Just For Kicks
Matt Williams
Over the course of a decade, every team goes through a rebuilding process. It should be inevitable.
Then there are the rare and truly great programs who don't rebuild — they simply reload. And there isn't a soccer team around that reloads more quickly than Masconomet.
Winners of six straight Cape Ann League titles, the Chieftain boys (9-0) just finished another September undefeated and have their eyes on yet another league title.
"We lost some key players, but fortunately those that were juniors and are now seniors have really stepped up. That's the key ingredient," said longtime Masco coach Len Emmons, who has over 500 wins to his credit.
The Chieftains seems to have assumed the identity of one of their senior captains, Brad McDonald. A determined player, McDonald has a crisp and nearly flawless pass that's helped put him among the state's leading scorers with six goals, 11 helpers and 17 points.
"He sees the field so well and makes those passes that you don't expect," Emmons said. "It's fun to see that happen. It's a lot of instinct on (Brad's) part."
Masco as a whole has adopted a more creative offense than they had a year ago, when it went undefeated until November and advanced to the Division 2 North semifinals. But the loss of All-Stars Kevin Van Lenten and Ian Gelinas, among others, forced a change in style that's paid off.
"We pass well and move well off the ball," Emmons explained. "We don't have one or two players that are trying to do it all, and the theory is that our opponents can't mark everybody. If they double-team someone, it frees up somebody else."
Junior John Miller is in the midst of a break-out season with nine goals and 15 points, while Kevin McAllister is also dangerous. Captain Brian Connery and Fu Shahan cap off a Chieftains' line that's as smart as it is skilled.
"It really is a nice passing team - they're creative," said Emmons. "They're playing well as a team, and that can be fragile if people get worried about getting more goals or points. This group seems to really get it (in that regard)."
Finesse soccer doesn't always yield wins against inferior clubs that are trying to get points anyway they can. Despite the occasional mugging by an opposing marking back, these Chieftains keep their composure and hold the ball long enough to make that picture-perfect pass.
"It can be difficult against teams that are not interested in attacking. They'd rather hang on and get a tie and I can't blame them," said Emmons.
Not to be forgotten is the trademark Chieftains defense, led by standout goalkeeper Jon Doucette. Sweeper Andrew Mello, another captain, might be Masco's fastest player at a position where speed is crucial. Senior Kevin Ivester is also a key contributor on defense, as is Steve Kracanas.
The Chieftains face their toughest tests at the end of the month in back-to-back games against Wilmington and North Andover, who are also unbeaten in CAL play.
"The league is pretty even, but hopefully we'll end up a step above," said Emmons.
¢¢¢
A quick peak at the local girls standings reveals only one team, undefeated Danvers (10-0), that's qualified for the MIAA tournament. Of course, just a month into the season it's still early, and the likes of Masconomet (7-0), Peabody (8-2) and Swampscott (7-3) look like sure bets for the playoffs.
Meanwhile, Marblehead (6-4) and Salem (6-4-1) are in good shape but don't have much breathing room for stumbling. The same goes for Bishop Fenwick (4-2-1) and North Shore Tech (4-3).
¢¢¢
Coley Lee Field in Peabody might be a tad jealous Friday night. A stone's throw away, Donahue Field will be lit up at 7 p.m. as well with the undefeated Tanners (8-0-1) hosting Salem (6-2-1). The Witches are looking to unseat the NEC Large-leading Tanners and boast a strong scoring punch in Eddie Demoya and Max Mondestin.
¢¢¢
Look for the race for both the Northeastern Conference championship and scoring title to come down to - surprise, surprise - Peabody and Danvers.
Four girls from the area powerhouses are head and shoulders above the back. The Falcons' Brittany Russo (17 goals and 23 points) is tied with Tanner senior Erika Digiacomo (11 goals, 23 points) for the league lead.
Meanwhile, in a battle that should rage for the next three seasons, Peabody sophomore Emily Manoogian (13 goals, 19 points) is just ahead of Danvers freshman Corey Persson (11 goals, 17 points).
¢¢¢
St. John's Prep has had a tough start, sitting at 2-4-2. But that's more an indication of the Eagles' brutal early season schedule than their talent level, and all indication are that they'll turn it around.
"We still plan on making the tournament, and when we do we'll be better off for having gone through this," said Eagles coach Dave Crowell.
¢¢¢
The Hamilton-Wenham girls shook the proverbial monkey off their backs with a 3-1 triumph of Rockport yesterday, the Generals' first 'W' of the season. H-W let more than their share of halftime leads slip away early in the season and hopes to buck that trend in October.
"We've had a lot of heartbreakers so it's great to break the ice," said Generals coach Jim Burfoot.
¢¢¢
Just for Kicks, a column on North Shore high school soccer, runs each Tuesday during the fall sports season in The Salem News. Contact staff writer Matt Williams at 978-338-2669 or by e-mail at mwilliams@salemnews.com.
