New England Aztec – A History: 2000 to 2003

Chris Ethier Earns Spot on Boys U16 Regional Pool Accomplishment Highlights Aztec Success in Olympic Development Program

BEVERLY, MASS. -- August 1, 2003 --Chris Ethier has just added another highlight to an already long list of soccer accomplishments. The Beverly High School, Aztec Soccer Club, and State Team standout was chosen to be part of the Region One* Player Pool.

"I’m looking forward to the chance to play with some of the best talent, under some of the best coaches in the country," Ethier said.

Ethier who was the starting Center Midfielder for the Massachusetts State Team the last two seasons will attend a week-long Region One training camp in Binghamton, NY that will be run by the best college coaches in the area.

Ethier captained the U-16 Aztec squad to a Division II champion crown with 7 goals and 10 assists last spring. He also led Beverly High School in assists (16) last fall where he started every match as a freshman helping the team to the Massachusetts North Finals. Ethier was Awarded Best Offensive Player and was the first freshmen ever selected to the Northeastern Conference All-Star Team.

"Chris has worked long and hard throughout each season," said Mike Kersker, Founder and Director of Coaching for Aztec Soccer under which Ethier has flourished in the last three seasons. "Making the Regional Pool is proof positive of his dedication and determination. I know he’ll share this success with the other members of the Massachusetts State Team, including three players from next year's Aztec U17 squad."

Aztec Soccer Club players on the Olympic Development Program's Massachusetts State Team include:

1. Kayla Danehy (17 Girls) 2. Ashley Diver (14 Girls) 3. Chris Ethier (16 Boys) 4. Bianca Gallo (13 Girls) 5. Sara Hourihan (16 Girls) 6. Jared Joaquin (15 Boys) 7. Casey King (13 Girls) 8. Jack Lindsay (16 Boys) 9. Christian Slack (16 Boys) 10. Greg Spurr (16 Boys) 11. Scotty St. Cyr. (13 Boys) 12. Katie Weinstein (15 Girls)

2003 Youth Wrap Up

Starting in the fall of 2000 the core of the U16 boys began in the Aztec Advanced Training program, formerly known as Kersker Instructional Developmental Soccer. 1 1/2 years later in the spring of 2002 they became the third team in existence to represent the black and red of Aztec Soccer.

The Aztec 15 Boys started on the ground floor in MAPLE-D, and were led by Head Coach Mike Kersker and Assistant Coach Kenny Finn. Going 6-0-1 the team was promoted to Division 2 in the U-16 age group of MAPLE.

During the Spring of 2003 Head Coach Justin Dechene and Assistant Coach Matt Landman led the team to another undefeated season in MAPLE, this time in Division 2. The team’s success resulted in the Aztec 16 Boys becoming Division 2 Champions and automatically being promoted to Division 1 MAPLE for the 17 Boys age group.

The Aztec 16 Girls began their road in the Spring of 2003 in MAPLE-D. The 16 Girls were led by Head Coach Mike Kersker. During their very successful campaign, the 16 Girls went undefeated in MAPLE-D, and subsequently were automatically promoted to Division 2 for the following year in the 17 Girls Division.

After being seeded last in the Snickers State Cup competition, they proceeded to win three consecutive challenge matches, including defeating two MAPLE teams from Division 2 and ultimately becoming the first team in the history of Aztec Soccer to qualify for the State Cup Round Robin. They continued their amazing run in the State Cup competition by defeating a MAPLE Division 1 opponent 3-1 in their first match. Unable to get a result in the final two State Cup matches the Aztec 16 Girls finished the year having gone through a tremendous undefeated run that spanned two months and 12 straight matches against Division 1, Division 2, and MAPLE-D teams along with being the Champions at the Dartmouth Cup.

A new Aztec 15 Boys team was formed in the winter of 2002-2003. There was a core of players on the team that were original players in the Kersker Instructional Developmental Soccer Program, which is now called the Aztec Advanced Training Program. The team began their Spring 2003 Campaign in MAPLE-D led by Head Coach Doug Prouty, who emphasized defensive organization and a possession style of play. The team had a very successful spring ultimately finishing in 1st place in the U-15 Division of MAPLE-D with 6 Wins and 1 Loss, and automatically being promoted to Division 2 for the following year in MAPLE. The team also won the Dartmouth (NH) Cup Memorial Weekend Tourney.

The Aztec 14 Girls also had a group of players that began their Aztec careers in the Kersker Instructional Developmental Soccer Program in the Fall of 2000. Bringing this strong background in soccer technique along with new additions to the team, Head Coach Mike Kersker led his team to great heights, assisted by Jeff Roy. Beginning in MAPLE-D during the fall season the Aztec 13 Girls were in a very strong grouping, and had exciting matches week in and week out. The Fall 2002 season went down to the final game v. The South Coast Scorpions, where Aztec needed a win to secure one of the top 6 slots in MAPLE-D and advance automatically to the Spring MAPLE-D grouping. The game was tied with 2 minutes remaining, both team playing in almost complete darkness, Ashley Diver penetrated into the attacking third on the dribble and was fouled setting up a PK for Casey King. With the season on the line Casey buried the PK and the Aztec 13 Girls advanced to the Spring grouping by finishing in second place in their division.

During the Spring MAPLE-D season, Mike Kersker developed the team to the point that they became the 1st place team in U-13 Girls MAPLE-D winning the division and automatically advancing to Division 2 in the Fall of 2003.

The Aztec 13 Boys began their journey in the Fall of 2002 under the direction of Head Coach & Head of Player Development for Aztec Soccer Kenny Finn. The Aztec 13 Boys had a core of players that originated from the Kersker Instructional Developmental Soccer Program that began in the fall of 2000. The Aztec 13 Boys, a new MAPLE team, just as the majority of their counterparts were in the Aztec Program, needed to begin their existence in MAPLE-D. There were 3 divisions in MAPLE-D with approximately 25 teams all together vying for 6 automatic bids to the Spring 2003 MAPLE-D Division. The Aztec 13 Boys started the season in a 3-5-2 system of play, but eventually changed to a more traditional 4-4-2 to increase the number of defenders in the back. The Aztec 13 Boys had a very successful fall season with 5 Wins - 1 Loss - 1 Tie, and in their final match of the season v. FC PUMA needing 3 points. They achieved the result they were looking for with a 2-0 victory, with the shutout going to GK Mike Gorman.

The Aztec 13 Boys finished 2nd in their division and insured a spot in the top six for the Spring 2003 MAPLE season. Wesley Snipes was a key acquisition midway through the fall season, as he provided technical/tactical prowess and leadership in the midfield. The Aztec 13 Boys also had an exciting run in the Snickers State Cup Challenge Round. Starting in the first round against Nashoba United, the Aztec 13 Boys were immediately challenged. Down 1-0 early in the match, front runner Scotty St. Cyr equalized the game for the Aztec 13's 1-1. Then with darkness ensuing, Drew Masterson was fouled in the box when penetrating on the dribble drawing a PK, Dominc Ashley stepped to the spot and in extra time scored the "" to win the match 2-1. In round two the Aztec 13 Boys faced an organized Division 2 team Tri-Valley United, the Aztec 13 Boys showed very well going up 1-0, & keeping the game at 1-1 until 5 seconds left in regulation when TVU scored the game winner on an upper 90 strike.

Head Coach Kenny Finn was joined in the Spring of 2003 by Assistant Coach Emelio Vernon who was an All-New-England Player for the Salem State College Men's team in the Fall of 2002. The Aztec 13 Boys needed to finish in the top 5 in MAPLE-D to be promoted to Division 2. Starting the season the team used a 4-5-1 system-of-play, but after two losses to Greater & South Shore Select and not being able to score, the coaching staff realigned the team opting to use a 3 front & go with a 4-3-3 creating numbers in attack. The Aztec 13 Boys became a dangerous team and went undefeated the rest of the way with 3 wins and 2 ties. They secured a spot in the top 5 in their last match with a 2-0 win over an out-of-state team Mid-State United, but it was a few days earlier with the heroics of Nick Lococoa when he equalized the game at 1-1 v. SAC to give the team an opportunity to be promoted. The Aztec 13 Boys were promoted to Division 2 after a great effort from top to bottom by the 18 players on the team. Scotty St. Cyr was selected to the 13 Boys MASS. Youth ODP team.

Aztecs Capture AISL Championship, 9-6 Win Over Caps Memorable Season

BEVERLY, MASS. -- April 1, 2003 --Trailing by a score of 4-6 early in the 4th quarter, the Mass Aztecs Men's Premier Team rallied to clinch the AISL championship with a 9-6 win over Connecticut Academica last Saturday evening at a capacity-filled Soccer ETC.

"In big games, your big players step up," said Aztec coach Johnny Garofalo. And Johnny knows who his big guns are. That's why he made Kenny Hannan and Justin Dechene his captains. They each tallied twice in the emotional final.

The crucial point in the game came when Academica, caught up in attack, made a bad foul on Dechene and were whistled for a two- minute penalty by referee Ryan Davis. On the resulting power play, Hannan placed a ball through a host of players just inside the far post to tie the game (6-6) for the third time.

Minutes later, Academica, aware of their foul trouble, were forced to trip Dechene as he advanced his dribble deep into the Academica defensive third. Academica's 6th foul of the quarter resulted in a shootout goal opportunity and Dechene, starting from the red line, took a good first touch forward, and slid the ball under the advancing keeper's left side to put the Aztecs up 7-6 with 1:12 remaining.

"JD caught them with their pants down on the last goal," said Aztec midfielder and former Merrimack stand-out Jimmy Machado. "That started the celebration."

With :36 remaining, Academica had pulled their keeper for an extra field player and pushed the rest of the team forward. Dechene received a long ball, settled it on his left foot and had only one man to beat. Which he did, by calmly placing it into the net and then freeing his excitement into a wave of hands along the Aztec bench. "We worked long and hard throughout the season," said Mike Kersker, team leader, Founder and Director of Coaching for Aztec Soccer. "It was great to share this win with this tremendous group of teammates and our loyal fan base."

Academica, as they did all game long, attacked quickly and with 16 seconds left did get a shot off from behind the 3-point arc. It struck the near post and was smothered by Aztec netminder Graig Murphy who sent the ball downfield and was greeted by a mob of celebratory players from the Aztec bench.

The game was a back-and-forth battle following the opening moment of silence for the War in Iraq and Peter Kersker's singing of the National Anthem. Hannan struck first giving the Aztecs a quick 2-0 lead but Academica's speedy counter-attack fed by quick-reflexed goalkeeper and some creative playmaking caught the Aztecs unbalanced twice within a minute's time to lead 4-2. With 2 minutes remaining in the second quarter, Mike Moschella trapped the ball and split two defenders with a diagonal pass into space for Ben O’Brien sprinting down the right wing. O'Brien one-timed the shot in stride sending it into the upper left corner

Tied 4-4 at halftime, the Aztecs were confident that the two lines of Academica could not keep up with the pace of the Massachusetts squad who rotated their Tiger line (featuring Ipswich's Tyler Smith, Matt Lemire, and Colby Smith with Doug Prouty, and Jeff Roy) regularly throughout the first three quarters.

Both teams might have connected on numerous chances. Defender Kyle Zaracki followed play into the attacking third and cracked a shot one ball outside the far post. It was a rare scoreless night for Dan Pucci in the midfield. The Aztecs used all their gifts on Saturday night. The team was led in a pre-game locker room prayer by injured midfielder Philippe Berthoud and looked calm and focused as Aztec U-16 premier stand-out Chris Ethier worked the team through warm-up exercises.

"We needed to and were able to play at a very high level," said Aztec veteran defensemen Christian Pulver after a congratulatory embrace of Dale Morgan. Morgan logged the most minutes on defense, and by the end of the night looked ready to collapse.

"It was a very intense game," said Kenny Finn, Aztec Head of Player Development. "We've come from behind all season, and when you do that you just believe that you'll do it again. But I'm sure there were some people out there, wondering if we'd used up all our luck."

Accepting the trophy from AISL commissioner, Paul Lapointe, a look of jubilant exhaustion and elation filled Coach Garofalo's face. When you have this much team chemistry you don't need luck, but a little bit doesn't hurt.

Aztecs 2003 AISL Wrap-up

BEVERLY, MASS. -- March 18, 2003 --Behind two goals each by Dan Pucci and Ben O'Brien, the Mass Aztecs Men's Premier Team won the first semi-final game of the inaugural American Indoor Soccer League (AISL) season by outrunning the New Hampshire Storm 12-6 last Saturday evening at Soccer ETC.

Though the Aztecs gave up a goal on the first shift and held a one-goal lead at the end of the first quarter they controlled possession throughout the game.

The Aztecs were missing captain Ken Hannan, out with a sore ankle and team leader Mike Kersker who was attending an Olympic Development Program seminar in Delaware. Aztec defenders Dale Morgan and Christian Pulver stepped up to keep the defense in line.

The Aztecs did have their opportunities. Dan Pucci missed a penalty kick and Lemire missed two one-goal shootout opportunities after New Hampshire picked up their six fouls in the second and fourth quarters.

Mike Moschella, playing the target for the Aztecs, did an excellent job of forcing New Hampshire up one side. He also set up the most memorable goal of the game when he settled and turned a long through ball. He proceeded to stand up and nutmeg the Storm sweeper before feeding Matt Lemire who blasted a one-time shot into the back of the net (his third in the last two games). Lemire also set up Ipswich high school senior Colby Smith who recorded his third goal of the season.

BEVERLY, MASS. -- March 11, 2003 --The Mass Aztecs Men's Premier Team came from behind to score eight unanswered points as they outran the Springfield Twisters in the final regular season game of the year last Saturday night at Soccer ETC.

The win punctuated the Aztecs league title with a perfect (6-0) record in the AISL. Once again however, the Aztecs started slow. Springfield's #11, Michael Russeau, started the scoring when he drove a hard ball far post.

Midway through the first quarter the Aztecs began to get settled in. Captain Ken Hannan got an early equalizer with his fifth goal of the season. The Aztecs tied the game when captain Justin Dechene led a 3 on 2 counterattack. He feigned a pass left to an overlapping Dan Pucci and instead went right side to Jimmy Machado who cleanly finished his 5th two-point goal of the season into the lower left corner.

The game was very physical and very fast and referee Ryan Davis was determined to keep it under control handing out 2 two-minute penalties in the first half and 4 in the second including a double penalty sending one man from each team to the box. With only 9 seconds remaining in the first half, the Aztecs were whistled for their second hard foul and given two minutes. Springfield's direct kick was well guarded by the wall, however Russeau dribbled right through the broken play, found some room, and blasted a shot wide of the far post. Twister forward Dan Sullivan slid into the boards, knocking the ball of the wall, then off his upper body and into the net with no time remaining. The Aztecs went into half time as they've done in almost every one of their American Indoor Soccer League (AISL) matches, trailing their opponent this time down 4-6.

Matty Lemire, the opportunistic Ipswich high school junior, scored two close range goals for the Aztecs. Ben O'Brien returned to the scoring column with a signature series goal (his 15th and 16th points) to put the Aztecs up for good. Aztec defender Christian Pulver closed out the scoring with his second of the season.

BEVERLY, MASS. -- March 4, 2003 --The Mass Aztecs Men's Premier Team lost their second match in a row, 4-1, to the World Cup All-Stars from Montreal in an international exhibition in front of 300+ fans last Sunday afternoon at Soccer ETC.

The game, similar to last week's, was very physical and very fast. The Canadian All-Star team brought their international roster of professional players minus Ali Ngon (Cameroon). The Canadians kept excellent shape, were very sharp on their restarts and counters sending either or both defenders into attack.

Matty Lemire, the ever opportunistic Ipswich high school junior, scored the lone goal for the Aztecs. Playing out of the midfield, Lemire followed a long shot that went off the goalie gloves into the boards above the goal and back into play where he headed it through the keeper's raised arms. Still the Aztecs went into the locker down 4-1.

The second half the Canadians, no doubt tired from their 6-4 victory over the Springfield Twisters on Saturday night, were content to play a Box and One style defense (keeping four players square in the back with a lone forward). The second half was something of a rarity, as far as indoor soccer goes, a scoreless tie.

The Aztecs were not without their chances. Justin Dechene, Michael Kersker, and Dan Pucci managed some creative opportunities and rang the posts on several occasions. Kenny Hannan gave his typical all-out effort including his minutes as sweeper/keeper in substitution for Aztec netminder Graig Murphy. Christian Pulver and Dale Morgan were very strong in the back for the Aztecs.

BEVERLY, MASS. -- Feb. 25, 2003 --The Mass Aztecs Men's Premier Team lost their first match in two seasons as the Canadian All- Stars came from behind to secure a 6-4 victory last Saturday at the Sportsplexx in Laval (Montreal) Canada.

The game was very physical but played at a high level. The Canadian All-Star have an international roster of professional players from El Salvador, Italy, Peru including Ali Ngon (Cameroon) and Everton Jackson (Jamaica) who accounted for half of the All-Star goals.

Dale Morgan scored his second in two games on a power play goal and Mike Kersker and captain Ken Hannan each scored their third goal in as many games. Hannan scored his on a header with only seconds remaining in the first quarter to put the Aztecs up 2-1. Kersker, who had a goal an assist playing in the midfield, finished a loose ball in the box with time running out in the first half to send the Aztecs into the locker room with a 3-2 advantage.

The Canadians were very sharp on their restarts and got 2 of their second half goals from dead ball opportunities. The lone Aztec goal in the second half came from Dan Pucci mid-way through the 4th quarter cutting the lead to 4-5 on a penalty kick. Two minutes later on a dead ball just outside the area, the All-Stars sent a back-breaking blast into the back of the net.

Justin Dechene had two assists in the contest. The Aztecs were missing playmaker Philippe Berthoud who is still recovering from a sprained knee he injured against New Hampshire on February 15th.

Aztec netminder Graig Murphy was elected player of the match. Murphy made several reflex saves keeping the game close in the first half. Like every good tender, he elicited help from the posts, but after Murphy stole two breakaways from the All-Stars and when he went horizontal from halfway across the net to cover up a near volley, it was clear who gave the best performance on the Aztec side.

BEVERLY, MASS. -- Feb. 18, 2003 --The Mass Aztecs Men's Premier Team earned the regular season championship of the American Indoor Soccer League (AISL) with an 18-4 win over the New Hampshire Storm last Saturday at Soccer ETC.

Colby Smith started the scoring for the Aztecs finishing off a fine two-man attack with a header on an assist from Tyler Smith. He sent a low hard volley by the keeper on his next shift and just missed the first half hat trick in the closing seconds.

Mike Moschella made his debut in the target position for the Aztecs. Using his large frame he was able to shield the ball and his excellent vision allowed him to create several chances with the pass.

In the second half Tyler Smith, Mike Kersker, Matt Lemire, and Moschella added goals and defender Dale Morgan headed in his first of the season.

Aztec playmaker Philippe Berthoud went down with a knee injury in the first half. The prognosis is a bad sprain. Philippe will have an MRI later today. He is doubtful for the next two matches against Montreal. BEVERLY, MASS. -- Feb. 11, 2003 --The Mass Aztecs Men's Premier Team held on to a one-point lead to get an important road win against Connecticut Academica last Saturday, February 8th.

With less than two minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, the Aztecs, holding onto a 9-8 lead, were whistled for their sixth foul. Based on the rules of the AISL, Academica was awarded a 1-point shoot-out goal opportunity.

The field players were sent behind the half line and Graig Murphy stood alone in the Aztec net to prevent the breakaway and preserve the lead. The Academica shooter rolled the ball over his foot, pushed it right, prepared for his shot and tried to go high but Murphy closed ground quick, got good glove on the ball, and deflected the shot out and over the end line.

Academica came out fast, furious and firing. The Aztecs had their backs against the wall, or the bubble rather, when they fell down by three goals early in the boardless FieldTurf dome facility in Winsted, Connecticut.

Ken Hannan's aggressive play front running for the Aztecs jump started the emotion and resulted in two one touch goals. He blocked the keepers clear and pushed in a rebound to bring the Aztecs within a goal in the second quarter.

Mike Kersker playing with a lot of confidence in the midfield blasted a near post shot that beat the Academica netminder and tied the game at six. Early in the second half he snuck to the weak side and struck a perfect cross from Tyler Smith just as it passed the 3-point arc. The ball hit the back of the net before the defense or the goalkeeper could even react.

Phillipe Berthoud's individual creativity around the ball created several chances for the Aztecs in the second half and fierce man-to-man marking of Christian Pulver and excellent winning of long balls by Jeff Roy and Dale Morgan kept the Academica scorers at bay.

Kersker and Justin Dechene ticked down the final seconds of the match with a two-man shielding drill deep in the Connecticut defensive corner.

BEVERLY, MASS. -- Jan. 28, 2003 --The Mass Aztecs Men's Premier Team piled on the drama once again by sneaking out a 12-9 win over Connecticut Academica at Soccer Etc. to stay atop the American Indoor Soccer League (3-0).

After missing on numerous easy chances in the first half, a late three pointer from behind the red line pierced the upper 90 of netminder Graig Murphy's goal and sent the Aztec squad into the locker room shocked and down 3-0.

Tyler Smith opened the scoring for the Aztecs with a low hard blast. When Pucci finished the penalty kick off the inside of the top left corner, the crowd, which had been waiting for something to cheer since Pete Kersker's singing of the National Anthem, came alive.

Mike Kersker playing out of the back for the first time this season, beat his man on a right-to-left move at the red line. He cut middle and ripped a left-footed shot that hit the cross-bar and bounced straight down into the net. When Philippe Berthoud scored perhaps the best individual goal of the season late in the third period to give the Aztecs a lead, the crowd erupted. Bertoud stood his man up, beat him to the left, and then beat the support side defender before cracking an off-balance blast past the Academica goalie.

The 10-5 advantage did not last long. An Academica free kick went through the wall. They scored again with less than two minutes left on a free-kick toe poke from just right of the goal.

The game was 10-9, when the Aztecs put together their best team goal of the season stringing seven passes together including three one touch passes in the attacking end before Ben O'Brien punch volleyed in his league-leading seventh goal to secure the 12-9 win.

BEVERLY, MASS. -- Jan. 14, 2003 --The Mass Aztec Men's Soccer team needed all 60 minutes to extend its unbeaten streak and remain atop the AISL. It took a last-minute goal to secure a 10-9 victory over the Massachusetts Twisters in the Coliseum in West Springfield last Saturday night. The win puts the Aztecs in first place in the AISL and extends its winning streak to eleven (2-0 this season, 9-0 last season).

With three minutes left in the game the Twisters scored on a header to go ahead 9-8. Coach Johnny Garofalo was granted a time out with just over a minute remaining in the game. He replaced Aztecs netminder Graig Murphy (14 saves) with Dan Pucci as a 6th field player.

With :58 remaining Pucci drove the ball from just outside the goal area down the field to Justin Dechene ('JD'). JD layed the ball off to Ben O’Brien who dribbled into the Twisters defensive end and played the ball across to Mike Kersker. Kersker gained control of the ball in the corner and placed a pass off the near boards that found JD's left foot and went directly to the upper corner of the net.

The Mass Twisters scored first to take an early 2-0 lead. Within minutes, however, the Aztec's third line (the "Tiger Line": Ipswich high school standouts Colby Smith, Tyler Smith, and Matty Lemire along with veteran's Mike Moschella and Jeff Roy) responded with a beautiful counter attack. Tyler Smith broke through the middle of the field and fed the ball left for a clinical finish by a cutting Matty Lemire. The Twisters controlled the possession and scored again to go into the locker room with a 4-2 advantage. The Twisters had seemingly put the game out of reach for the first time in the third quarter when a three pointer from outside the arc put them up 7-2. The Aztecs however were just getting accustomed to the long field. Jimmy Machado one-timed his fourth of the season and captain Kenny Hannon came from the back to follow up a one-two with his first goal of the season and make it 7-6. Aztecs leading goal scorer Ben O'Brien scored his fifth of the season to put the Aztecs up 8-7 with five minutes remaining in the game. The lead was short-lived but brilliantly set up for JD's last-minute heroics.

BEVERLY, MASS. -- Jan. 7, 2003 --The Mass. Aztec Men's Soccer Team began their season with a 20-4 victory over the New Hampshire Storm. More than 250 fans braved the snowstorm to see the Aztecs clinch their home opener at Soccer Etc.

Ben O'Brien, former University of Minnesota midfielder, scored the first of his four goals to lead all players just two minutes into the game. Jimmy Machado, a recent stand-out at , had three goals. Dan Pucci, a former All-American at Babson, and Tyler Smith, a senior at Ipswich High School each contributed two goals to the Aztec cause. Goalkeeper Graig Murphy held a shutout for three quarters before being replaced by Peter Kersker.

The Aztecs captured the Arena Soccer League (NEASL) championship last year, finishing a perfect 9-0. This year the team returns five players including Shane McCarran, Jeff Roy and captains Justin Dechene and Ken Hannan along with Mass. Aztec President and Founder, Mike Kersker. The team will compete in the American Indoor Soccer League (AISL) against teams from Springfield, Mass., Connecticut, as well as Montreal, Canada.

The rules of the AISL are designed for scoring with all live ball goals equaling 2 points and goals outside of the 45' radius or defensive third of the field are an additional point (for a 3 pt. total). Shootout goals, which occur if a team commits six or more fouls in a quarter, are worth 1 point.

Remembering 2002 - The following is an excerpt from a Fall 2002 Newsletter.

CLUB NEWS The Aztec organization has expanded over the course of the year 2002, currently we have approximately 50 players in the Advanced Training program and with 9 Club teams we have 150 players, bringing the total to 200 players that are being developed through our Aztec soccer program. The soccer vision of Mike Kersker has become a wonderful reality and continues to grow each day. Our organization is on the cutting edge of US Soccer, and we are constantly challenging ourselves to provide the highest level of soccer training to our players. Recently Kenny Finn has become a full-time staff member for Aztec Soccer, and he has been devoting his time and energy to making the organization as successful as possible. He is organizing curriculum along with the coaching staff to challenge players and teach them the game. Kenny received his NSCAA Advanced National Diploma this summer at , and is implementing ideas that he learned from this week long course.

The outstanding training facility and match day fields at the Waring School in Beverly, MA have been tremendous for our soccer club. We would like to thank Jan Lindsey the Athletic Director at the Waring School for her support in providing us with these fields. Thank you to Jamie Ethier and the many parents who assisted with the parking throughout the season. We also need to continue keeping the area clean, remember to always throw away any trash. There is a restroom available behind the main parking lot, if you walk through the clearing it is to the left of the building facing the lot.

The upcoming events in November for Aztec Soccer include a Club Banquet which Kenny Finn will notify the Club of the date, time, and location. We have also planned a College Mentoring night at Gordon College on Wednesday November 20th from 7pm-9pm. We will have Silvio Vasquez the Dean of Admissions from Gordon College speak, Mike Kersker the Coaching Director of Aztec Soccer, and potentially a representative from the New England Revolution or the .

The Aztec Soccer Club was founded in the fall of 2000 by Mike Kersker, and that was what we intended to have on our alternate game and training shirts. The logo that states we were Established in 2002 should actually read two years earlier. We are currently in our third year and want to continue providing the best soccer experience available in Massachusetts.

ADVANCED TRAINING and MAPLE RESULTS Jeff Winterton is the Head of the Aztec Advanced Training program. Currently we are in our third year of Advanced Training, in which the Aztec staff focuses on player development. The use of Coerver ball control exercises, incorporating the walls with technical development, small-sided play, coaches involved in the run of play, and a high staff ratio are the staples of this developmental program. The staff includes current Salem State player Emelio Vernon from Jamaica, who is the starting Central defender at Salem State College. During Sunday sessions we have the assistance of elite High School players from the North Shore Pete Kersker, Chris Ethier, Ben Gehab, and Matt Lemire.

The fall MAPLE season has started, and we have 6 teams playing in the MAPLE League. We have 4 teams on the girl’s side U-11, U- 12, U-13, and U-14 and two on the boy’s side U-13 and U-14. During the spring we also have three older teams the U-15 Boys are coached by Jeff Winterton, the U-16 Girls are Coached by Mike Kersker and the U-16 Boys which were promoted to Division 2 are coached by Justin Dechene.

U-11 and U-12 Girls The U-11 Girls coached by Mike Kersker and assisted by Kenny Finn, and Jeff Winterton, have a record of 3-2. In their first match v. SAC Brittany Russo scored to equalize and Aryanna got the game winner for a 2-1 win, in their second match Brittany Russo and Aryannna scored again preserving a 2-1 win against CRU. The 3rd match the 11 Girls faced a strong South Shore Scorpions team, which they lost to 6-2 Brittany Russo added a pair of goals. In the fourth game this season the U-11 Girls defeated the Bandits 2-0 with a goal from Brittany Russo and one from Jessica Macdonald. The fifth game of the season Spirit won 2-1, Taylor Ocko scored her first goal of the year for the Aztecs.

The U-12 Girls coached by Jeff Winterton and assisted by Mike Kersker, and Kenny Finn began their road with a forfeit win over Juventus. In their first match against a very good MSA team they lost 3-1, Caitlyn Clarke scored off a restart by Alison Stager. In their third match against Nor'easter they won 1-0 with a goal from Caitlyn Clarke, and then lost the following week 3-0 versus Nova. The 12 Girls are currently one game over .500 with a record of 3-2, after defeating SAC 3-1 in their fifth match of the year. Head Coach Jeff Winterton reports, "We are coming together as a team, we are playing hard, learning team defending, and understanding the lateral movement of the ball."

U-13 and U-14 Girls The U-13 Girls have been playing very well winning four MAPLE matches and dropping only one under the direction of Head Coach Mike Kersker and assistant coach Jeff Roy. In their opening match versus Freedom FC Jessica Morrow scored 5 goals en route to a 6- 1 win, and Casey King had two goals in a 3-1 win against Sunfoot FC. In the third match of the season the 13 Girls lost to Galway Rovers 3-2, but bounced back the following Sunday and won 2-1 at Waring in a thrilling match versus Sp Cristale. The opponent Sp. Cristale equalized with five minutes remaining in the match, and then with 5 seconds remaining Casey King took a Corner and served it into the box and in dramatic fashion Samantha Weinstein headed in the game winner.

The 13 Girls began the Snickers State Cup preliminaries with a 1-0 win in their first Challenge Match, defeating Metro-Black Magic on Saturday September 28th , Morgan Healey scored the game winner. The U-13 girls played their next Challenge Match Saturday October 5th in Plymouth, MA against MSA (Citron) and came up short losing 3-0, great effort girls in the Challenge matches. Mike Kersker stated, "The U-13 girls are playing together as a team, there is great team chemistry, and they are learning how to support the ball." The 13 Girls are in second place in their division with a 4-1 record after defeating Nashoba United 2-0 off a Jessica Morrow PK, and a Casey King goal.

The U-14 Girls opened the season with MSA and lost to a tough opponent 1-0, but were able to prevail in their second match v. FC PUMA 2-1, Katie Weinstein scored as did Brianna Russo. The week three opponent was Juventus Wst. MA, which the 14 Girls defeated 2-1, Kirsten Lundquist and Kerri Domohowski each scored goals. The fourth game of the MAPLE season brought good fortune with a 7-0 win over Post Road. Kerry Domohowski proved to be dangerous scoring a hat trick, while Brianna Russo added 2 goals. The 14 girls defeated Southeastern 1-0 on a Brianna Russo goal, bringing them within one game of securing second place and automatic qualification for the spring. The 14 Girls Head Coach is Sean Killeen who is assisted by Mike Moschella.

Head Coach Sean Killeen reports, "Jenna DeLuccia, Emily Freeman, Sarah Lambe, and Alyssa Goodhue have anchored the defense, while Liz Brenton and Brittany Martin have provided stellar goalkeeping. Standing out in the midfield has been Katie Rezza who reads the game very well, along with Laurie Sansoucie, Meg McDonald, and Katie Weinstein who all help to control play in the middle third. The girls have learned to work hard, be patient, and to finish the chances they create. The team chemistry is clicking and the progress has been steady."

U-13 and U-14 Boys On the boys side the U-13's won their first match 2-1 over the Boston Wolfpack with goals by Drew Pickul unassisted and Kevin McCarthy assisted by Dominic Ashley. In their second match of the season they faced a dominant front runner from Dragon FC who helped his team hand the 13's a 5-1 loss, Kevin McCarthy scored the lone Aztec goal assisted by Drew Pickul. The third match of the season the 13 Boys tied Cape Cod United 1-1, Kevin McCarthy continued his scoring streak to three matches assisted by Brian Meikle. The fourth match of the fall resulted in a 2-1 win against Freedom FC, Drew Masterson scored in the 5th minute of play unassisted, and Drew Pickul scored in the 11th minute on an assist from Sam Gamer. In the fifth game of the season the 13 Boys won 12-1 over Mission, Drew Masterson and Brian Meikle each scored hat tricks, while Kevin McCarthy added 2 goals and an assist. The 13 Boys are currently in second place in their MAPLE-D Division, and are coached by Kenny Finn.

The U-13 Boys also played in a Challenge match Tuesday September 24th versus Nashoba United. The Aztec 13 Boys won 2-1 in double overtime on a PK taken by Dominc Ashley. The equalizing goal during regulation was scored by Scotty St. Cyr assisted by Drew Masterson. The second round Challenge match for the 13 Boys resulted in a tough 2-1 loss against an organized Tri-Valley United team on Saturday October 5th in Dudley, MA. The 13 Boys went ahead 2 minutes into the match on a PK scored by Dominic Ashley our PK specialist. Tri-Valley equalized late in the first half, and then both sides had opportunities to score, finally with five seconds remaining in regulation Tri-Valley hit a one-timer in the side netting to win.

The Head Coach for the Aztec U-14 Boys Aparicio Smart along with his assistant coach Chris Kersker have both worked hard throughout the past two months to develop their team. They began the fall MAPLE season with a 4-1 loss against a strong Nashoba United team on the road. In their second match they faced an equally talented opponent in the NH Stars, the final score was 4-0. In the 14 Boys first home match at the Waring School they defeated Mission 2-0, for their first win of the year. The following week brought another formidable opponent Mid-State United from Rhode Island, the Aztec 14 Boys lost 5-0 away from home. The second home game of the year brought good fortune as the Aztec 14's notched a 5-1 victory. The team's progress this fall was most evident in the final match they played in the Columbus Day Tournament in Nashua, NH against the NH Stars. During this match the team was organized defensively, created scoring chances in the attacking third, and counter attacked quickly through midfield. The Aztec 14 Boys held the Stars scoreless until under ten minutes to go, when a big time girl playing on the boys side buried a restart upper 90 for a 1-0 win, but the Aztec Boys showed the strides they have made as a team.