New England Aztec – A History: 2006 Boston Aztec seasons

Six Boston Aztec WPSL, NPSL & PASL players earn collegiate awards

Beverly, MA - December 12, 2006 - Six members of the Boston Aztec Men's & Women's teams have earned Collegiate Accolades for fine seasons in the fall of 2006.

Brett Maron, GK for the Aztec WPSL team was named a 3rd team All-New England for Fairfield Univ. A Billerica, Mass. native, Maron started 18 of the 19 games she played, leading the Stags to a 9-7-4 record while posting a 0.93 GAA.

Alex Scavo, a fullback with the Lady Aztecs who plays at Franklin Pierce was named a 1st team All American. Scavo, a native of Toronto, Ontario, started 21 games for the Ravens in 2006, leading the team to an 18-3-1 record and their sixth consecutive NE-10 title.

Christian Figueroa, from the Boston Aztec NPSL team, was named a 1st team All New England midfielder for Umass-Lowell. Figueroa, a North Andover native, helped the team to a 7-4-6 record starting 16 games and scoring 2 G with 2 A.

Nick Figueiredo, also from the Aztec NPSL team, plays for Bowdoin and was named a 2nd team All American Forward. Figueiredo, from Wilmington, MA and St. John's Prep, started all 15 games for Bowdoin, leading the team in scoring with 12 G, 1 A for 25 pts.

Yuta Kizaki, a Midfielder on the Aztec PASL squad and native of Karat-Su-Shi, Japan, was named a 1st team All New England for Salem St., while teammate Andrew Angus from Charlestown, Mass., was named a 3rd team All New England forward for the Vikings. The pair helped lead SSC to a 15-5-0 record in 2006.

Aztecs 2004-05 PASL Recap

DESPITE NO LOSSES AT NATIONALS, AZTEC MEN KNOCKED OUT ON GOAL DIFFERENTIAL

Sacramento, CA - March 20, 2006 - The dream of back-to-back National Titles came to an end for the Aztec Men in California, knocked out of the tournament on goal differential.

Despite wins of identical 3-2 scores over the Wenatchee (WA) Fire and Arizona Inferno, the Aztecs were knocked out by eventual champion Sacramento. The Aztecs knew they had to win to advance, but were knotted up vs. Sacramento 3-3. Ali Kaba had 2 goals in the semifinal round for the Aztecs.

AZTEC MEN WIN BACK-TO-BACK PASL NEW ENGLAND REGIONAL CROWNS O'Neil Gray scores with 30 seconds left to give the hosts the win

BEVERLY, MA - Feb. 6, 2006 - The Aztecs captured their second consecutive Premier Arena Soccer League New England Regional Championship with a thrilling 6-5 victory over the visiting Shockers on Saturday, February 25th at Soccer Etc. Veteran defender O'NEIL GRAY (Former Salem St. All-New England) was named MVP of the match after striking for his second goal of the night, a far-post, upper-corner lightning bolt with just over thirty seconds to play to break a 5-5 tie as the 300+ capacity crowd went wild.

The Aztecs and Shockers traded goals in a 2-2 first half with ANDREW ANGUS (Boston-City MVP) and MARKENS BENOIT (Two-time NCAA Champ at S. Conn. Univ.) scoring for .

In the second half, the Aztecs speed and possession kept the Shockers under pressure for most of the rest of the game. The home team managed to build two-goal leads of 4-2 and 5-3, and looked poised to capture the New England crown by a comfortable margin. Ipswich's MATT LEMIRE (UMass-Amherst) had two goals for the Aztecs.

New York was, however, able to generate a consistent counter attack that caused occasional havoc in the Aztec defensive end, and after climbing back into the match, the visitors tied the game at 5-5 on a penalty kick with just over two minutes to play. But the Aztecs would respond on Gray's magnificent strike just before the final whistle and defender Tony Lage's goal line save in the last ten seconds, stunning the crowd and taking the crown.

It was the Aztecs second straight win over the Shockers in the PASL New England Finals, as the Aztecs won 8-7 in Albany in March of 2005 en route to the 2005 PASL National Championship. It was the fourth game between the rivals this season, with Aztec winning three, all by scores of 6-5 (the others were in NY on Dec. 3rd and Feb. 4th), while avenging a 3-2 loss to New York at home on Dec. 10th. It was also the final home game for four-year veteran BENNY O'BRIEN. The former Univ. of Minnesota-Duluth star will be heading back to his native Minnesota at the end of the season.

Now the Aztecs have three weeks to prepare to defend their PASL National Championship in the National Finals March 17th to 19th in Sacramento, CA (moved from Las Vegas).

AZTECS PULL THE PLUG ON THE SHOCKERS! 6-5 Comeback Win Clinches League, Home Field for Playoff

Albany, NY - Feb. 6, 2006 - The Mass Aztecs pull the plug on the Shockers! With the final regular season game set to decide the regular season champion for the New England Region and the New England Region Playoff seeds, the Aztecs traveled to the New York for the second time this season to battle the shockers in what would turn out to be one of the best games in the Aztec Men's history.

The game kicked off at 2PM at Sports City Center in front of a crowd of 300+ fans. The Aztecs and the Shockers battled back and forth for the first 11 minutes of the game to a scoreless tie.

The Mass Aztecs broke the scoreless tie in the first quarter in the 12th minute by a goal from Dave Evans assisted by Luigi Mirisola. The Shockers then scored 4 goals in the second quarter to go into the half as the Aztecs made a couple of mental mistakes that proved costly as the home team Shockers capitalized to get ahead.

The third quarter was the start of most of the Aztec action. The Aztecs opened the second half with a quick score from Ali Kaba assisted by Andrew Angus to cut the deficit to two goals. A few minutes later, Dave Evans struck again when Chris Ethier played a perfect layoff for Evans to strike into the goal. The deficit was now cut to 1 goal, but the Shockers then scored once again to increase the lead to two goals. The Aztecs were awarded a power play as the Shockers committed their sixth foul of the half. The Aztecs quickly capitalized with a goal by Dushawne Simpson, Assisted by Ali Kaba. One minute later Ali Kaba struck for the second time in the game when a great through ball from defender Tony Lage put Kaba a couple of steps ahead of the Shocker defense, Kaba was then able to finish with a stutter step shot, that threw off the Shockers goalkeeper. With three minutes left in the game and the score tied at 5 each, Andrew Angus fought the Shocker defense to win a loose ball and put away the eventual goal winner. The Aztecs finished the game with a display of defense as they committed their 6th foul and played the last 2 minutes of the game with a player down. The Shockers tried and tried to penetrate the Aztec power play defense but were unable. Aztec defender O'Neil Gray made an incredible heading save as the Shockers final shot of the game was away from Aztec Goalkeeper Peter LeVasseur. "I could not see the ball, if O'Neil didn't head that out, it was a goal for sure. He made the best save today," said LeVasseur about O'Neil Gray.

The Aztecs complete one of the best comebacks in their club history, but it was especially sweet that it was against New York, who the Aztecs battle every year for the New England Region title.

Aztec Men win Two Games in One Day

Beverly, MA - Jan. 28, 2006 - The Aztec men's team played a double header on Saturday January 28, 2006 versus the NH Red Star and the CT Pythons.

The Aztecs traveled to New Hampshire early on Saturday to face the NH Red Star in Bedford, NH. The Aztecs arrived at the New Hampshire facility safe and sound after a tough scare when the van and lead car both ran off the road to avoid a roll-over accident ahead. No one was injured.

The Aztecs proceeded to play vs. NH with a shaky start after the earlier events. During the first quarter of play the Red Star took a 2-1 lead. Mounir Boughamrani scored the first goal for the Aztecs assisted by Dom Martignetti. At the beginning of the second quarter, the National Champions got back into form and began to strategically dissect the NH defense. By half time the score was 4-2 in favor of the Aztecs. Goals scored by Dushawne "Doc" Simpson, Arlindo Neto and Luigi Mirisola. The second half of the game showed once again the ability of the National Champs to put away teams both defensively and offensively. The Aztecs scored three more goals two by Matt Lemire and one by Andrew Angus to complete the 7-4 victory of the first double header. Domenic Martignetti also had two assists to help the Aztec offense.

The second game of the double header took place back in Beverly at Soccer, Etc. The Aztecs hosted eastern rival CT Pythons (4-3-0) for their final regular season home game in front of a packed house of more than 300 fans. The Aztecs, filled with energy, and with a clear head, opened the score with a goal from Andrew Angus on a quick cross from defender O'Neil Gray. Three minutes later a quick combo between Dom Martignetti to Luigi Mirisola produced the second goal of the night. Mirisola's goal was the first of three for the hat trick. From the first quarter the Aztecs had the Pythons on hold. The Pythons barely crossed half field to attempt any shots on net minder Peter LeVasseur

Before the half time, the score was 8-0, with goals scored also by, Mounir Boughamrani, Matt Lemire, Chris Ethier, Doc Simpson. Before the end of the second quarter the game was getting a bit physical mostly in part of the Pythons who were at a loss for the first half. #6 Geison Matos of the Pythons received a red card ejection 4 minutes before the end of the half. The Second half continued the offensive and defensive showcase by the National Champions. Scores from rookie Jared Joaquin, Dom Martignetti, veteran Markens Benoit, and another by Mounir Boughamrani sealed the deal offensively for the Aztecs, as captain Peter LeVasseur handed the goalie duties to back up Taylor Bracken who has allowed only 1 goal in three quarters of play. The main standouts for the game are Dom Martignetti with one goal and four assists and Luigi Mirisola with 3 goals and one assist.

The victories this past Saturday now give the Aztecs a record of 7-2 and the record secures a home game for the New England Regional Semi-finals. The Aztecs travel to play conference nemesis NY Shockers this Saturday, if the Aztecs defeat the Shockers it would ensure them home field advantage throughout the New England Regional Playoffs before heading into the National Championships.

Ali Kaba to Try Out With NY/NJ MetroStars

Beverly, MA - Jan. 20, 2006 - Ali Kaba of the national champion Aztec Men's premier team has earned a tryout with 's New York / New Jersey MetroStars.

The MetroStars will take a look at several select players including Kaba at Giants Stadium, the MetroStars home arena. The MetroStars are managed by former US national team standout Alexi Lalas and will start their pre-season on Feb. 1.

The exposure of the national indoor championship through the Aztec men's team helped give Kaba the opportunity to be invited down to the MetroStars. Earlier this year Kaba tried out for the Milwaukee Wave and was offered a position with the organization.

Aztec Men Split Weekend Double-Header

Beverly, MA - Jan. 16, 2006 - The Mass Aztecs played two games in three days for the second time this season as the Bay State Selects visited Soccer Etc . and the Aztecs were to play in Connecticut versus the Pythons.

The Aztecs lost their second game of the season as they gave up 4 goals in the first half to the visiting Bay State Selects on Saturday January 13th at Soccer Etc. in Beverly. The Aztecs struggled defensively and offensively in the first half of the game. The second half of the game was a bit more exciting as the Aztecs closed their three goal deficit by scoring two more goals. However, the two goals came a little too late as time ran out on the Aztec comeback. Scoring for the Aztecs were defender Jared Monaco, forward Matt Lemire, and midfielder Mounir Boughamrani.

The second game of the weekend was scheduled to take place on January 15th in Connecticut versus the Pythons, however, the Pythons were not able to provide a field and the game was a 3-0 forfeit victory for the visiting Aztecs.

The Aztecs now have a record of 5 wins and 2 loses in seven games with 3 left to play in the regular season, and the Aztecs are in second place of the Eastern Division with an opportunity to move up the ranks this up coming weekend.

Aztecs Defeat Selects and Red Star Back-to-Back

Beverly, MA - Jan. 8, 2006 - The 2005 PASL Defending National Champions, Mass. Aztec Men's team won back-to-back games this weekend in PASL action. Friday night the Aztecs traveled to the South Shore to face league newcomers Bay State Selects.

The Aztecs defeated Bay State Selects 5-2 with scoring efforts from Matt Lemire ( 2 Goals and 1 assist), and goals from Domenic Martignetti, Mounir Boughamrani, and Markens Benoit. The Aztecs played the first half to keep the lead by two goals and shutting out BSS. In the second half the Aztecs kept the scoring with three more goals and tremendous saves from goalkeeper Peter LeVasseur. Other stand outs in the game included defenders Tony Lage, Jared Monaco, and Jeff Roy, who substituted for started Dave Evans who was knocked out of action in the first half of the game with a concussion. Andrew Angus had another outstanding effort as he assisted in two goals for the Aztecs. The victory pushed the Aztecs to a 3 and 1 record overall this winter season.

The second game of the weekend double header was played at Soccer Etc. arena in Beverly, home of the Aztecs, as they sailed past the New Hampshire Red Star 9-3. The Mass Aztecs opened the score 20 seconds into the game with a goal from Luigi Mirisola, assisted by Ali Kaba, followed up by a solo effort from Mounir Boughamrani. The NH Red Star then scored 3 goals (Garofalo, Boyce, and White) to take the lead into the half time break and shutting out the Aztecs during the second quarter with outstanding saves from NH goalkeeper Abe Azzam.

The Second half showcased why the National Champions are still the team to beat in the PASL. The Mass. Aztecs shut out the NH Red Star in the second half along side of an offensive display of finishing by scoring 7 goals in the second half. Goals scored by defender O'Neil Gray on a beautiful bending free kick, while forwards Domenic Martignetti, Matt Lemire, Chris Ethier, Ali Kaba, and Jared Joaquin all had great combination and solo efforts to score. Also in the scoring during the second half for the Aztecs were midfielder Markens Benoit and Mounir Boughamrani, who shredded the NH defense with a dribble and finished a perfectly placed shot into the corner to beat the NH goalkeeper. Peter LeVasseur also had another outstanding game in goal to keep the Aztecs in the game. Other notables include defender Ben O'Brien, Chris Ethier and Andrew Angus who contributed with assists to the goals. Back up goalkeeper and U18 Boys netminder Taylor Bracken also saw some quality minutes as LeVasseur handed the duties over in the fourth quarter of play. Mass. Aztec Shock the Shockers 6-5 in Sudden Death Ethier Scores Overtime Game Winner

Albany, NY - December 5, 2005 - The 2005 PASL Defending National Champions, Mass. Aztec opened their 2006 season with yet another exciting sudden death overtime victory over the New York Shockers, in Albany.

Recently Named All-American and Beverly native Chris Ethier, scored the Over time winner vs. NY 3 minutes into overtime, while Defender and newcomer Mounir Boughamrani scored three (3) times to keep the Aztecs in the match. Veteran defender Ben O'Brien and striker Ali Kaba also scored to help the team to victory. Newcomer Andrew Angus was also a bright spot in the team's victory.

Captain and 2005 National Finals tournament MVP Goalkeeper Peter LeVasseur played yet another National MVP caliber game in goal with masterful saves that kept the Aztecs in the hunt for the victory.

Aztecs 2005 WPSL, NPSL Recap

NPSL Grows by at least 11 teams for the 2007 season

At the recently held AGM for 2006/2007 the NSPL owners granted membership to 11 new teams for the 2007 season. 6 of the new teams will make up the Northeast Division which means that for 2007 the NPSL will have representation from the East to the West coast. Many of the Northeast teams along with Albuquerque and Sonoma also have a women’s team in the Women’s Premier Soccer League (WPSL). The 11 new teams are;

East Coast; AC Diablo’s - NJ, Boston Aztecs - MA, Jersey Shores - NJ, - NY, Northampton Laurels – PA, & Queen City FC – Buffalo NY

Midwest; FC Indiana – IN, & TKO Soccer – MI

Southwest; Colorado Crimson FC – CO, & Indios USA – El Paso TX

Northwest; Santa Cruz Breakers – CA

Aztec Men & Women Finish Successful Summers

The Boston Aztec Men's & Women's teams showcased top talent on the North Shore as both competed for league titles in 2006.

The Boston Aztecs women played their second season in the WPSL, the #1 ranked league in the US for Women's Soccer, playing their home games at Salem St.'s Alumni Field. Despite missing the playoffs, the team managed their first winning record (3-2-9) and played the eventual 2006 WPSL champion Long Island Fury to ties in both meetings between the teams.

The Women's team made bold moves to solidify the team, signing Mexican International Myriam Del Pozo, Notre Dame All-American and ex-Boston Breaker (WUSA) Meotis Erickson. Additionally, the team brought in Australian Youth International Emma Howes and Collegiate All-Stars Sara Hourihan (America East Rookie of the Year), Alex Caram (MAAC 2005 Tournament MVP), Janna Breitenwischer (MAAC All-Rookie Team) and Carrie Holland (A-10 All-Rookie Team). With returning captains Kristen MacDonald and Christy McHugh and the nucleus of the team coming back, the club made major strides towards legitimacy for next season and beyond.

In their first year, the Men's Boston Aztec competed in the Eastern Massachusetts Men's Soccer Association (EMMSA). The league was formed in 2001 to provide amateur players an opportunity to play high level soccer in a competitive and challenging environment. The league is split into two divisions: North and Metro West. In conjunction with the amateur league, the Aztecs participated in exhibition games against USL-affiliated clubs like the Voltage (PDL) and NH Phantoms (D2), pulling off a shocking win over the Phantoms in the process.

The Aztecs had a successful first summer in the EMMSA. After finishing second in their division and qualifying for the playoffs, the Aztecs defeated Rovers 3-0 before falling 3-2 in the semi-finals to eventual champion Shipyard, who won their 3rd straight EMMSA title. The future is wide open for the Boston Aztecs outdoor program to become one of the best developmental and minor league teams in the region.

AZTECS TIE STINGERS 1-1 AT HOME

Salem, MA - Saturday July 1, 2006 - The Boston Aztecs played their return match vs. the Mass. Stingers on Saturday July 1 at Salem State College to a 1-1 draw. The tie kept the Aztecs and the Stingers in the mix of the playoff spots for the Women's Premier Soccer League.

The Aztecs opened the scoring early in the game when Myriam Del Pozo played a through ball to team captain Kristin Macdonald who played a cross to fellow captain Christy McHugh. "Q" finished the cross to put the Aztecs ahead 1-0. The game continued in a back and forth battle until 10 minutes into the second half when Stingers midfielder Kerry Connors scored to even the score at 1-1. The rest of the game saw various opportunities for the Aztecs, but none better than a free kick from 30 yards out taken by Del Pozo which was saved by the Stingers keeper's fingertips.

The Boston Aztecs continue to exceed last year's performances and as they hunt for their first ever WPSL playoff appearance.

Boston Aztecs play Double Jeopardy game vs. Long Island

Hofstra University - Sunday June 18, 2006 - The Boston Aztecs traveled to Long Island on Sunday the 18th to play a game that would be considered as a double jeopardy. The game would count as a WPSL regular league game and also as the US Open Cup Regional Final.

The Aztecs battled the Fury through ninety minutes without a score which marked the end of the regular season game between the two conference rivals. The game then continued to be settled by penalty kicks to settle the Open Cup result. Unfortunately, the Aztecs were unable to capitalize on their final penalty shot, therefore giving the Long Island Fury the Open Cup win.

The Aztecs return to action this Thursday June 22 as they travel to face the Mass. Stingers and on Saturday June 24th the Aztecs will host the return match vs. the Long Island Fury.

AZTECS SIGN MEXICAN STAR - Mexican international Myriam Del Pozo joins squad

SALEM, MA - June 7, 2006 - The Boston Aztecs made it official on Wednesday as they signed Mexican international Myriam Del Pozo for the summer of 2006. She is a native of Monterrey, Mexico where she has made headlines as a prolific scorer for the Monterrey Technological University. Del Pozo, who is new to the Mexican player pool and the international scene, is said to be following very closely in the success of international stars Paty Perez and Maribel Dominguez of the Mexico Women's National Team.

Del Pozo recently graduated from MTU with a degree in Architecture, and is now looking to follow her dreams on the soccer field by playing at the highest possible levels. As a member of the Mexican Women National team pool, she hopes to be named to the squad for the FIFA Women's World cup to be held in China in 2007. She arrived in the US on Friday, June 9th, aiming to increase her international experience, and she is getting the opportunity to do just that with the Boston Aztecs of the WPSL. Coach Dushawne Simpson didn't know what to expect from the young striker at first, but she quickly demonstrated why her peers and friends speak highly of her.

"We were doing a finishing drill during a recent practice, and she (Myriam) just knows how to do it at a world class level," said Coach Simpson.

The Boston Aztecs, who finished with a 3-9-1 record in their inaugural 2005 season, are now 2-0-1 in their first three games of the 2006 season, and with the addition of Del Pozo to the team, the squad appears even stronger.

Edgar de Leon, Director of Operations for the Boston Aztecs said, "We want the club and the league to be as successful as possible, and bringing Myriam to the Boston Aztecs is definitely the right step to take to reach that success. We are committed to bringing the best possible talent to the club to show our community that women's soccer is filled with talent and flavor."

Del Pozo will make her WPSL debut with the Boston Aztecs this coming Saturday, June 10 as the Aztecs continue their home schedule when they host the Adirondack Lynx at Alumni Field at the Salem State O'Keefe Complex.

AZTECS DRAW HOME OPENER - USA U-20 Nat'l Team Player Jaime Gilbert nets 1st of the year in 1-1 tie

SALEM, MA - June 4, 2006 - The Boston Aztecs (2-0-1) remain undefeated thus far on the 2006 campaign after a 1-1 rain soaked affair with New York AC (1-0-1) on Saturday night. It was the first ever game for Aztec at their new home, Salem State's Alumni Field.

The home team dominated for about the first 60 minutes of the match, with the first half clearly all Aztecs. Boston out-shot New York 7- 0 in the first 45 minutes, and if it wasn't for stellar goalkeeping from New York's Melissa Cohen, Boston could have had this game wrapped up by halftime. Instead, they had to settle for a 1-0 halftime lead after a brilliant set play in the 44th minute. After a foul on the penalty arc at the top of the box, Boston caught the New York defense napping. As the visitors were setting up the wall, ALEX CARAM (Lexington, MA/Fairfield University) played a quick thru-ball on the ground for JAIME GILBERT (North Andover, MA/Univ. of North Carolina/US U-20 National Team) to run onto, and Gilbert easily slipped the ball into the back of the net to give the hosts the lead.

That lead would stand up all the way until the 82nd minute. New York began to press in the last 30 minutes of the match, and kept the Aztecs on their heels for most of the end of the game. Less than ten minutes from time, New York's Kristen Turner took a bouncing ball from about the same location the Aztecs had their goal-scoring free kick in the first half. She fired a perfect looping shot into the far post side panel over the outstretched BRETT MARON (Billerica, MA/Fairfield University) in net to tie the game at 1-1. Aztecs Win Opener 2-1 at National Soccer Hall of Fame

SALEM, MA - May 22, 2006 - The Boston Aztecs WPSL squad kicked off their 2006 season last weekend with the Aztec women earning a 2-1 win over the Adirondack Lynx. The match was played on Saturday, May 18th at the National Soccer Hall of fame in Oneonta, NY.

The home team came out flying with the emotions of their first ever game in their inaugural season, and took an early lead in the 18th minute. Lynx star Mary Velan, an NCAA All-American from SUNY-Oneonta knocked home her first goal of the season to put the visitors in a 1-0 hole early in the first half.

But Boston, in only their second season in the WPSL, are determined to be a power in the Eastern Division this year, and before the first half was over, the Aztecs overcame the deficit and took a one-goal lead of their own. Carrie Holland (Pittsfield, MA; Richmond Univ.; 2004 Atlantic 10 All-Rookie Team) scored twice in the first half to give Boston a lead they would not relinquish. The first saw Holland sent in alone to dribble around the keeper and tuck it away in the 20th minute on an assist from Captain Kristin MacDonald (Beverly, MA; 2000-03 Indiana-Purdue Univ.; Beverly High Girls Soccer Head Coach). The game-winner came in the 40th minute, with Katie Weinstein (Marblehead, MA; Marblehead High; NEC All-Star) supplying the assist on Holland's left-foot rocket into the upper corner.

Lady Aztecs Acquire Three Collegiate All-Stars

BEVERLY, MA - April 19, 2006 - The Boston Aztecs WPSL team added three solid players to the 2006 squad recently, picking up UNC's Jaime Gilbert as well as Fairfield University midfielder Janna Breitenwischer and Richmond University sophomore Carrie Holland for the 2006 summer season.

Jaime has played with US U20 National team and played club soccer for the Stars of Massachusetts when they won the 2003 and 2004 state championships and made the regional semifinals, she was also a member of the team that won the 2004 PDA Invitational and Region I league title.

Jaime's collegiate history includes a place in the first-team Freshman All-America status from Soccer America and Soccer Buzz...finalist for Soccer Buzz National Freshman of the Year award...garnered ACC All-Freshman Team accolades and Soccer Buzz second-team All-Southeast Region honors...Soccer Buzz Southeast Region Freshman Player of the Year...2004 All-ACC Tournament...named ACC Player of the Week on October 11...named to Soccer America Team of the Week on that occasion as well...played in all 23 games for the Tar Heels, 21 of which she started...finished the season with 11 goals and 12 assists for a total of 34 points...ranked second on the team in goals, assists and total points...led the team in game-winning goals with four.

Janna Breitenwischer was named to the MAAC All-Rookie Team ... Started all 19 games of her rookie campaign ... Led the team in all offensive categories... Tallied 11 points, including four goals and three assists ... Was named the MAAC Co-Rookie of the Week various times. In High School, Janna was a four-year letter winner for Nashoba Regional High School ... Named the 2002 and 2003 Mid-Wach B League MVP, a League All-Star, and a Central Massachusetts All-Star ... Led her team to a Central Massachusetts Championship, a District Championship, and a Mid-Wach B League Championship in 2002 and 2003 ......

An All-State and All-New England Selection in 2002 and 2003 ... Team's Most Valuable Contributor as a junior and senior ...Named Worcester Telegram and Gazette All-Star and a Metro West Daily News All-Star in 2002 ... Posted 10 goals and five assists as a senior captain... Scored 27 career goals and tallied 13 career assists ... Participated in the Olympic Developmental Program in 1999 ... Played Division I Premier Soccer for seven years, serving as team captain in 2003. Janna Marie Breitenwischer was born in Newton, Mass.

Carrie Holland, a sophomore striker at Richmond University, appeared in all 19 games, making 11 starts during her rookie season at Richmond. Returning as the only freshman to play in every game ..Carrie earned two Atlantic 10 Rookie of the Week honors and one Player of the Week honor and was named to Soccer America's Team of the Week (9/21). Carrie capped the season honors with a selection to the Atlantic 10 All-Rookie Team and earned All-Tournament honors at the VCU/Alltel Invitational. High School, Carrie played four years of varsity soccer and a team captain as a senior. Carrie was a four-time All-Berkshire honoree, named to All-Eagle Regional team two years, state finalist for the Wendy's Heisman Award, and holds program record for career points (170) and goals (78). During her youth soccer years Carrie played for the Berkshire AJAX club team.

AZTECS WOMEN ADD NATIONAL CHAMP & AUSSIE YOUTH INTERNATIONAL

BEVERLY, MA - April 10, 2006 - The Boston Aztecs Women's squad added two more to the summer roster, signing Australian U19 International Emma Howes and Fairfield Univ. All-Star Alex Caram for the 2006 WPSL season.

Alex makes her home in Lexington, MA and most plays at the University of Fairfield, where she is now making her mark as one of the top players in the Women's soccer program. Alex was named the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference 2005 Tournament MVP as she helped Fairfield to the MAAC Championship.

Also a member of the 2005 Stars Of Mass National Champions, Alex has an extensive record of success which she now brings to the Boston Aztecs and the Women's Premier Soccer League. Alex spent a year of her collegiate career at North Carolina State, and Alex's experience includes time with the Mass. ODP team, Regional team, and National Camp as well as a member of the 2004 and 2005 Mass. State Champions.

Emma is a native of Sydney, Australia, was a member of the Australian U19 World Cup squad and played for the Championship runner up Northern Pride Soccer team in the Australian Women's National Soccer League.

Lady Aztecs pick up Two-Time Notre Dame All-American Meotis Erickson Former Boston Breaker (WUSA) Comes to Salem in '06

BEVERLY, MA - March 29, 2006 - Meotis Erickson, a scoring powerhouse and two time All-American at University of Notre Dame joined the Boston Aztecs to play in the Women's Premier Soccer League for the 2006 season.

Meotis, a native of Kennewick, Washington, played college soccer at the University of Notre Dame where she earned All-American (1997, 2000), All-Region (1997, 1999, 2000), All-Conference (1997, 1999, 2000) honors, while making Final Four appearances in 1997, 1999, 2000 and being recognized as one of the most proficient scorers in Notre Dame history. Most recently in 2001 Meotis was drafted with the 10th pick of the inaugural WUSA 2001 Player draft to play for the .

As a youth player, Meotis was a Member of the U16 U.S. National Soccer Team (1994-1995), U21 National Team (1997-1999). In 1997, Meotis was the youngest member of the U21 U.S. Team that won the World Cup in Denmark in 1997. Meotis earned various honors through her High School years, where she was named 1996 National Soccer Coaches Association of America national high school player of the year and three-time high school All-American.

AZTEC MEN TO HEAD OUTDOORS IN 2006

BEVERLY, MA - March 13, 2006 - Aztec Soccer will take their current men's indoor program outdoors this coming summer. Many of the current PASL Aztec players will be joined with some of the top collegiate players on the East Coast to field one of the most talented teams the area has encountered.

Mike Kersker, President of Aztec Soccer states, "We are committed to offering our players the best training and playing environment available. Dushawne 'Doc' Simpson has done a fantastic job with our Men's Indoor team over the past couple years where he captured a PASL national title in 2005 and looks to repeat with a second consecutive national title as the Aztecs are the favorite at this year's National Championships which will be held in Sacramento, CA the weekend of St. Patricks Day."

Aztec Soccer decided to add yet another piece to their 'full-scale' model as both current and former players have expressed an overwhelming interest in the chance to establish their nationally ranked status on the outdoor pitch. Doc, Aztec Soccer's Girls Technical Director (Fall, 2006), heads the women's team who enter their second season this summer in the #1 ranked league in the country. As both seasons are in conflict, Doc will look to his club counterpart Jeff Winterton, Aztec Soccer's Boys Technical Director (Fall, 2006) to lead the Men into their 1st outdoor season.

"We are very fortunate to have somebody like Jeff to take the reigns in our inaugural year. Jeff will challenge the team day in and day out, and will surely bring out the best in each and every one of our players," said Kersker.

In their first year, the Men's Boston Aztec will compete in the Eastern Massachusetts Men's Elite League. The league was formed in 2001 to provide amateur players an opportunity to play high level soccer in a competitive and challenging environment. The league is split into two divisions: North and Metro West. In conjunction with the amateur league, the Aztecs will participate in an exhibition season this summer with teams from local PDL venues, Division II teams and MLS reserve teams.

The level of play Boston Aztec will field this summer is sure to stimulate quite an interest in the soccer community. Head Coach Jeff Winterton says, "Being our inaugural year, we are using the exhibition league to show everyone that we're here to compete; the Boston Aztec are the 'real deal'. With the resources and personnel involved, I am confident we will turn more than just a few heads this year."

In only 4 short years, the Aztecs have established themselves as one of the top indoor teams in the nation and hope to recreate the same success, beginning this summer.

The Aztec men will see action 6 days a week, preparing their players for the highest levels of the game. With a specifically designed training program, every player will compete at an extremely high level over the summer, so to also provide our younger players with the most effective "pre-season" training available before they begin their 2006 collegiate season.

Boston Aztecs to Play at Salem State

Salem, MA - March 3, 2006 - The Aztec Women's and Men's team will partner with Salem State College for the Summer of 2006, which will serve as the home facility for all games and training sessions for the outdoor Women and Men's Aztecs teams. Salem State College recently renovated Alumni Field to a new grass turf facility with new seating, concessions, and field equipment. The Lady Aztecs and the Aztec Men's team are very excited about the news and are looking forward to being at the facilities this upcoming summer.

The closing of the deal with Salem State is just another key to the success of the Aztec Club. Having the availability of such facilities only increases the credibility of the club. This is also a sign of the commitment that the club is making to the development and professionalism in our soccer community.

Boston Aztecs Welcome Back Team Nucleus

BEVERLY, MA - February 8, 2006 - The WPSL Boston Aztecs are very happy to announce the return of their team nucleus for the season of 2006. The returning captains Kristin MacDonald and Christy McHugh have re-signed with the Aztecs along with All Star defenders Anjuli Demers and Caitlin Leary, and midfielder Kristin Mahoney from the University of Massachusetts Lowell.

Kristin MacDonald, the leading scorer for the Aztecs in 2005 is very excited about the opportunity to play in the WPSL. Kristin is an alumni of Indiana Purdue University at Fort Wayne, where she was Captain of the women's team. In 2005 Kristin was named a 1st Team All Star in the WPSL. Kristin is very proud to be playing for the Aztecs this summer and also to be leading the Aztecs as co- captain. Kristin is also the head coach at Beverly High School and works as a staff coach for the Aztecs.

Christy McHugh, currently the co-captain of the WPSL Boston Aztecs is a graduate from Wheaton College in Massachusetts, where she earned All New England honors. In 2005, Christy was nominated to the WPSL Second team All-Stars, and was also second in scoring for the Aztecs. Christy also currently works as the head coach for the U12 Girls Premier team for the Aztecs.

Caitlin Leary Caitlin was National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) All-New England Region First Team at UMass Lowell where as a senior she captained The River Hawks to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in school history. A four-year starter, Leary led the River Hawks to a bevy of defensive school records in 2005, including shutouts (nine), consecutive shutouts (four) and consecutive shutout minutes (399). Additionally, Leary helped UML break the school records for goals surrendered in a season (17, previously 28) and goals against average (0.82, formerly 1.72). Caitlin was Rookie of the Year, and all-conference her junior and senior years at Lowell. Caitlin was captain and all-Middlesex League at Wakefield High School.

Anjuli Demers returns to the Aztecs as one of the youngest players and as one of the most prominent defenders in the New England region. Anjuli has earned awards such as All State in New Hampshire, All-New England, and recently she was awarded the 2005 High School Wendy Heisman in NH while playing for Bishop Guertin High School. Anjuli was a player in the Aztec youth organization who now brings her athleticism and defensive understanding of the game. Anjuli could possibly be one of the best defenders, not only in New England, but in the league and the country. Anjuli is also an All State track star who is heading to Middlebury in the Fall of 2006.

Kristin Mahoney is a junior at University of Massachusetts Lowell, where she was named to the NSCAA All New England first team in 2005. Kristin was also named to the Northeast-10 All Star team in the fall of 2005. Mahoney played in the midfield for the Aztecs in their 2005 inaugural season and was an integral part of the Aztecs success.

Hourihan Returns to Aztecs - UNH Standout, Former Aztec Youth Captain to Play in WPSL

BEVERLY, MA - 6 Feb 2006 - The Aztecs today announced that Sarah Hourihan, a freshman forward on the University of New Hampshire women's soccer team, will play for the Lady Aztecs in the Women's Premier Soccer League this summer. Hourihan was Rookie-of-the-Year and on the All-Rookie Team from the America East conference in 2005 and made the Soccer Buzz Northeast Region All-Freshman Team.

"I'm excited about the opportunity to play in the #1 league in the US, this will no doubt help me improve my game," said Hourihan. "Being able to return to Aztec and play for a program that I'm familiar with is great."

Hourihan, a three-time America East Rookie of the Week in 2005, broke the UNH rookie points record of 21 established by Chiara Best in 2001with 26 points this season. She led the team in goals (12), game-winning goals (five) and points (26), and those numbers tied for No. 1 in the conference in goals (0.63 per game) as well as second in both game-winning goals and points (1.37 per game).

"Having Sarah come back and play for us is a monumental moment for our club," said Coach Doc Simpson. "She could've played anywhere but she chose us."

Hourihan's 12 goals for UNH accounted for 44.4% of the team's total (27) and tied for fourth on UNH's list of single-season superlatives; the 26 points tied for the sixth-best single-season mark. Hourihan also broke the school record for consecutive games with a goal by scoring in six straight matches from Sept. 2-21. She closed that stretch with four consecutive multiple-goal games for a total of 10 goals in six games.