott on Tuesday, needing three points from their final two games in order to qualify for the state tournament.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Sachems, Fishermen Draw 2-2
A late equalizer by Saugus meant heartache for the Fishermen who must now go 2-0-1 in the final three games to make the state tournament.
Pressure from the Sachems' strikers created a one goal lead in the first half when a back pass to the Fishermen goalkeeper led to a blocked clearance which found the corner of the goal. Gloucester's best chance to equalize came on Ben Hannah's run into the left channel. Hannah's run was spotted and the inch-perfect pass put him in on goal. His shot from fifteen yards was saved by the Sachems' goalkeeper who had come out smartly to cut down the angle.
The Fishermen erased the one goal halftime deficit when Chris Peritore finished a long diagonal pass from Ignacio Farjas. The Fishermen were able to carve out several more chances before a strong left-footed cross from Kyle Hurd took a deflection to Anthony LaRocca lurking at the back post.
Gaps in the Fishermen defense appeared immediately from the opening kickoff as the Sachems, looking for the equalizer, carved out a chance to equalize that was snuffed out by Farjas and Gloucester goalkeeper Chase Kelly.
The Fishermen switched from a 3-5-2 to a more conventional 4-4-2 for the final ten minutes. Despite the adjustment Saugus was able to stretch the Fishermen out of shape in the final third before an overlapping midfielder pounced on a half chance along the top of the penalty box, resulting in agony for the Fishermen, who surged forward but were unable to find a go-ahead goal in the dying minutes of the game.
The tie brings the Fishermen's record to 5-7-3 with matches against Winthrop, Swampscott, and Danvers yet to be played.
*
The Fishermen JV took their record to .500 (6-6-2) with a 3-1 victory over the Sachems who had beaten them 4-3 at Magnolia Woods earlier in the year.
Pressure from the Sachems' strikers created a one goal lead in the first half when a back pass to the Fishermen goalkeeper led to a blocked clearance which found the corner of the goal. Gloucester's best chance to equalize came on Ben Hannah's run into the left channel. Hannah's run was spotted and the inch-perfect pass put him in on goal. His shot from fifteen yards was saved by the Sachems' goalkeeper who had come out smartly to cut down the angle.
The Fishermen erased the one goal halftime deficit when Chris Peritore finished a long diagonal pass from Ignacio Farjas. The Fishermen were able to carve out several more chances before a strong left-footed cross from Kyle Hurd took a deflection to Anthony LaRocca lurking at the back post.
Gaps in the Fishermen defense appeared immediately from the opening kickoff as the Sachems, looking for the equalizer, carved out a chance to equalize that was snuffed out by Farjas and Gloucester goalkeeper Chase Kelly.
The Fishermen switched from a 3-5-2 to a more conventional 4-4-2 for the final ten minutes. Despite the adjustment Saugus was able to stretch the Fishermen out of shape in the final third before an overlapping midfielder pounced on a half chance along the top of the penalty box, resulting in agony for the Fishermen, who surged forward but were unable to find a go-ahead goal in the dying minutes of the game.
The tie brings the Fishermen's record to 5-7-3 with matches against Winthrop, Swampscott, and Danvers yet to be played.
*
The Fishermen JV took their record to .500 (6-6-2) with a 3-1 victory over the Sachems who had beaten them 4-3 at Magnolia Woods earlier in the year.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Update: 0-2 Loss to Malden, 0-0 Tie with Marblehead
On Monday Gloucester rebounded from a listless loss to the Greater Boston League's Malden Tornadoes by earning a hard-fought 0-0 draw with Marblehead.
On Saturday the Fishermen were without junior backs Connor Olson and Sean Dixon for the entire game and were without senior backs Anthony LaRocca and Isaac Sperry for part of the game. The Tornadoes made better use of the sloppy playing conditions and punished the Fishermen for defensive mistakes in each half. On the attacking end the Fishermen made better use of the ball in the second half but were unable to carve out clear scoring chances against a deep lying Tornado defense.
The Fishermen emerged from their weekend malaise to play uptempo football against Marblehead earlier this week. Although lacking in precision and, at times, guile, the team's hard work made sure they would earn a share of the points.
The Fishermen varsity returns to action today (Wednesday) at Saugus (4:00 pm).
*
The Fishermen JV split the two most recent games, including a 3-0 win against Marblehead. After 13 matches the Gloucester JV has received goals from fifteen different players.
On Saturday the Fishermen were without junior backs Connor Olson and Sean Dixon for the entire game and were without senior backs Anthony LaRocca and Isaac Sperry for part of the game. The Tornadoes made better use of the sloppy playing conditions and punished the Fishermen for defensive mistakes in each half. On the attacking end the Fishermen made better use of the ball in the second half but were unable to carve out clear scoring chances against a deep lying Tornado defense.
The Fishermen emerged from their weekend malaise to play uptempo football against Marblehead earlier this week. Although lacking in precision and, at times, guile, the team's hard work made sure they would earn a share of the points.
The Fishermen varsity returns to action today (Wednesday) at Saugus (4:00 pm).
*
The Fishermen JV split the two most recent games, including a 3-0 win against Marblehead. After 13 matches the Gloucester JV has received goals from fifteen different players.
Friday, October 16, 2009
Rams Snag Fishermen, 0-1
A late goal against the run of play gave the Lynn Classical Rams a 1-0 victory over the Gloucester Fishermen yesterday at Manning Field.
Strong performances from Christian Favalora and Sean Dixon man-marking the Rams' Miguel Castro along with support from Ignacio Farjas, Isaac Sperry, and Anthony LaRocca made sure Lynn Classical chances were few and far between.
Patient, tactical defending set the table for counterattacking opportunities for Kevin Hurd and Chris Peritore in the first half. In the second half Gloucester took more of the initiative with chances falling to Ben Hannah and Peritore. In one sequence an inch perfect cross from Hannah led to powerful header by Peritore crashing off the crossbar. Peritore then fired the ensuing rebound off the far post.
The Fishermen fall to 5-6-1 with the loss and look to rebound against the Malden Tornadoes at Newell Stadium on Saturday at 3:00 pm.
*
The Fishermen JV pulled to within a game of the .500 mark with 5-0 victory over the Rams at Hood Park in Lynn. With a 1-0 lead a halftime Coach O'Neill challenged his players to school two early goals; the Fishermen came through with two early goals before O'Neill rung the changes. The Fishermen managed to keep the pressure on despite the changes in personnel, cruising to a decisive, well-deserved win.
Strong performances from Christian Favalora and Sean Dixon man-marking the Rams' Miguel Castro along with support from Ignacio Farjas, Isaac Sperry, and Anthony LaRocca made sure Lynn Classical chances were few and far between.
Patient, tactical defending set the table for counterattacking opportunities for Kevin Hurd and Chris Peritore in the first half. In the second half Gloucester took more of the initiative with chances falling to Ben Hannah and Peritore. In one sequence an inch perfect cross from Hannah led to powerful header by Peritore crashing off the crossbar. Peritore then fired the ensuing rebound off the far post.
The Fishermen fall to 5-6-1 with the loss and look to rebound against the Malden Tornadoes at Newell Stadium on Saturday at 3:00 pm.
*
The Fishermen JV pulled to within a game of the .500 mark with 5-0 victory over the Rams at Hood Park in Lynn. With a 1-0 lead a halftime Coach O'Neill challenged his players to school two early goals; the Fishermen came through with two early goals before O'Neill rung the changes. The Fishermen managed to keep the pressure on despite the changes in personnel, cruising to a decisive, well-deserved win.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Fishermen Conjure a Victory against the Witches
Strong defensive play by Gloucester's back four ensured that Chris Peritore's 4th minute goal on a pass from Marcos Rodrigues would stand up, as Gloucester left Newell Stadium with a 1-0 win and a .500 record (5-5-1).
Gloucester generated several more chances in the game, the best coming from Quinn O'Neill, Kevin Hurd, and Rodrigues, but none of the efforts found the back of the net.
Salem earned chances of their own most of them coming from the right wing but the closest they came was a second half effort that found the outside of the far post from a tight angle.
Gloucester returns to play Thursday against Lynn Classical at Manning Field.
*
The Gloucester JV took an early 2-0 lead over the visiting Salem JV on goals from Sam Monroe and Logan Horne. Despite conceding three goals over the course of the match two more Fishermen goals ensured GHS left the pitch with a victory, 4-3.
Gloucester generated several more chances in the game, the best coming from Quinn O'Neill, Kevin Hurd, and Rodrigues, but none of the efforts found the back of the net.
Salem earned chances of their own most of them coming from the right wing but the closest they came was a second half effort that found the outside of the far post from a tight angle.
Gloucester returns to play Thursday against Lynn Classical at Manning Field.
*
The Gloucester JV took an early 2-0 lead over the visiting Salem JV on goals from Sam Monroe and Logan Horne. Despite conceding three goals over the course of the match two more Fishermen goals ensured GHS left the pitch with a victory, 4-3.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
This Afternoon's and Tonight's Matches against the Salem Witches Will Be Played
The GHS Athletic Director has confirmed that today's games will be played as scheduled.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Fishermen Slain by Knights, 2-1
The Fishermen could not make a first half goal from Paul Sutherland stand up against Catholic Memorial Friday night in West Roxbury.
Despite a solid tactical performance from the Fishermen XI the Knights found enough space to squeeze in a disputed equalizer in the 73rd minute. A minute later the Knights took the lead on strong solo effort out of the midfield.
Gloucester looks to rebound on Tuesday when they host Salem at 6:00 pm under the Newell Stadium lights.
*
The Fishermen JV player perhaps their best game of the season, earning a 1-1 tie with the CM JV. A bullish run past three players along the top of the penalty box by Logan Horne, capped by a low hard shot, earned Gloucester its share of the points.
Despite a solid tactical performance from the Fishermen XI the Knights found enough space to squeeze in a disputed equalizer in the 73rd minute. A minute later the Knights took the lead on strong solo effort out of the midfield.
Gloucester looks to rebound on Tuesday when they host Salem at 6:00 pm under the Newell Stadium lights.
*
The Fishermen JV player perhaps their best game of the season, earning a 1-1 tie with the CM JV. A bullish run past three players along the top of the penalty box by Logan Horne, capped by a low hard shot, earned Gloucester its share of the points.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Fishermen Beat Bulldogs, 2-1
Two Chris Peritore spot kicks lifted Gloucester (4-4-1) to a 2-1 come from behind victory over the visiting Lynn English Bulldogs.
Peritore earned the first penalty kick when he was held in the box while going for a lose ball. Then, inside ten minutes to play Marcos Rodrigues was tripped in the box to earn the second penalty.
Lynn English had taken the lead early in the first half when a foul just outside the penalty box led to a Lynn English free kick and goal.
Strong play from the Gloucester back four frustrated the Bulldog strikers in the second half. The weather may also have played a factor; neither team scored while facing the strong wind.
The Fishermen varsity and junior varsity now play Catholic Memorial, ranked #13 in the most recent Boston Globe Eastern Massachusetts boys' soccer poll.
*
The Fishermen JVs rebounded from Tuesday's frustrating loss with a 3-1 victory over the JV Bulldogs.
Peritore earned the first penalty kick when he was held in the box while going for a lose ball. Then, inside ten minutes to play Marcos Rodrigues was tripped in the box to earn the second penalty.
Lynn English had taken the lead early in the first half when a foul just outside the penalty box led to a Lynn English free kick and goal.
Strong play from the Gloucester back four frustrated the Bulldog strikers in the second half. The weather may also have played a factor; neither team scored while facing the strong wind.
The Fishermen varsity and junior varsity now play Catholic Memorial, ranked #13 in the most recent Boston Globe Eastern Massachusetts boys' soccer poll.
*
The Fishermen JVs rebounded from Tuesday's frustrating loss with a 3-1 victory over the JV Bulldogs.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Today's Games against Lynn English Will Be Played and a Note on Columbus Day Games and Practice
After considering field conditions and the crowded schedule ahead Coach Cook and AD Ms. Patience have decided to play today's games against Lynn English.
JVs will play at Magnolia Woods at 4:00 pm as scheduled.
The varsity will play at Newell Stadium at 6:00 pm as scheduled.
*
On Columbus Day, Monday October 12 the freshman will meet at the high school (athletic entrance) at 2:30 pm for a 4:00 pm game in Danvers.
The varsity and remaining junior varsity players will practice at Magnolia Woods at the normal time (3:00 pm to 5:30 pm).
JVs will play at Magnolia Woods at 4:00 pm as scheduled.
The varsity will play at Newell Stadium at 6:00 pm as scheduled.
*
On Columbus Day, Monday October 12 the freshman will meet at the high school (athletic entrance) at 2:30 pm for a 4:00 pm game in Danvers.
The varsity and remaining junior varsity players will practice at Magnolia Woods at the normal time (3:00 pm to 5:30 pm).
Fishermen Down Panthers, 2-0
With two late goals, the first from Chris Peritore and the second from Ignacio Farjas, the Fishermen were able to end a losing streak and a scoreless streak in one ten minute burst.
For the fourth straight game the Fishermen entered halftime having neither scored nor having yielded a single goal. Early on in the second half it looked for a moment like the Fishermen would yield the first second half goal as they had in three previous defeats.
Anthony LaRocca was adjudged to have fouled a Beverly striker in the penalty area. However, the striker missed the ensuing penalty kick and the game remained deadlocked.
As the second half wore on Gloucester goalkeeper Chase Kelly made several strong saves and more importantly did not yield second opportunities.
Finally, late in the second half Chris Peritore looped a header into the far corner after a failed Beverly clearance of a Gloucester cornerkick. Gloucester continued to pour forward, looking for a second. Those efforts paid off when junior Aaron Horne's first varsity assist led to Ignacio Farjas' first Gloucester goal.
*
The JVs fell to the Panthers 2-1 despite a well-taken goal by Alex Davis.
For the fourth straight game the Fishermen entered halftime having neither scored nor having yielded a single goal. Early on in the second half it looked for a moment like the Fishermen would yield the first second half goal as they had in three previous defeats.
Anthony LaRocca was adjudged to have fouled a Beverly striker in the penalty area. However, the striker missed the ensuing penalty kick and the game remained deadlocked.
As the second half wore on Gloucester goalkeeper Chase Kelly made several strong saves and more importantly did not yield second opportunities.
Finally, late in the second half Chris Peritore looped a header into the far corner after a failed Beverly clearance of a Gloucester cornerkick. Gloucester continued to pour forward, looking for a second. Those efforts paid off when junior Aaron Horne's first varsity assist led to Ignacio Farjas' first Gloucester goal.
*
The JVs fell to the Panthers 2-1 despite a well-taken goal by Alex Davis.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Fishermen v. Panthers Postponed from Monday to Tuesday
Due to poor field conditions in Beverly the JV and varsity matches scheduled for four o'clock on Monday, October 5 have been rescheduled for the same time on Tuesday, October 6.
*
Congratulations to the Fishermen girls team for their 2-1 victory over Beverly last night.
More on the girls team can be found here.
*
Congratulations to the Fishermen girls team for their 2-1 victory over Beverly last night.
More on the girls team can be found here.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Fishermen Boys Blanked in Two Straight
Last week the Fishermen boys soccer team dropped two matches without scoring a goal.
On Tuesday the undefeated NEC Large leading Peabody Tanners handed Gloucester a 2-0 defeat on the strength of two second half goals.
On Thursday Gloucester traveled down to Revere where a late goal lifted the Patriots to a 1-0 victory despite being out-shot by the Fishermen 13-6.
Today the Fishermen take on the Beverly Panthers in Beverly.
*
Meanwhile the JVs bounced back from a loss to Peabody with a win over the Revere JVs. Congratulations to the Fishermen second team on their first win of the season.
The day before the JVs victory over Revere the freshman, playing their first match of the season, beat Beverly 2-1 on goals by Joey Ciolino and Jake Pereira.
On Tuesday the undefeated NEC Large leading Peabody Tanners handed Gloucester a 2-0 defeat on the strength of two second half goals.
On Thursday Gloucester traveled down to Revere where a late goal lifted the Patriots to a 1-0 victory despite being out-shot by the Fishermen 13-6.
Today the Fishermen take on the Beverly Panthers in Beverly.
*
Meanwhile the JVs bounced back from a loss to Peabody with a win over the Revere JVs. Congratulations to the Fishermen second team on their first win of the season.
The day before the JVs victory over Revere the freshman, playing their first match of the season, beat Beverly 2-1 on goals by Joey Ciolino and Jake Pereira.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)