Saturday, November 3, 2012
ISL Standings as of 11/3/12
Current league standings after yesterday's games:
A direct link to the page: 2012 11 03 - ISL Standings.pdf
A direct link to the page: 2012 11 03 - ISL Standings.pdf
11/2/12 - Brooks 2 - Nobels 1 - Dad's Game Review
An unusual Friday afternoon game for all ISL teams today. Brooks kicked off it's Parents Weekend activities with the normal classroom visits. But this weekend's event wasn't normal for a group of us. The senior parents really didn't have much to do. Seniors were excused from the classroom visits for the most part. It was definitely a different feel from past years for us. We all also talked about the strange feeling each of us was having knowing this was the last home game for the seniors. All agreed that for today at least, we would look at it as the last "regular season" home game.
Prior to game time, there was a brief ceremony where coach Dusty took a microphone to the field, called the seniors and senior parents forward and did a brief introduction of each senior and their parents. The boys presented their moms with a small bouquet of flowers with a player card attached. A new tradition starting this year! It was very nice.
On to the game. The pattern of domination continued. This was as bad as the St. George game from a Brooks ball control perspective. Brooks had multiple opportunities but couldn't put the first one in. Unfortunately, as was the case against BB&N, the opponent scored the first goal. After 22 full minutes of pressure, Nobles popped a shot over Mattie's hands to the top right corner. Disbelief on and off the field. From the way the play developed, it appeared to me Matt thought the shot was going over the top and pulled his hands down. His dad was sick about it and after standing with me for the first 22 minutes retreated to the stands to sit. He did rejoin a bit later when Brooks tied the score. It must be tough being a goalie's parent!! :-) I talked to Mattie later and he did say he misjudged it and thought the ball was over the top.
The official review says Brooks struggled to retake control. In my view, Brooks never lost control. The ball left the Nobles half of the field a handful of times. And once it was lucky enough to find the net. On the other end, Brooks was hitting shots wide, high, off crossbars and posts. And the goalie made a spectacular save or two to go along with it. Finally, after some more great combination play, Patrick made another beautiful run down the side, turned the defender, crossed the ball to Greg. Greg's shot was stopped and the rebound to Zach who tied the score. Ok, back even. A few minutes later, Alex and Zach combined for a string of nice passes and Zach put one to the net. It looked like a pass to Greg alone in front on the goal line. It looked like Greg poked it into the open net. It looked like Greg was finally going to break his drought. In the end Greg said the ball was already over the line and it was Zach's goal. No matter who's goal it was; it was a Brooks goal and Brooks was up 2-1.
The pressure continued from Brooks. Nobles would have a run here and there into the Brooks end, but nothing sustained. Halftime came and went and nothing changed. More posts, more misses for Brooks. A few fouls, against Brooks gave Nobles some direct kicks and it sure did make things interesting. Mattie handled everything else that came his way. The last 2 minute saw 2 corners and another free kick for Nobles. Excitement right down to the end for sure. This really should have been a 6 or 7 to 1 game for Brooks. But, a win is a win.
The boys were all ready yo go off and check the scoreboard and hope that St. George could pull the upset of Rivers to set a tie at the top. Before they left the field, a couple of alums came on to say hello to the guys. Elijah and Hayden were there watching today. Zach saw Elijah and ran to him like he used to run to me when I'd get home. He jumped into Elijah's arms and Elijah actually had to catch him, holding him for a second. It was a special moment for sure. The two of them became very close over the last two years and it was clear they were happy to see each other.
As I'm writing this the morning after. The scores are all in. Rivers beat St. George 5-0. So the standings still have Rivers at the top, with Brooks 3 points back. That 1-0 loss to Rivers the only difference between the two. Who knows, there may be a tournament rematch coming for these two teams. That one will be on a larger field though...
One final note. One of the parents, Mr. Bolte, is a former player and avid fan. He watches all the other leagues and keeps tabs on things outside of the ISL. He's been talking about a western Mass team, Berkshire School. These are the guys that ended Brook's season in the quarter finals 2 years ago. Evidently they are extremely strong and rolling over everyone. On Thursday they beat last year's champion South Kent 4-0. I checked their web site this morning and they are winning games 6-0, 5-1, 7-2. I did notice they were in the class A playoff last year. They declared themselves Class A and I believe that is a 3 year commitment. Hopefully we don't see them this year!!
Prior to game time, there was a brief ceremony where coach Dusty took a microphone to the field, called the seniors and senior parents forward and did a brief introduction of each senior and their parents. The boys presented their moms with a small bouquet of flowers with a player card attached. A new tradition starting this year! It was very nice.
On to the game. The pattern of domination continued. This was as bad as the St. George game from a Brooks ball control perspective. Brooks had multiple opportunities but couldn't put the first one in. Unfortunately, as was the case against BB&N, the opponent scored the first goal. After 22 full minutes of pressure, Nobles popped a shot over Mattie's hands to the top right corner. Disbelief on and off the field. From the way the play developed, it appeared to me Matt thought the shot was going over the top and pulled his hands down. His dad was sick about it and after standing with me for the first 22 minutes retreated to the stands to sit. He did rejoin a bit later when Brooks tied the score. It must be tough being a goalie's parent!! :-) I talked to Mattie later and he did say he misjudged it and thought the ball was over the top.
The official review says Brooks struggled to retake control. In my view, Brooks never lost control. The ball left the Nobles half of the field a handful of times. And once it was lucky enough to find the net. On the other end, Brooks was hitting shots wide, high, off crossbars and posts. And the goalie made a spectacular save or two to go along with it. Finally, after some more great combination play, Patrick made another beautiful run down the side, turned the defender, crossed the ball to Greg. Greg's shot was stopped and the rebound to Zach who tied the score. Ok, back even. A few minutes later, Alex and Zach combined for a string of nice passes and Zach put one to the net. It looked like a pass to Greg alone in front on the goal line. It looked like Greg poked it into the open net. It looked like Greg was finally going to break his drought. In the end Greg said the ball was already over the line and it was Zach's goal. No matter who's goal it was; it was a Brooks goal and Brooks was up 2-1.
The pressure continued from Brooks. Nobles would have a run here and there into the Brooks end, but nothing sustained. Halftime came and went and nothing changed. More posts, more misses for Brooks. A few fouls, against Brooks gave Nobles some direct kicks and it sure did make things interesting. Mattie handled everything else that came his way. The last 2 minute saw 2 corners and another free kick for Nobles. Excitement right down to the end for sure. This really should have been a 6 or 7 to 1 game for Brooks. But, a win is a win.
The boys were all ready yo go off and check the scoreboard and hope that St. George could pull the upset of Rivers to set a tie at the top. Before they left the field, a couple of alums came on to say hello to the guys. Elijah and Hayden were there watching today. Zach saw Elijah and ran to him like he used to run to me when I'd get home. He jumped into Elijah's arms and Elijah actually had to catch him, holding him for a second. It was a special moment for sure. The two of them became very close over the last two years and it was clear they were happy to see each other.
As I'm writing this the morning after. The scores are all in. Rivers beat St. George 5-0. So the standings still have Rivers at the top, with Brooks 3 points back. That 1-0 loss to Rivers the only difference between the two. Who knows, there may be a tournament rematch coming for these two teams. That one will be on a larger field though...
One final note. One of the parents, Mr. Bolte, is a former player and avid fan. He watches all the other leagues and keeps tabs on things outside of the ISL. He's been talking about a western Mass team, Berkshire School. These are the guys that ended Brook's season in the quarter finals 2 years ago. Evidently they are extremely strong and rolling over everyone. On Thursday they beat last year's champion South Kent 4-0. I checked their web site this morning and they are winning games 6-0, 5-1, 7-2. I did notice they were in the class A playoff last year. They declared themselves Class A and I believe that is a 3 year commitment. Hopefully we don't see them this year!!
11/2/12 - Brooks 2 - Nobels 1 - Official Game Review
11/2/2012 - Nobles 1 at Brooks 2
Game Notes:
In a first half hour significantly controlled by Brooks, Jordan Brown, dangerous all day, hit a well placed shot into the Brooks goal in the twenty second minute that spurred Nobles to an inspired run. Brooks struggled to retake control and finally did when Zach Vieira finished a rebound from Greg Conrad's shot in the thirty fifth minute. Brooks was once again buzzing around the goal and were rewarded only four minutes later as Vieira finished a nice service from Alex Wagner. The second half was punctuated by Nobles' well organized defending and high work rate. Brooks couldn't manage a third despite numerous chances. Avery Gibson was very active and effective in goal for the visitors. Jory Makin and Seve Elkin were dynamic on Brooks' left flank.
Nobles Stats
Scoring
| Scorer | Minute | Assist |
| Brown, Jordan | 22 | No Assist |
Goalkeeping
| Scorer | Minutes | Saves | Goals Allowed |
| Gibson, Avery | 90 | 0 | 2 |
Brooks Stats
Scoring
| Scorer | Minute | Assist |
| Vieira, Zach | 35 | Conrad, Greg |
| Vieira, Zach | 39 | Wagner, Alex |
Goalkeeping
| Scorer | Minutes | Saves | Goals Allowed |
| Myers, Matt | 90 | 0 | 1 |
11/1/12 - Eagle Tribune Article
Cool article from Thursday's Eagle Tribune!
EagleTribune.com, North Andover, MA
November 1, 2012
Sports in a minute
Christopher Smith
The Eagle-Tribune
---- — VIEIRA IS SCORING MACHINE
Brooks soccer star Zach Vieira of Andover is having another impressive year.
The senior entered yesterday with 13 goals — one more than he scored all of last year when he was All-ISL and an Eagle-Tribune All-Star.
“We graduated our other striker, he was a senior last year, and then this year it has been kind of my job to score goals,” Vieira said.
Vieira, a four-year varsity starter, is looking at Williams College as a possible school to play at next year. Williams is his top choice and he is applying there early decision.
Vieira wants to study biochemistry. Right now, he is taking AP biology and government.
He helped Brooks advance to the N.E. Prep B title game last year.
“Every year we try to win the league and right now we’re in second,”he said. “We lost to Rivers (1-0). But if they slip up, we’re planning on winning the next (four) games and hopefully, win the league and then in the
tournament. I think we’re going to go Class B again and we’re going to try to win the Class B tournament.”
Direct link to story: http://www.eagletribune.com/sports/x1133193851/Sports-in-a-minute
EagleTribune.com, North Andover, MA
November 1, 2012
Sports in a minute
Christopher Smith
The Eagle-Tribune
---- — VIEIRA IS SCORING MACHINE
Brooks soccer star Zach Vieira of Andover is having another impressive year.
The senior entered yesterday with 13 goals — one more than he scored all of last year when he was All-ISL and an Eagle-Tribune All-Star.
“We graduated our other striker, he was a senior last year, and then this year it has been kind of my job to score goals,” Vieira said.
Vieira, a four-year varsity starter, is looking at Williams College as a possible school to play at next year. Williams is his top choice and he is applying there early decision.
Vieira wants to study biochemistry. Right now, he is taking AP biology and government.
He helped Brooks advance to the N.E. Prep B title game last year.
“Every year we try to win the league and right now we’re in second,”he said. “We lost to Rivers (1-0). But if they slip up, we’re planning on winning the next (four) games and hopefully, win the league and then in the
tournament. I think we’re going to go Class B again and we’re going to try to win the Class B tournament.”
Direct link to story: http://www.eagletribune.com/sports/x1133193851/Sports-in-a-minute
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
ISL Standings as of 10/31/12
Still a tight race at the top, but no help from Lawrence today with Rivers!
A direct link to the ISL web site page! 2012 10 31 - ISL Standings.pdf
A direct link to the ISL web site page! 2012 10 31 - ISL Standings.pdf
10/31/12 - Brooks 2 - BB&N 1 - Official Game Review
10/31/2012 - BB&N 1 at Brooks 2
Game Notes:
BB&N traveled to North Andover this afternoon and gave the home side all they handle with a composed and concerted ninety minute effort. Brooks dominated the first half hour with an impressive attack mostly in the BB&N end of the field. But the visitor's defensive organization held sway and stymied a number of good chances. Ryan Simpson was particularly brilliant in goal. Against the run of play, Jamar Noble, playing nearly alone up top, turned his defender on the far side of the Brooks box and lofted a high shot just beyond the reach of Matt Myers in the thirty second minute. Suddenly, the visitors came to life and carried the play for the next fifteen minutes. After halftime Brooks again charged forward and this time their pressure was rewarded when Alex Wagner took a fine cross from Seve Elkin and finished to the near post in the 59th minute. The next twenty minutes brought much back and forth action with both sides creating near misses. Brooks held a slight advantage in the play when it was Wagner again who took a pass from Greg Conrad and turned from the side of the box to loft his own well placed ball into the far netting for the eventual game winner with only nine minutes remaining. It was scintillating soccer and both sides deserve praise for the well played match.
BB&N Stats
Scoring
| Scorer | Minute | Assist |
| Noble, Jamar | 32 | No Assist |
Goalkeeping
| Scorer | Minutes | Saves | Goals Allowed |
| Simpson, Ryan | 90 | 0 | 2 |
Cards
| Name | Minute | |
| Noble, Jamar | 54 |  |
Brooks Stats
Scoring
| Scorer | Minute | Assist |
| Wagner, Alex | 59 | Elkin, Seve |
| Wagner, Alex | 81 | Conrad, Greg |
Goalkeeping
| Scorer | Minutes | Saves | Goals Allowed |
| Myers, Matt | 90 | 0 | 1 |
Cards
| Name | Minute | |
| Conrad, Greg | 89 | |
Sunday, October 28, 2012
10/27/12 - Brooks 2 - Governor's 0 - Dad's Game Review
The Brooks/Gov's rivalry is a long standing rivalry. There is even a trophy awarded to the winning team. Brooks has owned the trophy for all but 2 of the last 15 years, so it's not a very competitive rivalry but it has plenty of emotion and anticipation. Yesterday, Brooks took the trophy in a rather uneventful contest.
Everyone expected a lop sided game because Gov's was 0-9-1 going into it. But, as we saw 2 years ago when Brooks played at Gov's, Gov's has lots of pride. They came out hard. They put pressure on Brooks and Brooks resorted to long ball play. Long ball is not their best game. Brooks is at their best when they can control the ball, and possess it. Now Brooks did have plenty of their own pressure in the first half, it was just spurts of pressure. Nothing sustained. On one of those periods of pressure, Patrick broke down the left sideline, cutting toward the net as he turned the defender (something he's done quite well and often over the last few games). He had the initial shot which was deflected. Zach picked up the rebound. He shot, was blocked. Picked up his own rebound and put it away. 1-0 Brooks. Unimpressive play continued for both teams for a while. About 20 minutes later, Brooks earned a corner kick. Jory's dad and I were just talking about the production last year on the corners and how they really haven't had that same production this year.
On queue, Jory, takes the corner. Not his best, as it came in low and close to the goal. It slipped through a few different sets of legs and bent into the far side of the goal. Rick and I agreed that we should have discussed pretty production as this one sure was ugly!! But 2-0 Brooks is great. Pretty or not!
The half ended, and second began. Brooks had more pressure and shots. Gov's had a few of their own. Not much really came out of the half. A lot of back and forth play. Some possession play from Brooks, but an overall quiet half. The final whistle came. The presentation of the trophy to Brooks. A couple of pictures with the seniors and the cup and everyone went on their way. Looking forward to BB&N on Wednesday where they will have to play better in order to win.
Everyone expected a lop sided game because Gov's was 0-9-1 going into it. But, as we saw 2 years ago when Brooks played at Gov's, Gov's has lots of pride. They came out hard. They put pressure on Brooks and Brooks resorted to long ball play. Long ball is not their best game. Brooks is at their best when they can control the ball, and possess it. Now Brooks did have plenty of their own pressure in the first half, it was just spurts of pressure. Nothing sustained. On one of those periods of pressure, Patrick broke down the left sideline, cutting toward the net as he turned the defender (something he's done quite well and often over the last few games). He had the initial shot which was deflected. Zach picked up the rebound. He shot, was blocked. Picked up his own rebound and put it away. 1-0 Brooks. Unimpressive play continued for both teams for a while. About 20 minutes later, Brooks earned a corner kick. Jory's dad and I were just talking about the production last year on the corners and how they really haven't had that same production this year.
On queue, Jory, takes the corner. Not his best, as it came in low and close to the goal. It slipped through a few different sets of legs and bent into the far side of the goal. Rick and I agreed that we should have discussed pretty production as this one sure was ugly!! But 2-0 Brooks is great. Pretty or not!
The half ended, and second began. Brooks had more pressure and shots. Gov's had a few of their own. Not much really came out of the half. A lot of back and forth play. Some possession play from Brooks, but an overall quiet half. The final whistle came. The presentation of the trophy to Brooks. A couple of pictures with the seniors and the cup and everyone went on their way. Looking forward to BB&N on Wednesday where they will have to play better in order to win.
A Snapshot From the ISL Stats Page - 10/28/12
This snapshot needed to be captured and saved. With 4 games remaining who knows how the final numbers will fall.
Direct link to the ISL stats page.
2012 10 28 - ISL Statistics
Direct link to the ISL stats page.
2012 10 28 - ISL Statistics
ISL Standings as of 10/28/12
The race is still tight at the top. Rivers and Brooks are pulling away from the rest of the group after yesterday's surprising loss by Lawrence to Nobles and Friday's win by BB&N over Roxbury Latin.
The direct link to the ISL web site is: 2012 10 28 - ISL Standings
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