New England Aztec – A History: 2007 Aztec PASL season

BACK-TO-BACK-TO-BACK CHAMPS!!!

Aztec wins third straight PASL Regional Crown

Team heads to Mexico for league finals after 5-4 OT win over New York

Beverly, MA - March 3rd, 2007 - In thrilling fashion, the Boston Aztec stunned their rival New York Shockers 5-4 in overtime to earn the club's third consecutive PASL Regional Championship. Former Salem St. All- O'Neil Gray played the part of hero once again, scoring the winner with just over a minute to play in the first , sudden- OT period. It was Gray's goal in last season's final with 30 seconds to play that gave the Aztec's that memorable win.

For the fourth year in a row, Aztec and the Shockers played for the regional crown, with Boston winning the last three. Now, Aztec heads for Tijuana, Mexico for the PASL International Championships to be held next weekend, March 9th & 10th. Eight teams from the will compete in the finals, representing the Southwest, Northwest, Pacific, Midwest/Great Lakes, South Central, Southeast and New England Regions. Four Mexican teams will be in the field, with two each from Mexico City & Tijuana.

As for tonight's championship match, the Aztecs controlled the first half of play, going into the locker room up 2-0 at halftime on goals by Gray and current Salem St. All-New England Andrew Angus. After former Beverly All-American Ali Kaba made the score 3-0 two minutes into the second half, it looked like Aztec would run away with the match. Instead, New York's tenacious play put the hosts on their heels, and with just under ten minutes to go in the match, the Shockers fought all the way back to tie the match at 3-3 on goals by Peter Squeglia, John Mabee and Chris Mogavaro. Boston retook the lead on a strike by another current Salem St. All-New England, Yuta Kizaki, with seven minutes to play, only to see New York tie it three minutes later on a goal by Ali Wiltshire, setting the stage for Gray's overtime heroics.

AZTEC OPTS OUT OF 2007-08 PASL SEASON

Beverly, MA - December 6th, 2007 - The Aztec Soccer Club officially announced to the public today it has opted out of the 2007-08 Premier Arena Soccer League (PASL) winter season. The Boston Aztec minor league men's team were the three-time defending PASL New England Regional Champions, and won the 2005 PASL Championship. The PASL season kicked off last weekend.

The club made this decision to focus on some important changes to the organization to be announced in the coming weeks and months. The summer National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) and Women's Premier Soccer League (WPSL) Aztec men's and women's minor league seasons will go ahead as planned.

"It is disappointing to miss the season, for the players, the staff, and especially the fans who sell out Soccer ETC for all of our home games. We will miss it this winter, but the organization as a whole will benefit greatly from the coming changes to the club," said Aztec president Mike Kersker, who noted the Aztec men's indoor team will return to PASL action in 2008-09.

The PASL took a huge step in its existence this off-season. The Major Indoor Soccer League (MISL) and the PASL formalized a multi- year affiliation agreement. Through this agreement, the MISL will use the PASL as its minor league affiliate for developing MISL players, developing on-field game officials and referees, and serving as a competitive platform to evaluate potential rules and equipment changes.

The New England region is certainly affected by these changes. With the Aztecs taking a year off, more than half the teams are actually from outside New England. The New York Shockers now become the favorite to take the regional crown, having lost the last three finals to the Aztecs. The South Shore's Bay State Selects may also be a regional threat, as Aztec stars O'Neil Gray, Markens Benoit, Mounir Boughamrani, Dave Evans, and Ebbie Kodiat will suit up for the Selects this winter to keep their skills sharp. Rounding out the division are CNY United (Syracuse, NY) and Manchester FC (NH), and the NJ Ironmen Reserves, the reserve squad for the MISL Ironmen.

AZTECS KNOCKED OUT OF PASL INTERNATIONAL FINALS ON PKs

Tijuana, Mexico - March 10th, 2007 - The Boston Aztecs quest for a second PASL Championship in three years came to an end last night as they fell on penalty kicks in the elimination round of this year's finals.. Although a bittersweet homecoming, the squad returned from Mexico with their heads held high after a third consecutive strong showing at the PASL championships. The Aztec men pulled off the three-peat in the PASL New England Regional Championships, and came within a few bounces of playing for another league crown. In the end, the 2006-07 PASL International Championship went to Texas squad Studio Dallas, 8-5 winners in the final over Virmac of Mexico City, the 2006 Mexican national champions.

In the elimination round, the Aztecs fell on penalty kicks after a 1-1 draw with the Springfield (IL) Spirits. A low scoring match for an indoor game, both teams battled through a scoreless first half before Springfield took a 1-0 lead with ten minutes to play. Longtime Aztec star Markens Benoit brought the Aztecs level with three minutes to play and sent the game into penalty kicks. In an interesting set up, the penalty kicks immediately began as sudden death. Benoit was first to shoot for the Aztecs, and the Spirit 'keeper came up with the save. Aztecs GK Peter LeVasseur was instrumental in keeping the Aztecs in the entire tournament, but was unable to stop the one penalty kick he faced. With that, the Midwest/Great Lakes Regional Champion Spirits advanced. This was the first time the Aztecs have been unable to earn a win at the PASL Championships. However, the tight scores of each match show that Boston was once again deservedly grouped among the best teams on the continent.

Despite the result, the Aztec indoor men's team has still accomplished a great deal, winning their third consecutive PASL regional title and third straight trip to the PASL finals. Such feats are not easy in any sport, and we congratulate the Aztec men on another fantastic season. The Boston Aztec outdoor teams, the women in the WPSL and the men in the NPSL, are now poised to take center stage as we approach the summer months, and both squads are striving to carry on the tradition that the PASL team has created.

AZTECS TO FACE ELIMINATION MATCH TONIGHT AT INTERNATIONAL FINALS

Tijuana, Mexico - March 9th, 2007 - After today's round robin matches, the PASL New England Division champion Boston Aztec will face a winner-take-all elimination round match earlier than they had hoped. The Aztecs went 0-1-1 in the round robin phase of the 2006-07 PASL International Championships, drawing 4-4 with Mexican side Monterrey Tech. and losing to the Tacoma Stars 5-4 in tight matches.

GK Peter LeVasseur (Salem, MA/Salem St.) has kept up his stellar play. The 2005 MVP of these championships, the 'keeper has done his regular job of keeping the Aztecs in close games. He was particularly strong in the match against Monterrey. Aztec women's team star Myriam Del Pozo, a member of the Mexican WNT's player pool, is also a product of the Monterrey Tech. program, one of the strongest in the nation.

The second match, against the Tacoma Stars from the PASL's Northwest Division. Although the Aztecs had more chances and dominated in terms of possession, the Stars quick counterattack was effective enough for the victory. Defender Dave Evans (Warren, PA/Wentworth) was strong on defense and also contributed up top, scoring a goal and an assist. Andrew Angus (Kingston, JAM/Salem St.) has also played well, finding the back of the net in both matches.

This was Boston's first loss in the PASL Championships since the 2005 tournament, when they fell 4-2 to the Dallas Tornadoes in the final round robin match. That year, the Aztecs went on to capture the National Championship in the elimination round, avenging the loss by beating Dallas in the final 6-4. Last year, despite earning an undefeated 2-0-1 record in the first round, the Aztecs were eliminated on goal differential after a 3-3 tie against the eventual-champion FC Sacramento in the final round robin match.

This year however, the finals were structured so that teams would be eliminated on the field of play. There are twelve teams in the tournament, four from Mexico, and eight from the United States. The field is split into four groups of three teams, two American team and one Mexican team in each group. All round robin matches are played today, and the first elimination round matches are tonight.

The group stage winners receive a bye into tomorrow's quarterfinals, while the second and third place teams will battle it out tonight in order to advance. Currently, the Aztecs are awaiting the results of the final round robin matches to determine who they will face in the first match of the elimination rounds. The game could be at either 11:40 PM or 12:30 AM Eastern Time. Meanwhile, the Aztecs are readying themselves for a do-or-die match.

"The guys know they have nothing to lose. We've played well, we feel we're the best team here, but we just haven't been able to pull off a win in these close games," said Aztec President Mike Kersker via cell phone from Tijuana. "But we know we have a lot of support back home, and the guys are ready to go tonight." We will announce the score of tonight's match and the results of the rest of the tournament as soon as possible on Saturday, March 10th.

Recap of the 2007 PASL International Championships - From the PASL website, www.arenaleague.com

Studio Wins First International Championship - USA VS Mexico in Final

Studio of Dallas Texas tops the Mexican National Champion Virmac of Oaxaca, Mexico 8-5 in the first ever PASL International Championship. The Championships were held at Furati in Tijuana Mexico. Patrick Shamu, Jaime Harrigan, and Alan Smith led Studio with 2 goals each. The two teams played earlier in group play and tied 4-4. Studio had some players with very impressive resume’s: Patrick Shamu, Juan Sastoque, Jamie Harrigan, Franck Mbemba , Alan Smith, Dwayne Burgeron, and Daniel Dobson all having either MLS () or MISL (Major Indoor Soccer league) experience. The knowledge of the game shown by these players was evident, but the heart and sole of Studio seemed to lie with lesser known players like: Jake Downs, Matt Clark, and Justin Clark who’s well timed tackles, steals, and pressure created opportunities for the other Studio players.

Virmac was also an experienced team with a lot of talent. Virmac came into the PASL International Championships with 5 Mexican National FNFR titles, their most recent title being in the fall of 2006. Virmac had to play an extra game in the Elimination round. The extra game seemed to take its toll in the fourth quarter of the final, when they appeared tired and not as sharp as they were earlier in the tournament. Virmac never gave up and fought to the end. Group C was truly the group of death in this years tournament. Studio, Virmac and the Springfield Spirits were all in that group. The Spirit knocked off the 2005 PASL winter league national champions, the Boston Aztec, in Fridays’ elimination matches and moved into the quarters. They lost to the San Diego Fusion, the 2005 Summer National Champions and 2006 Summer Finalist.

The event was highlighted by the quality of competition and the equality of talent displayed by both the US and Mexican teams. Six of the 12 teams in the tournament had held National Championship titles. Virmac is the reigning FNFR National Futbal Rapido Champion; Sonoma SOL is the US Open Cup Amateur Champion; and Cuernavaca, San Diego Fusion, Tacoma Stars and Boston Aztecs are all past PASL National Champions.

All Four Mexican Teams joined four US teams in the Quarter Finals. The Semi Finals had 2 Mexican and 2 US teams and the finals were Studio (USA) and Virmac (Mexico). Four of the eight elimination and quarter final games had to be decided by a shootout. The quality, and equality, of play of this event may never be surpassed. Tournament games scores and group standings are below.

Scores: (Group stage & elimination round matches played March 9th; Playoff round played March 10th)

Time Home Score Visitors Score Round 9:00am Cuernavaca 5 Las Vegas Knights 3 Group 9:50am Deportivo Lomas 2 San Diego Fusion 3 Group 10:40am Virmac 4 Studio 4 Group 11:30am Monterey Tech 4 Boston Aztecs 4 Group 12:20pm Las Vegas Knights 6 Snohomish Skyhawks 2 Group 1:10pm San Diego Fusion 2 Sonoma SOL 1 Group 2:00pm Studio 3 Springfield Spirits 1 Group

2:50pm Boston Aztec 4 Tacoma Stars 5 Group 3:40pm Snohomish Skyhawks 1 Cuernavaca 7 Group 4:30pm Sonoma SOL 2 Deportivo Lomas 8 Group 5:20pm Springfield Spirits 3 Virmac 2 Group 6:10pm Tacoma Stars 5 Monterrey Tech 6 Group 7:00pm Las Vegas Knights 4 Sonoma SOL 3 Elimination Shootout 7:50pm Deportivo Lomas 6 Snohomish Skyhawks 3 Elimination 8:40pm Springfield Spirits 2 Boston Aztecs 1 Elimination Shootout 9:30pm Tacoma Stars 5 Virmac 6 Elimination Shootout 9:00am Monterrey Tech 4 Las Vegas Knights 3 Quarters Shootout 9:50am Studio 5 Deportivo Lomas 2 Quarters 10:40am San Diego Fusion 4 Springfield Spirits 2 Quarters 11:30am Cuernavaca 1 Virmac 3 Quarters 2:00pm Monterrey Tech 3 Studio 5 Semi 2:50pm San Diego Fusion 0 Virmac 1 Semi 6:00PM Studio 8 Virmac 5 Championship

Group Standings:

Group A Win Loss Tie GF GA GD Points Cuernavaca 2 0 0 12 4 8 6 Las Vegas Knights 1 1 0 9 7 2 3 Snohomish Skyhawks 0 2 0 3 13 -10 0

Group A Win Loss Tie GF GA GD Points San Diego Fusion 2 0 0 5 3 2 6 Deportivo Lomas 1 1 0 10 5 5 3 Sonoma SOL 0 2 0 3 11 -8 0

Group A Win Loss Tie GF GA GD Points Studio 1 0 1 7 5 2 4 Springfield Spirit 1 1 0 4 5 -1 3 Virmac 0 1 1 6 7 -1 1

Group A Win Loss Tie GF GA GD Points Monterrey Tech 1 0 1 10 9 1 4 Tacoma Stars 1 1 0 10 10 0 3 Boston Aztecs 0 1 1 8 9 -1 1

Reflecting on a Legacy: Simpson steps down as Coach of the Aztec PASL squad

Beverly, MA - March 22, 2007 - After a career with the Aztec indoor team that began as a player, Dushawne Simpson announced that he is stepping down as head coach of the Boston Aztec PASL men's team. The new head coach will be announced at a later date. Simpson will continue in his position as head coach of the Boston Aztec WPSL outdoor team, as well as continuing as the Aztec youth club's Technical Director of the Girls Program, and as head coach of the Aztec U14 and U17 girls teams.

Simpson was an All-Star player at Southern Univ. and Salem St. College before playing professionally in the USL with the NH Phantoms, the A-League's Connecticut Wolves and Boston Bulldogs, and Avellino F.C in Italy's Serie C. He began playing with the Aztec indoor team five years ago, and after championship seasons as a captain, he took the franchise to the next level when he became head coach. In the most competitive amateur indoor soccer league in the country, he led the team to three consecutive PASL New England Regional titles and one PASL National Championship.

Dushawne released the following statement: Today, I am stepping down as head coach of the Boston Aztec PASL men's team. It has been a great experience coaching some of the finest players in the country. After serving as captain for two years with the Aztec men, my first year under coach John Garafolo, and my second year under coach Mike Kersker, Mike thought it would be a good idea if I took over as coach. I knew immediately that through my experience playing pro that I could bring in some talent. The rest is history, and now is the time for me to pass our legacy on to the next coach.

Right now, the best job in the world for me is being a youth coach, coaching for smiles and development of the player and person. Winston Churchill said, "we make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give." I'm giving young players in the North Shore area an opportunity that was given to me. To do the job that I've been blessed with I need to concentrate on the girls teams, as well as the women's team. I can guarantee that the Aztec girls will be some of the biggest names in soccer in this area for years to come. Thank you to all of the fans for supporting me and the team. Thank you to our #1 fans, the Langan's, for being at every game. A special thank you to Edgar Deleon and Mike Kersker, for your vision and continued support. And, last but not least, thanks to Matt Kersker, Vanessa Kersker, Linda Weinstein and Eric Slack for their help with game day operations. - 'Doc' Simpson

Aztec Player Goes Pro: Defender Kareem Smith Signs with European Pro team

Beverly, MA – February 28th, 2007 - Boston Aztec and the Aztec Soccer Club is proud to congratulate Aztec PASL defender Kareem Smith, who recently left the team for a pro contract in Europe. Smith signed with KÍ Klaksvík FC in the Faeroe Islands, an autonomous region of Denmark, and Smith hopes to advance his professional career with this move to Europe. While the Aztecs have had men and women with previous pro experience join their rosters, Smith is the first Aztec, youth or adult, to begin a pro career after playing with the club. Smith joined the Aztecs in mid-December, and recorded three assists as a fullback. He departed for Europe just before the PASL playoffs began, and although Aztec will miss his presence on the field, everyone in the organization is excited for him.

"Kareem was only with us a short time, but he had a positive impact on the club, and we wish him the best as a professional," said Aztec head coach Doc Simpson. "This is why our club exists, to provide great training for youth players, and to give high level high school and college players the chance to pursue their dreams."

Smith finished his college career at the University of South Florida as a Second Team All-BIG EAST player in 2006. He played and started in every match during his four-year USF career, as the Hyde Park native holds the USF record for consecutive starts (75) and is tied for the school mark in career matches (75). He has also represented the United States and Trinidad & Tobago at the youth international level. Over the last few seasons, he performed as an All-Star with the PDL's Crusaders, who helped him land the contract in the Faeroe Islands.

KÍ Klaksvík FC has over 100 years of tradition, and finished fourth in last season's Faeroe Islands championships. They have won 16 Faeroe Island league titles and 4 Faeroe Island cup titles, and first qualified for the preliminary rounds of the European Championships in 1992.

The Aztecs host the New York Shockers in the PASL Regional Championship this Saturday, March 3rd at 4:00 PM at Soccer ETC in Beverly. Tickets for Aztec playoff games are $8 for adults, $2 for youth and Aztec youth players get in for free. Three-team season passes for all Boston Aztec PASL, WPSL & NPSL 2006-07 home games are on sale for $25. More info is online at www.aztecsoccer.com or by calling 978-927-4519.

Aztecs Advance to Fourth Straight PASL Regional Final

Beverly, MA - February 25, 2007 - Championship soccer is back on the North Shore! Boston Aztec defeated the New Hampshire Granite 9-2 on Saturday, February 24th in a semifinal match at home. They will now host the PASL Divisional Championship Game next Saturday, March 3rd at 4:00 PM at Soccer ETC in Beverly against the New York Shockers, who defeated the South Shore Selects 12-8. This is the fourth consecutive regional final with the Aztecs facing the Shockers, as Boston looks to capture its third straight crown.

In last night's semifinal, Boston controlled the game from the start. Salem St. All-New England Yuta Kizaki was the man of the match, netting a hat trick. The rest of the scoring was spread around for the home team, with goals coming from Andrew Angus, Steve Gloria, Pele Fortias, Clive Mannion, Dave Evans and Luigi Mirisola in the 9-2 win.

A win next Saturday in the final would mean the third straight trip to the PASL Championships for the Aztecs. This year, the PASL Championships are being billed as the PASL International Championships, as the finals will be held in Tijuana, Mexico on March 9th & 10th. It will be a twelve-team tournament with round-robin matches played on Friday, March 9th, and with elimination round matches culminating in the championship match on Saturday, March 10th. Eight of the teams in the tournament will be from the United States, with four from the host nation.

As part of the festivities at the regional finals, the Aztecs will host the Aztec All-Star Night, which was postponed due to Montreal’s cancellation of the final regular season match on February 17th. The Aztec Soccer Club had nearly 70 high school-aged players recognized as All-Stars in the fall of 2006, and will honor those in attendance in a halftime ceremony.

Tickets for Aztec playoff games are $8 for adults, $2 for youth and Aztec youth players get in for free. Three-team season passes for all Boston Aztec PASL, WPSL & NPSL 2006-07 home games are on sale for $25. More info is online at www.aztecsoccer.com or by calling 978-927-4519.

Aztecs Host PASL Regional Semifinal this Saturday Take on New Hampshire at 7:00 PM in Beverly as team pursues another PASL Championship

Beverly, MA - February 20, 2007 - Once again it is playoff time at Soccer ETC as Boston Aztec will host their New Hampshire Granite divisional rivals in a PASL regional semifinal this Saturday, February 24th @ 7:00 PM. Boston finished in first place at 6-1-1 and earned their second consecutive PASL New England Division regular season title. New Hampshire finished the regular season at 1-7-0 and advanced to the playoffs after Montreal forfeited their final three games and their playoff position. The Aztecs and the Granite have faced each other twice this year, with Aztec winning both games by a combined score of 20-9. Salem State College All-New England Andrew Angus scored four goals in a 12-5 Aztec win on January 6th in New Hampshire, while All-American Ali Kaba pulled off multi-goal games of his own against the Granite, first on January 6th, and in the return match at home, an 8-4 win on February 3rd.

The winner of this weekend’s match advances to the 2006-07 PASL New England Divisional Championship Game against the winner of the New York Shockers/South Shore Select match. The regional final will be held Saturday, March 3rd , and should the Aztecs advance, they would host the match at Soccer ETC. The winner of the regional final advances to the 2006-07 PASL Championships to be held in Tijuana, Mexico on March 8th – 11th. Aztec has won the regional crown two years in a row, and earned the PASL championship in 2004-05.

Also, should Boston advance to the regional final on Saturday, March 3rd , the Aztecs will host their Aztec All-Star Night, which was postponed due to Montreal’s cancellation of the final regular season match on February 17th. The Aztec Soccer Club had nearly 70 high school-aged players recognized as All-Stars in the fall of 2006, and had plans to honor those who could attend a halftime ceremony on February 17th. Instead, the club hopes to be able to honor them on March 3rd , but first will need to take care of business against New Hampshire this Saturday night.

Aztecs Top Montreal 9-3, Montreal forced to cancel remaining matches Aztecs finish regular season in first place; Aztec All-Star night postponed

Beverly, MA - February 14, 2007 - The Boston Aztecs announced today that the return match at Soccer ETC on Saturday, February 17th against the Montreal Xpos has been cancelled. After the Aztecs 9-3 win in Montreal on February 10th, unforeseen developments forced Montreal to cancel what would have been a three-games-in-three-nights road trip through New England. Instead, the Xpos forfeited matches against South Shore, Aztec and New Hampshire and were eliminated from the playoffs. New Hampshire will take Montreal's place in the playoffs.

The forfeit gives the Aztecs a 6-1-1 record and clinches first place and home-field in the playoffs. The Aztecs will now host the New Hampshire Granite in a PASL regional semifinal match on Saturday, February 24th at 7:00 PM at Soccer ETC in Beverly. Boston has defeated New Hampshire twice this year by a combined score of 20-9.

The cancellation of the match vs. Montreal also means the Aztecs are forced to postpone Aztec All-Star Night, when the club was to honor its nearly 70 high school all-stars in a halftime celebration. Instead, should Boston beat New Hampshire and host the PASL New England Regional Final, the Aztec All-Stars who can attend will be honored at the Championship game on Saturday, March 3rd at Soccer ETC in Beverly.

Revolution Stars Help Make Charity Match a Success as Aztecs beat NH 8-4

Beverly, MA - February 4, 2007 - star , Revs GK and Revs Asst. Coach and former England star helped to make the Aztec vs. New Hampshire Granite Cancer Research Benefit match a huge success last night. A standing-room only crowd of nearly 500 people packed Soccer ETC in Beverly to help raise over $4,000 for the Friends of Sally Birchmore and the Dana Farber Marathon Challenge in honor of Valerie Bradley as the Aztecs took care of business against New Hampshire with an 8-4 win.

Left Photo: (l-r) Revs star Pat Noonan, Aztec President Mike Kersker, Aztec Media Director Eric Slack, Revs Asst. Coach/Ex-England Star Paul Mariner, Revs GK Doug Warren

Right Photo: (l-r) Noonan, Aztec Youth Player Valerie Bradley, Warren

An undermanned New Hampshire squad actually kept pace with the Aztecs for most of the match, as the home team was a little sluggish. But as all great teams do, they found a way to pull off the win. All-American Ali Kaba pulled off another multi goal game, Big East All-Star Kareem Smith was strong on defense and helped to ignite the attack and GK Ted Kakambouras, making his first start at home this season, also came in for praise from head coach Doc Simpson. Noonan, Mariner and Warren served as exemplary ambassadors for the sport, helping out with the halftime raffle drawing and spending time with the fans on hand. The raffle, complete with items like a Nintendo Wii, an autographed Gerald Green Celtics jersey and Rajon Rondo sneakers, helped to raise $5,000 along with other fundraising efforts last night.

Revs star Pat Noonan, former England star Paul Mariner to sub for

Beverly, MA - February 1, 2007 - Boston Aztec announced today that New England Revolution Head Coach Steve Nicol is unable to attend this weekend’s charity event when the Aztecs host New Hampshire. But in coach Nicol’s place, the Aztecs are excited to announce that Revs/US International star forward Pat Noonan, GK Doug Warren and Revs Asst. Coach and former England star Paul Mariner will be there on Saturday, February 3rd at 7:00 pm at Soccer ETC in Beverly.

Pat Noonan is one of the brightest young stars in American soccer. A first-round draft pick prior to the 2003 season, Noonan has been one of the Revs top offensive threats since first stepping on the field. He has 30 goals and 25 assists in four years with New England, helping the team to two MLS Cup appearances. Noonan was an MLS All-Star in 2005 and was the MLS Budweiser Scoring Co- Champion in 2004. With the US Men’s National Team, Noonan emerged as a potential 2006 World Cup candidate after starring for the squad during its run to the 2005 CONCACAF Gold Cup Championship before injury slowed him last year. Prior to his professional days, he was a three-time All-American at the Univ. of Indiana where he was part of the team that won the 1999 NCAA D1 title.

Paul Mariner has been the Revs Assistant Coach since 2004. A native of Bolton, Lancashire, England, Mariner was one of the top strikers in English football in the late 1970s and early 80s. He won 35 international caps playing for England, and led the England attack in the 1982 FIFA World Cup. Mariner scored 97 goals in eight seasons for Ipswich Town from 1976-84, before playing three seasons with Arsenal FC in London. His Ipswich Town side won the 1978 FA Cup and the 1981 UEFA Cup.

Doug Warren made his first appearance for the Revs after was red carded on August 17th, 2005 and immediately faced a PK. He has played with both the Revs & DC United and has also appeared with US U23 National team in Olympic qualifiers.

The Cancer Research Benefit Night will help "The Friends of Sally Birchmore" and "The Dana Farber Marathon Challenge in honor of Valerie Bradley." The U12 Girls team manager last year, Sally died from breast cancer, while Valerie was on the U14 girls team in 2006 and was a Mass. ODP player and was diagnosed with bone cancer. The proceeds from a raffle will go to help these two worthy causes in the fight against cancer.

Aztecs return home with 8-2 win over New York

Beverly, MA - January 28, 2007 - The Boston Aztec topped rival New York Shockers 8-2 this afternoon at Soccer ETC, avenging an early season loss in New York by the same score. The first place Shockers fell to 5-2-1, while the Aztecs moved to 3-1-1. Due to the scheduling, New York has now finished their regular season at 16 points and atop the New England Division. Boston has ten points and sits alone in second place with three games to play. With one match against New Hampshire and two battles with Montreal still to come, there is still much to play for as the Aztecs seek their third straight PASL Regional Crown and second National Championship in three years.

Next Saturday at 7:00 PM back at Soccer ETC in Beverly, the Aztecs will host the NH Granite on a very special night. The Cancer Research Benefit Night, to help "The Friends of Sally Birchmore" and "The Dana Farber Marathon Challenge in honor of Valerie Bradley." The U12 Girls team manager last year, Sally died from breast cancer, while Valerie was on the U14 girls team in 2006 and was a Mass. ODP player was diagnosed with bone cancer. The proceeds from a raffle will go to help these two worthy causes in the fight against cancer. New England Revolution Head Coach and Liverpool great Steve Nicol will be on hand for the match.

The first half was a back and forth affair, and the Shockers came out of the first quarter with a 2-1 lead. But the Aztecs regrouped and managed to crack New York's defense for two scores to take a 3-2 lead at halftime. In the second half, the home team took advantage of some half time adjustments, and struck for five unanswered second half goals to take a huge step towards a shot at first place in the standings. Andrew Angus scored four times in the win, and Ali Kaba and Mounir Boughamrani were forces up top as well, with Yuta Kizaki playing strong in the midfield. In the back, O'Neil Gray, Dave Evans, Jared Monaco, Tony Lage and Kareem Smith were tough in front of goal to help GK Peter Levassuer with the second half shutout. Levassuer had 38 saves on the day.

Revs Coach Steve Nicol to appear at Cancer Research Benefit Match on Feb. 3rd

Beverly, MA - January 18th, 2007 - The Boston Aztec PASL men’s team is excited to announce that New England Revolution head coach Steve Nicol will be in attendance at the Aztec home game on Saturday, February 3rd. Nicol’s appearance will be the same night that Aztec hosts a Cancer Research Benefit when they take on the New Hampshire Granite at 7:00 pm at Soccer ETC in Beverly.

Nicol is one of the most formidable figures on the landscape of the American soccer scene, having earned legendary status long before turning the Revs into a success. He starred for the English side Liverpool, making 467 appearances as a defender and midfielder and scoring 46 goals. With Liverpool, Nicol won four English League Titles, three F.A. Cup Titles and the 1984 European Cup. In 1989, Britain’s soccer writers named him Footballer of the Year. Between 1984 and 1992 Nicol appeared 27 times for the Scottish National Team, and started for his country at the 1986 World Cup in Mexico. Since becoming the interim head coach of the New England Revolution for the second time in 2002, he has completely altered the franchise, leading them to three MLS Cup final appearances (2002, ’05, ’06) and 5 consecutive Eastern Conference championship games, earning the job full time after winning the 2002 MLS Coach of the Year award.

There will be a fundraiser as part of the game with the proceeds being split equally between "The Friends of Sally Birchmore" trust fund and the "Dana Farber Marathon Challenge 2007". Sally Birchmore was manager of the now-U13 Aztec Girls team when she passed away after battling breast cancer. Valerie Bradley, who had been a member of the Aztecs U14 Girls and Mass. ODP in 2006, was diagnosed with bone cancer and has been undergoing treatments since June. Valerie's dad Larry will be running in the marathon and is collecting donations that go directly to the "Claudia Adams Barr Program in Innovative Basic Cancer Research". More information on the fundraiser is available by contacting Edgar DeLeon, Operations Director at 978-927-4519 or at [email protected].

The Aztecs have one more home game before the Feb. 3rd match up. The team returns to action on Sunday, January 28th at 2:00 PM when they against the New York Shockers at Soccer ETC in Beverly, MA. Tickets are $8, $2 for youth and Aztec youth players get in for free. Three-team season passes for all Boston Aztec PASL, WPSL & NPSL home games are on sale for $25. More info is online at www.aztecsoccer.com or by calling 978-927-4519.

Boston Aztec is a pro-caliber amateur developmental program with two men’s teams (PASL - indoor winter; NPSL - outdoor summer) and one women's team (WPSL - outdoor summer) that compete at the highest possible level in the U.S.A. behind the pro leagues (Outdoors - MLS, USL; Indoors - MISL). Boston Aztec is part of the Aztec Soccer Club, a full-scale developmental program with boys and girls teams ages 7-19 that in 2006 alone saw Aztecs earn accolades on the college stage and also produced over 60 high school all-stars around Eastern Mass and Southern NH.

Aztec tops Granite 12-5, return home on January 28th at 2:00 pm vs. New York

Beverly, MA - January 9th, 2007 - Boston Aztec took over sole possession of second place in the PASL New England Division with a 12-5 win over the New Hampshire Granite (0-3-0) last weekend in Bedford, NH. The Aztecs improved to 2-1-1 and moved past the South Shore Selects into second place, as the Selects (1-2-1) fell to the New York Shockers (3-1-0). With the Montreal Xpos (1-0-0) still having played only one game due to the way the divisional schedule is set up this season, everything is undecided with slightly more than a month left in the regular season.

The game started out tight, as the Granite held the Aztec scoreless through the first 14 minutes of the match, but Boston added three before halftime and never looked back. The visitors took control with six in the third quarter, adding three more in the fourth to account for their final tally of 12 goals on the night. The night was not without controversy, as Aztec head coach Dushawne Simpson was ejected after an argument with the officials.

Salem State All-New England Andrew Angus led the way with 4 goals and an assist, while former BHS All-American Ali Kaba had two goals and three assists. Another Salem State All-New England, Yuta Kizaki, was also a major contributor with two goals and two assists. Jared Monaco, Markens Benoit, Dave Evans and Mounir Boughamrani each had a goal for the Aztec while Ted Kakambouras, making his Aztec debut in goal, was stellar in stifling the Granite attack along with the defensive lines of Evans, Monaco, Danvers High head coach Tony Lage and Big East All-Star Kareem Smith.

Boston Aztec wins first PASL Match of 2006-07

Beverly, MA - December 18, 2006 - The Boston Aztec PASL Men's team raised their record to 1-1-1 on the 2006-07 campaign, earning a 7-3 victory over the South Shore Selects last Saturday night.

The Aztecs jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the first half before the Selects got on the board with a late goal. But the visitors gave South Shore no chance to steal any momentum out of the gate in the second half, rattling off three in the third period to extend the lead to 7-1. The Selects added two late goals to finish the scoring.

Aztec veteran Dave Evans led the way with two goals and an assist, while also bottling up Select star and ex- Revolution forward Luke Vercollone, along with the Aztecs all-star keeper, former Salem High and Salem St. All-Star Peter LeVasseur. Salem St. All-Stars Andrew Angus and Yuta Kizaki each had a goal while wreaking havoc on South Shore all night long. Mounir Boughamrani, Jared Monaco and Markens Benoit also scored for the Aztecs, while newcomer Kareem Smith was an exceptional pickup, adding an assist in his first game with the team.

Smith, a native of Hyde Park who attended Beaver Country Day and recently finished his senior season at the Univ. of South Florida, is tied for the school record in games played for USF, starting in all 75 games of his four-year career. Smith was named a Second Team All-Big East All-Star in 2006, earned All-South Regional status for the Bulls in 2004 and was named All-Conference USA (2004) and Conference USA Freshman of the Year (2003) before USF moved into the Big East. Smith was All-Conference and All-State at Beaver Country Day, and has also been a member of the Trinidad & Tobago U-20 Men's National Team, the U.S. U-18 Men's National Team, the Region I Olympic Development Program (ODP) team and helped lead his club team, the South Shore United Blazers, to a U-15 Region I title and three state championships at each of the U-16 through U-18 levels.

Aztec Fall to Shockers in New York Beverly, MA - December 10th, 2006 - The Boston Aztec PASL men's team fell to 0-1-1 on the season with an 8-2 loss to the New York Shockers in Albany over the weekend. It was the worst loss by the Aztec team since a 16-8 loss to Montreal during the Aztec's 2005 PASL National Championship season.

The team will be on the road next Saturday, December 16th at the South Shore Selects. The Selects and the Aztec played to a 7-7 draw in their first meeting of the season. The season will then break until after the New Year.

The team also officially announced that they will hold a Cancer Research Benefit on Sat., Feb. 3rd at 7:00 PM, when the Aztec play host to New Hampshire. The raffle benefit will be for two members of the Aztec Soccer family affected by cancer over the past year. There will be a fundraiser with the proceeds being split equally between "The Friends of Sally Birchmore" trust fund and the "Dana Farber Marathon Challenge 2007". Sally Birchmore was the U12 Girls team manager and passed away last April after a lengthy battle with breast cancer. Her daughter, Kelly, plays on the Aztec's U13 Girls team. The Marathon Challenge is for a player on last year's U14 team, Valerie Bradley. Valerie was diagnosed with bone cancer in June, underwent a nine-hour operation to remove the cancerous part of her knee, chemotherapy and faces another 12 months or more of rehab. Valerie's dad Larry will be running in the marathon and is collecting donations that go directly to the "Claudia Adams Barr Program in Innovative Basic Cancer Research". For more information on how to help, contact Edgar DeLeon - Director of Operations and Marketing at [email protected].

Boston Aztec to Host Cancer Research Benefit Match on February 3rd Click Here For the Dana Farber Marathon Challenge 2007

Webmaster's Note: Having recently gone through my own family's battle with cancer as my father, John Slack, has thus far successfully battled pancreatic cancer over the past year and a half, this effort is of particular importance to me. Cancer knows no prejudice, it can touch anyone at anytime, and anything we, the Aztec family, can do to help fight these insidious diseases will have a huge impact on all those affected by it. I thank you for your support of this initiative. - Eric Slack

Dear Friends & Families,

This past year the Aztec Soccer Family has been deeply affected by cancer. First our dear friend and last year's U12 Girls team manager Sally Birchmore passed away in April after a lengthy battle with breast cancer. Leaving behind her husband Ron and two daughters Ashley and Kelly. Kelly is on the current U13 girls team and is in her fourth year playing for Aztec. Sally was truly an amazing mother and friend and was always doing things for her family and others.

Then one of our players, Valerie Bradley from last season's U14 Girls team was diagnosed with bone cancer in June. Valerie was completing her first year with Aztec and was also an ODP keeper at the time of her diagnosis. Needless to say Valerie, her parents Liz and Larry and younger brother Scott and sister Charlotte have been faced with a life changing event. She started chemotherapy immediately and in September had a nine hour operation to remove the cancerous part of her knee and then major reconstruction. She came through the surgery great but is still dealing with chemotherapy and is looking at 12 months or more of rehabilitation.

Personally knowing both of these amazing people and their wonderful families has led us to want to do something to help them out in their time of need.

On Saturday February 3rd 2007 the Aztec Mens' team will be hosting a game to benefit these two families. There will be a fundraiser with the proceeds being split equally between "The Friends of Sally Birchmore" trust fund and the "Dana Farber Marathon Challenge 2007". Valerie's dad Larry will be running in the marathon and is collecting donations that go directly to the "Claudia Adams Barr Program in Innovative Basic Cancer Research".

Aztecs, Select Play to 7-7 Tie in PASL Opener- Former Revolution player scores 4 for Select in draw

December 2nd, 2006 - Beverly, MA - The Boston Aztec Premier Arena Soccer League (PASL) Men's team started their season with a 7-7 draw with the South Shore (MA) Selects at Soccer ETC tonight. Former New England Revolution forward Luke Vercollone scored four goals for the visitors in the match.

Seven different players scored for the Aztecs, including current Danvers High coach Tony Lage. The Aztecs found themselves down one with less than two minutes to play when former Salem State star O'Neil Gray tied the match in heroic fashion once again. It was Gray who netted the winning goal with mere seconds to play in last year's PASL Regional Championship game.

But the individual star of the game was Vercollone. Vercollone's four goals kept the visitors in the match and nearly stole the game, as his speed was a danger all game long. Vercollone, a native New Englander who played at Silver Lake Regional High School in Kingston, MA and Seton Hall Univ., played for the Revolution in 2004 and 2005. In 2006 he played with the of the USL First Division.

Vercollone's presence on the field only underscores the level of play that is featured in leagues such as the PASL, WPSL and NPSL. Competitive players like Vercollone (or former Boston Breaker and current Boston Aztec WPSL star Meotis Erickson who was in attendance tonight), looking to keep their game at the highest level play for teams like the Aztec, and the action is on display year round.