New England Aztec – A History: 2007 Boston Aztec WPSL, NPSL seasons, Part One

Aztecs Divisional Rivals Advance to WPSL and NPSL Championships

Beverly, MA - July 29, 2007 - Although the Boston Aztec minor league seasons have come to an end, two of their divisional rivals from the WPSL and the NPSL advanced to the league championship matches.

The WPSL finals will be held in Tampa, FL on July 28-29. The Eastern Conference champion , a team the Aztecs played to a tightly contested 0-0 draw this season, advanced to the final after a 5-4 PK win over the South Conference champion Tampa Bay Elite. The game finished in a 1-1 draw. The Mutiny will face the Midwest Conference's FC Indiana tonight, who defeated California's Ajax America from the West Conference after another 1-1 draw and a 4-3 win on PKs. Three of the teams in the finals rank in the top 20 women's soccer teams in the world. Ajax is ranked 2nd, Indiana is 7th, and the Mutiny are 17th, according to the Women's World Football Rankings. For results of the finals, log on to www.wpsl.info.

The NPSL finals were held in San Diego on June 27-28. The Queen City FC Blues, who were 3-0-0 against the Aztecs this season, took the Northeast Division champions and advanced to the final after a 4-4 draw and a 5-4 win on PKs. They took on the Southern California Fusion from the Southwest Division in the finals, who earned a 1-0 win over Wisconsin's from the Midwest Division. The two California sides, the Sol and the Fusion, also field squads in the PASL and were finalists in the 2006- 07 PASL International Finals in Mexico along with the Aztecs. The Blues fell to the Fusion in the final, for a match report log on to www.queencityfc.com.

Aztecs Demoner Named To 2007 All-WPSL Third Team

.Beverly, MA - July 26, 2007 - Boston Aztec M Gabriela Demoner was named to the 2007 All-WPSL's Third Team. Demoner is an All-American from Franklin Pierce College, and was selected to the WPSL team of the week twice this season. She left the team prior to the final weekend to join her native Brazil in preparation for next month's World University Games in Thailand. For a full list of the 2007 All-WPSL team, log on to www.wpsl.info.

Lady Aztecs beat Laurels 4-0 as WPSL, NPSL seasons end Matt Lemire and Barrie Lindsay profiled in the Ipswich Chronicle Erickson named to WPSL Team of the Week Revs star Michael Parkhurst pays a visit to Aztec Registration Celebration

Beverly, MA - July 15, 2007 - The Boston Aztec WPSL side finished the 2007 season with the most wins in their history at 5-4-1. First, the Lady Aztecs earned 4-0 win over the Northampton Laurels F.C. on Saturday, July 14 at J. Birney Crum Stadium in Allentown, PA. The Aztecs jumped to an early lead in the opening minutes of Saturday's contest with a goal from former BU captain Lauren Ciccone on an assist by Fairfield University All-Star Alex Caram and made it 2-0 at the half with a Kristin MacDonald goal. MacDonald played at Beverly HS and Indiana-Purdue and is now the Girls Varsity Head Coach at Beverly High School.

The Aztecs scored two more in the second half, one each by Mexican WNT player pool member Myriam Del Pozo and UMass-Amherst striker Britt Canfield. As for the second game of the weekend, it was a much different result, a 2-0 loss on the road to New York AC. The Lady Aztecs went down 1-0 at halftime, and were unable to recover after a knee-injury to co-captain central defender Caitlin Leary.

As for the Boston Aztec NPSL men's team, a tough season became that much tougher as the squad was forced to cancel its last regular season match in Buffalo against Queen City FC due to injuries. The Aztecs finish their inaugural campaign in the NPSL at 3-5-2.

Queen City was awarded a 1-0 win by forfeit, and due to league rules the Aztecs relinquished their playoff spot, giving QCFC a bye into the conference finals. Although other teams have forfeited matches to the Aztecs in the past (notably the Montreal Xpos last winter in PASL action), this is the first time the Aztecs have ever been forced to withdraw from a match. According to Aztec President Mike Kersker, "we had 14 guys for the trip at midweek, and by Friday it was down to only seven healthy bodies. As much as we wanted to play, we felt that the risk to our players and their college seasons was too great."

IN OTHER RECENT NEWS: Boston Aztec players Matt Lemire with the men and Barrie Lindsay with the women were profiled in the Ipswich Chronicle recently. Both players are from Ipswich. Lemire played at Ipswich HS and has played for UMass-Amherst and San Diego St. in college, while Lindsay played at the Waring School in Beverly and is headed for Wheaton College in the fall. For more, read the story here.

Also, Meotis Erickson was named to the WPSL's Team of the Week for her hat trick vs. the SoccerPlus CT Reds. She was named as an honorable mention selection. Had it not been for a four-goal performance by the Reds' Tiffany Weimer in the same match, "Mo" would likely have been named as a Co-Player of the Week. Read "Mo's Memoirs" 2007 WPSL journal at www.aztecsoccer.com.

Lastly, the Aztec Soccer Club had a busy week at the youth level as well. The club hosted their 2007 co-ed youth camp at Governor's Academy from July 8th - July 12th, as well as the Registration Celebration for the 2007-08 U11-U18 youth teams on July 11th at Soccer ETC. All-Star Michael Parkhurst made a stop at the Registration Celebration and signed autographs and posed for pictures. Photos from the camps and registration NOW ONLINE!! Check out the Aztec Photo Gallery.

WPSL TEAM OF THE WEEK: JULY 6-JULY 8

F Tiffany Weimer - WPSL CO-PLAYER OF THE WEEK (SOCCERPLUS CT) - The Penn State Nittany Lion legend & USWNT Pool member scored 5 goals and an assist in two must-win games over the weekend in victories over Philadelphia and Boston, including all four tallies versus Boston on July 8th. Down 3-1 at the half to the Aztecs, Weimer scored a "natural" hat-trick in the second half alone to keep the Reds' playoff hopes in the North Division of the East Conference alive. F Brittany Potts (RIVER CITIES F.C.) - RCFC kept pace in the Midwest race, notching two wins over the weekend as the former Ole Miss striker & All-SEC selection scored two goals and an assist on July 8th vs. F.C. Twente 3 IL. On July 7th vs. Chicago, she scored an unbelievable bending restart and then hit the crossbar later in the game - all this after a goal-assist performance the week prior in a win over F.C. St. Louis. F Lydia Hastings (ATLANTIC CITY DIABLOS) - After being traded from the CDSA Future to the Diablos last week, the Region I ODP member went on to score four goals in her debut against the Maryland Pride and on the next day, added another goal to bring her tally to five in two games. With the wins, the Diablos are at the top of the Mid-Atlantic Division (East Conference) and have clinched a playoff spot in the East. MF Kelly Waeckerle - WPSL CO-PLAYER OF THE WEEK (F.C. ST. LOUIS) - FCSTL registered their first victories of the 2007 season in two hard-fought matches against F.C. Twente3 IL and the Chicago United Breeze. The St. Louis native & All-Atlantic 10 Conference selection for SLU played strong defensively from her outside midfield position and remarkably, was also involved in six of the eight goals scored by FCSTL this past weekend - while scoring four and assisting two by herself. MF Sherice Anders (SAN DIEGO W.F.C.) - For the second straight week, the former Boston Breaker makes the WPSL TOTW - this time as a midfielder. And, for the second straight Sunday, Anders scored two goals for the SeaLions including one off a direct free-kick to lead San Diego to a 2-1 win and its first season-sweep of the California Storm in six years. The second-place West Conference side had already beaten the Storm by a 2-0 score in Sacramento on June 16th. MF Hannah Hand (CLAREMONT STARS) - In their July 7th game vs. the Lamorinda East Bay Power, the New Mexico State star & U.S. National "B" Team member assisted on the first three goals in the second half to break the 0-0 stalemate at half-time wide open in the eventual 6-0 victory in West Conference action. MF Shannon Strong (SAN FRANCISCO NIGHTHAWKS) - The captain for the Nighthawks showed her leadership once again, as she tallied two goals in a match for the second time this season in the win over F.C. Sacramento - a volley off a cross and a driven 25-yard shot. This is her second appearance on the WPSL TOTW this year. D Amanda Harris (SONOMA COUNTY F.C. SOL) - The speedy NSCAA All-Far West Region selection for Sonoma State has been one of the best and most consistent performers for Coach Emiria Salzmann this season after a move from striker to right back - and has been virtually indefensible. The Player of the Game had two assists in the 3-0 win at the San Francicso Nighthawks on July 7th. D Ashley Valenzuela (AJAX AMERICA) - The former Cal-Berkeley star & Ajax sweeper for the now-2007 West Conference champions kept former USWNT star Brandi Chastain in check in a 2-0 shutout win over the California Storm and anchored the defence in a tight 2-1 win over the up-and-coming Stars. The wins over California and Claremont clinched the second straight West Conference title for the No. 2-internationally ranked side. D Kristin Shaw (NEW ENGLAND MUTINY) - The defense of the No. 17-internationally ranked Mutiny has been one of their strengths as well this season and the former Univ. of Washington standout has been a big reason for that success. New England's big 2-0 shutout win over fellow North Division contenders in last weekend pushes the team's defensive record to only two goals allowed in nine WPSL games this season for the undefeated side. D Sue Weber (LONG ISLAND FURY) - The 2006 WPSL champions have their own stalwart on defense, as the U.S. U-21 National Team Pool member & Hofstra star stopped everything that came her way, and was "brilliant" in shutouts over Northampton and Boston last week for the Fury. With the wins, Long Island is still in the hunt for one of the three East Conference playoff spots reserved for the North Division. GK Meghann Burke (RIVER CITIES F.C.) - The 2006 WPSL All-Tournament selection posted a 3-0 shutout on July 7th vs. Chicago and shared a shutout on July 8th, saving a penalty kick to preserve the clean sheet. The former Carolina Courage keeper helped keep her team in the hunt for the Midwest spot in the WPSL Final Four. HONORABLE MENTION: F Carla Arbulu (ADIRONDACK LYNX) - the Ohio State defender-turned-forward led the Lynx in a must-win match vs. Bay State, scoring 3 goals and an assist in the 5-1 victory. In the end, though, it was to no avail as the 2006 North Division champs were knocked out of post-season contention; F Meotis Erickson (BOSTON AZTECS) - a candidate for POTW honors herself unfortunately notches her second Honorable Mention appearance for Boston this season, as her 3 goal-performance vs. SoccerPlus CT was negated by the second half onslaught by Weimer in the loss, dropping the Aztecs out of playoff consideration; MF Tiffany Yovino (LONG ISLAND FURY) - the Albertson Fury product had an outstanding midfield performance vs. Boston in a big 4-0 road win for the 2006 WPSL champions, scoring off a 35-yard rocket that was considered the goal of the match; MF/F April Colen (AJAX AMERICA) - after notching two goals and five assists last weekend, the former All-WPSL selection makes her second straight appearance on the TOTW as in the words of Head Coach Brian Boswell, she "worked her butt off as a forward and in the midfield" in wins over Claremont & California, which helped clinch the 2007 West title; GK Megan Walker (A.C. DIABLOS) - nominated on a number of occasions by her Head Coach Matt Driver for her consistent play this season, the William & Mary keeper's shutout vs. Maryland gets her a spot on this edition of the TOTW.

Demoner to play for Brazil at World University Games; Lady Aztecs out of the playoff picture, while the men prepare for the postseason

July 10th, 2007 - Boston Aztec star and Franklin Pierce All-American Gabriela Demoner has been selected to play for Brazil at the World University Games next month in Thailand. Meanwhile, the Lady Aztecs were knocked out of the WPSL playoff race after a tough 4-3 loss to the SoccerPlus CT Reds on Sunday, July 8th in Connecticut. The Aztec men have already clinched an NPSL Northeast Division playoff spot, and finish their regular season this Saturday, July 14th in Buffalo vs. Queen City FC.

It was a Meotis Erickson vs. Tiffany Weimer battle in last Sunday's WPSL clash. Erickson, a two-time All-American at Notre Dame and former WUSA player with the , had all three of the Aztec goals, as the Aztecs built a 3-1 lead by halftime. But Weimer had her own game to remember, scoring all four Reds goals in a disheartening loss for the Aztecs. Weimer was a three-time All- American at Penn State and is a member of the US National Team Pool.

Boston has two matches next weekend, the first in Pennsylvania on Saturday, July 14th against the Northampton Laurels, and the second on Sunday, July 15th when they visit New York AC. They will be without Demoner, who has left to begin training for the tournament in Thailand. Demoner earned two selections to the WPSL Team of the Week this season with the Aztecs.

Boston Aztecs take on Long Island in the final home games of 2007

July 6th, 2007 - Everything is on the line this weekend with the final home doubleheader of the regular season for the Boston Aztec minor league soccer teams on Saturday, July 7th. First at 5:00 PM, the Aztec men take on in NPSL action. Then at 7:30, the Lady Aztecs take on the defending WPSL Champion Long Island Fury. Also, at 2:00 PM, the Lady Aztec WPSL reserve team, made up of area high school / college stars from the Aztec Soccer Club, will also take on Long Island. All of the games are at UMass-Lowell.

In the NPSL match, the Aztecs are looking to solidify their hold on the fourth and final division playoff spot. A win over Long Island clinches a playoff spot for the Aztecs, and gives them an outside chance at the third seed. The top four teams in the NPSL's Northeast Conference qualify for the divisional playoffs, with the winner earning a spot in the NPSL finals. The Aztecs have one more regular season match, next Saturday, July 14th in Buffalo vs. Queen City FC.

As for the women's match, the Aztecs will be pushing hard for a win over last year's champion Long Island Fury. The match is expected to be highly competitive, as the teams played to two 0-0 draws last season. In recent team news, the Aztecs had two players named to the WPSL's team of the week for June 27th - July3rd (Gabi Demoner, Franklin Pierce - First Team; Jamie Gillis, UMass- Lowell - Honorable Mention), while the Fury's Tina DiMartino (UCLA) was just named to the US U-21 team for the upcoming Nordic Cup tournament in Finland. Boston needs to finish in the top two spots of the North Division of the WPSL's East Conference to qualify for the postseason. Four teams qualify for the WPSL's East Conference playoffs, the top two in the North Division, and the top two in the Mid-Atlantic Division, with the winner advancing to the WPSL national finals.

The Lady Aztecs have three more matches after Saturday's game, including a match on Sunday in Connecticut against the SoccerPlus CT Reds. The Reds are coached by World Cup Champion Tony DiCicco. After that, Boston has two matches next weekend, the first in Pennsylvania on Saturday, July 14th against the Northampton Laurels, and the second on Sunday, July 15th when they visit New York AC.

WPSL TEAM OF THE WEEK: JUNE 27-JULY 3

F Kandace Wilson - WPSL CO-PLAYER OF THE WEEK (AJAX AMERICA) - The 2005 Big West Conference Co-Offensive Player of the Year and former NSCAA All-West Region selection scored 7 goals in two games, helping to maintain Ajax' lead in the West while also retaining their undefeated record (9-0). The former Cal State-Fullerton star and her southern California side now have a 5-point lead with two games in hand in conference play, as they host rival California Storm in a big match this Saturday. F Kennya Cordner (NORTHAMPTON LAURELS F.C.) - A post-season participant in their first season in the WPSL last season, the Laurels are beginning to get on a roll and helping that this past weekend was the performance of the Trinidad & Tobago international. Her 3-goal, one-assist performance including both game- winning tallies in wins over Mid-Atlantic (East Conference) foes Real Shore F.C. and Philadelphia Liberty has helped her side to the top spot in the division with a 5-2 record. F Tessa Lennala (SAN DIEGO W.F.C. SEALIONS) - San Diego has unfortunately lost the services of leading scorer in Chinese international Ouying Zhang as her homeland called her home to serve the ball for her country, but they have found some help from a player with northern European roots. Tessa Lennala, a Second Team All-Big West selection for UC-Riverside, scored a goal in each of the SeaLions' wins last weekend to push her into a tie with Zhang for the team-lead with five tallies on the season. MF Gabriela Demoner (BOSTON AZTECS) - The Brazilian import and NSCAA All-American for Franklin Pierce College makes her second appearance on the TOTW this season for the Aztecs, as she scored both goals in a 2-0 win over . Boston sealed the match in the 81st minute with an assist to Honorable Mention TOTW selection and Aztecs' goalkeeper Jaime Gillis, who sent a long punt that bounced straight into Demoner's path. She raced in on a breakaway and notched the game-winner for the 4-1-1 side, who are not out of contention for a post-season berth in the East playoffs. MF Caitlin Fisher (NEW YORK A.C.) - Potential has been the earmark of New York A.C.'s 2007 season, but they finally have been able to field a full- side in a deep East Conference. They registered their first two wins of the season this past weekend thanks to former and Hammarby Sweden star Caitlin Fisher, who notched both goals via free kick mastery in NYAC'S 2-1 win over Bay State on June 30th. MF Fatima Leyva (F.C. INDIANA) - The Mexican Women's National Team midfielder showcased her technical prowess in wins over Chicago United Breeze and F.C. Twente3 IL. Leyva served all three corner kicks that fellow TOTW selection Elisabetta Tona scored upon in the win over Chicago, while notching goals herself with a tally in each of the 2005 WPSL national champions' victories. MF Maureen Whitney (CALIFORNIA STORM) - One of the WPSL cornerstone sides are still in the race for the West Conference title, thanks to the efforts of their premier defensive midfielder. The four-time All-WPSL selection & former League MVP makes her second appearance on the TOTW this season, as she controlled the center of the pitch against a strong and determined Sonoma County F.C. Sol team in a 2-0 shutout. The Storm can vault upwards with positive results on the road this weekend against first-place Ajax and second-place San Diego. D Elisabetta Tona (F.C. INDIANA) - The Italian WNT defender marshaled a F.C. Indiana defense which held both of their opponents this past weekend to a total of three shots on goal. Yet, it was her "header hat-trick" served by fellow TOTW selection in Leyva off corner kicks in their match versus Chicago that really helped her team maintain pole position for the Midwest crown. D Kat Tarr (RIVER CITIES F.C.) - The 2006 Midwest champion had their say as well, keeping pace with F.C. Indiana as the University of Missouri standout and 2006 WPSL Final Four All-Tournament Team selection scored a goal in RCFC'S shutout win over cross-town rival F.C. St. Louis. The enigmatic defender scored her goal on a bomb in the 63rd minute, thanks to an assist from Jesyca Rosholt. D Sherice Anders (SAN DIEGO W.F.C.) - The former Boston Breakers and University of San Diego star scored twice for San Diego W.F.C. in a win over Lamorinda East Bay Power and notched an assist over a determined San Francisco side to help the SeaLions' keep pace in the West race. GK Rebecca Ritchie - WPSL CO-PLAYER OF THE WEEK (UTAH SPIDERS) - After coming in with two consecutive shutouts, Richie was instrumental in the Utah Spiders' 2-1 win over then-Southwest Leaders in the Albuquerque Lady Asylum on June 30th. The Weber State University keeper and the youthful Spiders' squad then kicked it up a notch on July 3rd, as she helped her side to an impressive 3-0 win over Rush Salt Lake City, putting her side temporarily at the top of the Southwest Division.

HONORABLE MENTION: F Kiki Bosio (AJAX AMERICA) - the All-West Coast Conference selection for powerhouse Santa Clara tallied three goals and two assists over the weekend in both home victories for the West leaders. She has also been selected to the U.S. U-23 team alongside Ajax team-mate Kendall Fletcher for the upcoming Nordic Cup being held in Finland this July 18-24; F Annii Magliulo (SONOMA COUNTY F.C. SOL) - the former All-WPSL selection makes the TOTW for the second time this season with her two-goal, two-assist performance in SCFC's win over F.C. Sacramento Pride; MF April Colen (AJAX AMERICA) - for the first time this season a team has three honorees on the TOTW, as the former All-WPSL selection and Cal State-Dominguez Hills star notched two goals and five assists; GK Jamie Gillis (BOSTON AZTECS) - her shutouts over North Division leader New England Mutiny and Bay State Select helped keep her team in contention for a East Conference playoff spot; GK Dimi Poulos (RUSH SALT LAKE CITY) - the Rush SLC keeper and Australian import makes her second appearance on the TOTW this season with a 2-0 shutout over then- Southwest leaders in the Albuquerque Lady Asylum, making a series of 1-v-1 saves to register her third clean sheet of 2007.

Lady Aztecs draw with Mutiny, Men fall to Queen City Aztecs back home at UMass-Lowell next Saturday, July 7th

June 27th, 2007 - The Boston Aztec WPSL and NPSL squads faced tough opposition tonight at UMass-Lowell. The Lady Aztecs played to a 0-0 draw with the New England Mutiny, while the Aztec men fell to Queen City FC 3-0.

In the first match, the Lady Aztecs (4-1-1) and the Mutiny (6-0-2) put on a clinic of fantastic soccer. Despite the scoreless draw, both teams created numerous chances. Kellie Oberholtzer and Sara Hourihan both hit the post for the Aztecs, while Meghan Schnur of the Mutiny was a handful for the Aztec defense. Aztec GK Jaime Gillis was phenomenal in goal, while the Mutiny's Karen Riviere saved a ball off the line that would have given the Aztecs the win.

In the second match, an undermanned Aztec squad was unable to get the ball past the Queen City FC (5-1-1) defense in a 3-0 loss. With the Aztecs (2-4-2) missing nine players due to injury, the team brought up some of its reserve players against first place Queen City. Taylor Bracken played strong in net for the Aztecs, facing 16 shots in total. Christian Elizondo and Rudi Costa scored in the first half for the visitors, while Matt Mahaffrey added a 90th minute goal to round out the scoring. Next Saturday, July 7th, the Aztecs and Long Island will have a tripleheader in Lowell. First, the Aztec WPSL reserves face the Long Island reserves at 2:00 PM. The Aztec men take on Long Island Academy at 5:00 PM, while the Aztec women take on the defending WPSL champion Long Island Fury at 7:30 PM.

Lady Aztecs improve to 4-1-0 with 2-0 win over Bay State All-American Gabi Demoner adds two more goals for the hosts

Beverly, MA - June 27, 2007 - The Boston Aztec WPSL squad continued their winning ways with a 2-0 win over the Bay State Selects tonight at Salem St. College. Franklin Pierce All-American Gabriela Demoner scored both goals for the Aztecs. The Aztec teams will be at home at UMass-Lowell on Saturday, June 30th, when the men take on Queen City FC and the women against the New England Mutiny. The Aztec WPSL Reserves match against the Adirondack Lynx Reserves has been postponed, and now the Aztec / Mutiny WPSL match will kick-off at 5:00 PM. The Aztec NPSL match against Queen City will still start at 7:30 PM.

After a scoreless first half, the Aztecs got on the board in the 70th minute when Jenna Giardina, another Franklin Pierce All-Star, cut the ball back across the 18-yard box to an on-rushing Demoner. Selects GK Mae Shamir (Boston College, 5 saves) managed to get a piece of it but could not keep the ball out of the net. Boston sealed the match in the 81st minute, when Aztecs 'keeper Jaime Gillis (UMass- Lowell, 5 saves) sent a long punt out of her area that bounced straight into Demoner's path, who raced in on a breakaway and scored.

Aztec falls to Queen City FC 1-0 in Buffalo Women at Salem St. on Wed. 6/27; Tripleheader in Lowell on Sat. 6/30

Beverly, MA - June 23, 2007 - The Boston Aztec men fell on a 75th minute own goal 1-0 to Queen City FC last night in Buffalo, NY. Now at 2-3-2, the Aztecs find themselves below .500 for the first time this season. The win improved Queen City FC's record to 3-1-1.

The next Boston Aztec home match is a Lady Aztec WPSL match against Bay State Select next Wednesday, June 27th at 7:30 PM at Salem St. College. Both Aztec teams will be at home at UMass-Lowell on Saturday, June 30th, when the men take on Queen City FC and the women face off against the New England Mutiny. The Aztec WPSL Reserves will take on the Adirondack Lynx Reserves at 2:00 PM, while the Aztec / Mutiny WPSL match kicks off at 5:30 PM. The Aztec NPSL match against Queen City will start at 7:30 PM.

Aztec, Long Island play to 1-1 draw

Beverly, MA - June 19, 2007 - The Boston Aztec men earned a 1-1 draw with Long Island Academy (2-0-3) tonight in Lowell. Ebbie Kodiat scored for Boston (2-2-2) on a 25-yard free kick in the 40th minute, while Shawn Higgins evened the match on a rebound in the 74th minute. The score of the game could have been much higher had it not been for Long Island GK Bill Gatti (4 saves) and former St. John's Prep keeper Taylor Bracken (8 saves) in the Aztec goal.

The next Boston Aztec home match is a Lady Aztec WPSL match against Bay State Select next Wednesday, June 27th at 7:30 PM at Salem St. College. The Aztec NPSL squad will take on Queen City FC this Friday, June 22nd in Buffalo. Both Aztec teams will be at home at UMass-Lowell on Saturday June 30th, when the men take on Queen City FC and the women face off against the New England Mutiny..

Aztec Women win 3-0; Men Return To Action Tuesday, June 19th at home U16 Girls fall in State Semi's but Aztec Youth Teams Still Reach a Milestone

Beverly, MA - June 18, 2007 - It was a busy weekend for the Boston Aztec minor league teams and their Aztec SC youth counterparts. In their second home doubleheader at UMass-Lowell this summer, the Boston Aztec WPSL and NPSL teams remained undefeated at home last Saturday night. After a 4-1 loss on the road to Long Island (2-0-2) on Friday, June 15th, the Aztec men (2-2-1) returned home to earn a 1-1 draw with the Atlantic City Diablos (2-0-3) in the first match on June 16th. The Aztec women improved to 3-1-0 with a 3-0 win over the Northampton Laurels (2-2-0) in the Saturday nightcap.

As for the Aztec youth teams, although the U16 Girls fell in their quest for a state title, the club still solidified itself as the top club in the Essex County / Merrimack Valley area after the U17 Girls and U15 boys found success in promotion matches.

In Boston Aztec action, the Lady Aztecs found themselves with three wins in four games after a 3-0 win over the Northampton Laurels. Former WUSA player Meotis Erickson, ex-Lynnfield star and current UNH All-Star Sara Hourihan and Mexican star Myriam Del Pozo scored to give the women their best start to a season in team history. The three wins equals their total in each of their first two seasons (3-2-6 in 2006, 3-9-1 in 2005).

In NPSL action, after a tough 4-1 loss on the road to Long Island Friday night, Former Beverly High All-American Ali Kaba scored in the 90th minute to even the match with the undefeated Diablos and earn the point. It was the second match between the two teams this season, as Aztec lost in Atlantic City 2-1 on June 3rd. As for the loss in Long Island, Adam Bruh scored twice for the hosts while Carlo Espinosa and 17-year-old Matt Uy, a U.S. National Youth Team player, each added a goal. Boston's Ely Junior made the score 3-1 with a 25-yard goal in the 80th minute, his third of the year. It was the first goal conceded in four games by Long Island this season, as it took 350 minutes for Academy to surrender a goal. Due to sudden scheduling changes, the Aztec men return to action this Tuesday, June 19th at 7:30 PM at UMass-Lowell. They will look to get back to their winning ways in a rematch vs. Long Island. They will then face Queen City FC in Buffalo on Friday, June 22, and again in a rematch in Lowell on Saturday, June 30th. The women return home on Wednesday, June 27th to take on the Bay State Select (1-3-1) at Salem State College. The Lady Aztecs were to have played in Connecticut on Saturday, June 23rd against the SoccerPlus CT Reds (2-1-2), but the game was moved to Sunday, July 8th instead. The Reds are led by Head Coach Tony DiCicco, a World Cup and Olympic Champion with the Women's National Team.

WPSL TEAM OF THE WEEK: JUNE 8-11

F Annie Hawkins (RUSH SALT LAKE CITY) - While the tempo of the 2-0 win over the Lady Asylum was dictated by the midfielders Allison Martino (Texas A&M) and Charity Weston (Utah State), it was Gonzaga's Annie Hawkins who capitalized on the scoring opportunities, netting both goals in the first half. The former NSCAA All-West Region selection has helped her side to a four-way tie at the top of the Southwest Conference standings. F Emily Sammis (LONG ISLAND FURY) - Sammis scored two goals for the defending WPSL national champions in their 6-0 win at the CDSA Future in East Conference play, a sort of homecoming for the University of Delaware star. A consistent nominee for TOTW selection so far this season, her four goals in as many games has been a boon for the Fury. F Fiona O'Sullivan (SONOMA COUNTY F.C. SOL) - Scored both goals in a 2-1 win over Colorado Springs United and registered an assist in a 4-1 win over Denver Diamonds on the road this past weekend in her first week back after knee surgery last November. "A force of nature" up top and practically indefensible, the 5'10 forward was only able to play nine games for the University of San Francisco last fall - but has already helped the SCFC Sol this summer. MF Rosa Tantillo (CLAREMONT STARS) - Another consistent nominee for TOTW selection makes the grade, as Tantillo netted her fourth goal in four games in the home win over F.C. Sacramento for Claremont in West Conference action. In a performance in which the University of Southern California standout & All-West Region selection dominated the midfield for the Stars, her efforts helped her side put 23 shots on goal, alongside 17 corner kicks. MF Arielle Orr (TAMPA BAY ELITE) - Orr, a midfielder from the University of Central Florida who celebrated her 21st birthday on the day of this match, assisted on both of the goals in Tampa Bay's season opening 2-1 win over the Orlando Falcons. Cindy Schofield and Jenna Ball scored for the defending South Conference champions. MF Hannah Cerrone (ADIRONDACK LYNX) - Another consistent nominee for TOTW selection in 2007 played both sides of the ball technically in the Lynx's 5-2 win over Philadelphia, as Cerrone finished the game with two assists but defensively, turned back many attacks from her midfield position. The reigning NSCAA National H.S. Player of the Year, U-20 U.S. Women's National Team member and soon-to-be Boston College Eagle has been comfortable playing anywhere on the field this season. MF Erin Clark (NEW ENGLAND MUTINY) - Consistency, high-quality play plus multiple nominations is again rewarded, as University of Connecticut's rising freshman Erin Clark scored two second half goals for the undefeated Mutiny in a 5-0 home victory over New York A.C. Her play on the left flank has drawn recognition from not only the N.E. management, but observers as well. MF Jen Avila (F.C. TWENTE3 IL) - The University of Louisville midfielder netted a goal and 2 assists in F.C. Twente3's 4-1 win over Chicago Breeze United, which also included a header off the crossbar. The former All-Conference USA selection controlled the midfield and was relentless in attack for the entire match, scoring the eventual game-winning goal in the 70th minute. D Carla Arbulu - WPSL PLAYER OF THE WEEK (ADIRONDACK LYNX) - The Ohio State defender recognized the opportunity to go forward and had two first half goals to help the Lynx beat Philadelphia Liberty's offside trap. On top of that, Arbulu helped the Lynx's scoreline on both sides of the score-sheet, making a back save off the line for the second game in a row. D Lisa Newton/Caitlin Leary (BOSTON AZTECS) - Defensive teamwork is rewarded as Lisa Newton and Caitlin Leary did a great job holding Real Shore F.C. to only two shots on goal in the 3-0 road for Boston, swinging the ball and maintaining possession for the Aztecs. The duo also play together for the UMass-Lowell River Hawks. D Katie Sturges/Danielle Slaton (F.C. TWENTE3 IL) - Teamwork is again rewarded as the tandem of Sturges and Slaton played not only a tight match defensively in the 4-1 win, but also pressed into the offense. The Northern Illinois defender and former WUSA Defender of the Year respectively both unbalanced the Breeze by making several dangerous runs down the flanks forward to join the FCT3 attack, forcing saves from the CBU goalkeeper. GK Meghann Burke (RIVER CITIES F.C.) - The former Carolina Courage goalkeeper earned the 1-0 shutout win over Midwest Conference rival F.C. Indiana, with several quality saves in the rubber match for the two internationally-ranked WSII organizations. The graduate of St. Louis University was complimented by inspired play from her back-line, whose combined efforts helped frustrate FCI's threatening attack. GK Krystal Robens () - Robens allowed only a first half penalty kick goal to previously-undefeated SoccerPlus CT and was the true backbone of Massachusetts' 3-1 road win, making 2-3 spectacular saves against USWNT Pool member & WPSL TOTW selection Tiffany Weimer herself. The keeper has been a vital part of the Stingers' success (3-1 record) & defense this season (three goals in four matches). HONORABLE MENTION: F Audia Sullivan (CENTRAL FLORIDA STRIKERS): Audia had an assist and notched the game-winning goal late against Miami Kickers F.C. to help the Strikers record their first win of the season; F Katya Hessel (RIVER CITIES F.C.): the soon-to-be University of Missouri standout stood out, scoring the game-winner in her first start of the year in the 31st minute in the 1-0 win over F.C. Indiana; MF Amy Avitable (MASSACHUSETTS STINGERS): for controlling the midfield, for distributing the ball and being a playmaker during the entire 90 minutes in the 3-1 win over SoccerPlus CT; GK Caitlin Corrigan (NORTHAMPTON LAURELS): Corrigan recorded her first shutout of the season, making 11 saves and was voted the Laurels Defensive MVP in a 1-0 win over Bay State Select.

Aztec NPSL and WPSL take both halves of road doubleheader Women beat Real Shore FC 3-0, while the Men beat Real Shore 2-0

Beverly, MA - June 10, 2007 - The Boston Aztec WPSL and NPSL Minor League Soccer teams returned home from New Jersey 2-1-0 on the young 2007 season after winning both games in a doubleheader with Real Shore FC last weekend. The women earned a 3-0 win on two goals from Gabriela Demoner and one from Myriam Del Pozo, while the men won 2-0 in the nightcap on strikes from Ely Junior and Christian Figueroa in New Jersey.

"I thought we dominated the game from beginning to end. Real reminded me of us during our first campaign. It's going to take them a while but they will get better. Myriam had an excellent game, beating players with the dribble and setting up our attack time and time again," said Lady Aztec head coach Doc Simpson. "Gabi was Gabi, scoring two goals, with one for the highlight reel. She "sombrero- ed" a defender and full volleyed the ball into the upper 90. Just a regular day for a big time player. Lisa Newton and Caitlin Leary did an outstanding job in the back."

For more on the women's 3-0 victory, read the latest installment of Mo's Memoirs. Aztec star and former Boston Breaker Meotis Erickson is keeping a season-long journal about the 2007 campaign and the Aztecs quest for a WPSL title.

The Boston Aztec men and women return home to UMass-Lowell on Saturday, June 16 as part of another doubleheader. First, the men head to Long Island to take on Long Island Academy on Friday, June 15. Then on Saturday, June 16th, the women will face the Northampton Laurels at 7:00 PM, while the men take on the Atlantic City Diablos in the first match at 4:00 PM.

Aztec NPSL and WPSL teams both fall on the road Women fall 3-1 to Mass. Stingers, Men 2-1 to AC Diablos

Beverly, MA - June 4, 2007 - The Boston Aztec WPSL and NPSL Minor League Soccer teams both fell to 1-1-0 on the young 2007 season over the weekend. The women fell 3-1 to the Mass. Stingers in Fall River, while the men fell 2-1 in New Jersey to the Atlantic City Diablos. Matt Lemire (Ipswich HS / San Diego St.) scored his second of the season for the men, while Meotis Erickson (Univ. of Notre Dame / Boston Breakers) notched her first goal of the season for the women.

"I thought we played well enough to get a result. We showed why we are considered a contender in this league for 2007. I thought we moved the ball very well consistently and had most of the possession," said Aztec women's head coach Dushawne Simpson. "Anjuli Demers (Bishop Guertin HS / Middlebury College) really stood out to me in the game. She is very difficult to beat 1-on-1, so fast and strong. Meotis started to show why she has been awarded with so many honors as a player. She scored a brilliant goal by bending one far post around the keeper. Gabi (Demoner, Franklin Pierce All-American) is very exciting to watch. Every time she touches the ball you find yourself in awe of what she's capable of. She is one of the premier players in the country at any level."

"I thought the Stingers showed a lot of heart on Saturday. They battled for every ball and tackled like giants. I was very impressed with Shelby Crabtree, I thought she was the difference for them. She won every tackle and was huge in the air," Simpson continued. "We need to address our shape defensively. We have a lot of players that are offensive minded which can be a problem at times. You can't win games unless everyone is committed to defending. We also need to address our ability to use the entire field on the attack and get numbers up going forward. I have to do a better job with our personnel, putting them in places where they can be successful. Down the road, expect to see a team that will be very organized in the attack and defensively. We are going to try to get the ball to certain players in spots where they can be dangerous."

As for the Aztec's first-ever NPSL match in Atlantic City, Aztec President Mike Kersker thought the men also played well enough to get a result. Kersker, who is the NPSL squad's Assistant Coach, was covering the match for head coach Jeff Winterton.

"It was a very well played match. We still have a lot of guys who are trying to get used to playing together, as do the other teams in the league. I thought that Atlantic City played a tough game, and getting a result certainly was not going to be easy, but we did create opportunities to win," Kersker said. "In the end, it was a great match. We held them off until about fifteen minutes before the end. Matty was able to get it back for us, but we couldn't keep them from getting the game-winner in stoppage time. Sure, it is disappointing to lose like that right at the end of the match, but we certainly feel good about how we played overall, and we feel good about our chances of competing for the division title."

Both the men and women of the Boston Aztec teams will be in New Jersey on Saturday, June 9 for a doubleheader with the Real Shore FC men's and women's teams. They return home to UMass-Lowell when the men take on the Atlantic City Diablos on Saturday, June 16 as part of another doubleheader with the Lady Aztecs. The women will face the Northampton Laurels on June 16. WPSL TEAM OF THE WEEK: MAY 19-20

F Jennie Nobis - WPSL PLAYER OF THE WEEK (RIVER CITIES F.C.) > 3 goals & 2 assists vs. F.C. St. Louis: the top scorer & former University of Missouri standout for the 2006 WPSL Finalists starts Summer 2007 in impressive fashion against Midwest Conference rival. F Erin O'Grady (NEW ENGLAND) > 3 goals vs. the Maryland Pride: from retired to re-invigorated, the former Boston Breaker breaks out with three goals in the first 35 minutes of match. F Katie Pettigrew (ALBUQUERQUE) > 3 goals vs. Denver Diamonds: game-winning goal vs. Denver and 5 goals in the last two matches for the undefeated first-year Southwest Conference side. F Jillian Hutchinson (PHILADELPHIA) > Goal & assist vs. Northampton Laurels: the Wake Forest University forward helps Philadelphia to their first win in their first year in the WPSL over Mid-Atlantic Division (East Conference) foe. MF Meghan Schnur (NEW ENGLAND) > 1 goal & 3 assists vs. Maryland: the U.S. U-21 midfielder continues her strong 2007 campaign for the University of Connecticut, the Mutiny and her country with dominating midfield effort. MF Betsy Barr (CALIFORNIA) > 2 goals vs. F.C. Sacramento Pride: the former University of Portland star paces California Storm with 2 goals (including the eventual game-winner) in 4-0 win over in-city rival and West Conference foe. MF Gabriela Demoner (BOSTON) > Goal vs. Adirondack Lynx: the Franklin Pierce All-American from Brazil got her first goal of the year in the 36th minute, burying a shot from the top of the 18-yard box for the eventual game-winner vs. the 2006 North Division (East) champions. MF Brittany Cooper (ALBUQUERQUE) > 2 goals vs. Denver: 5 goals in last two matches as the Arizona State University star controlled the pace of the game, running at opposing defenses to create goals for herself and her teammates. D Shelby Crabtree (MASSACHUSETTS) > leads defense for Stingers in shutout win over Maryland: also, helped to allow only one goal to the 2006 WPSL National Champion LI Fury in 1-0 loss on May 19th.

D Carly Hoskins (NORTHAMPTON) > stepped up in short-handed situation for Northampton: low on defenders and with injured top defensive stalwart Anndrea Yetter, Hoskins took on Liberty's torrid, relentless attack almost single handedly. GK Becky Wachsberger (LONG ISLAND) > Shutout win over Massachusetts: picked where she left off last year, not allowing a goal past her in first win of 2007 for 2006 WPSL Champions. A Kerry Connors free kick was saved by Wachsberger and then cleared by a defender right before the final whistle to help seal the victory in East Conference action. HONORABLE MENTION: F Caitlin King (RIVER CITIES F.C.) - 2 goals, 1 assist vs. F.C. St. Louis; F Brandi Chastain (CALIFORNIA) - goal vs. F.C. Sacramento.

Boston Aztecs Take Both Ends of Season Opening Doubleheader Men defeat Real Shore FC 3-1, while the Lady Aztecs defeat Adirondack 2-1

Beverly, MA - May 19, 2007 - The Boston Aztec men's and women's teams both got off to a successful start tonight at UMass-Lowell. The Aztec men knocked off Real Shore FC 3-1 in their inaugural NPSL match, while the women began their third season of play with a 2-1 win over the defending division champion Adirondack Lynx.

In the first game, one-time Beverly High School All-American and future Salem State College Viking Ali Kaba opened the scoring with a goal on a penalty kick in the first five minutes of the match. Former Salem St. All-Star and India National Team player Ebbie Kodiat launched a 30-yard bullet to give the hosts a 2-0 lead twenty minutes later, while former Ipswich High captain and current San Diego State player Matt Lemire headed one home to make it 3-0 for the Aztecs at the half. Real Shore FC striker Jason Mancuso brought one back for the visitors late in the match, but it was the only shot that Real could get past the Aztec GK Shane Boggis of Boston College in the Aztecs 3-1 win.

In the nightcap, the Aztec women fought a hard battle against the Adirondack Lynx, who last year won the WPSL's East-North Division. Former Boston University captain Lauren Ciccone got the Aztecs on the board in the 5th minute of the game when she intercepted an errant backpass and buried the breakaway past Adirondack's Erika Bohn in goal. Franklin Pierce All-American Gabriela Demoner of Brazil got her first goal of the year in the 36th minute, burying a shot from the top of the 18-yard box on a feed from former Lynnfield star and current UNH striker Sara Hourihan. The Lynx found a goal six minutes later by Lisa Tarquinio from a loose ball after a corner, but it was close as the visitors got as Boston held on for the 2-1 win.

The Boston Aztec men have a three game road trip before returning to UMass-Lowell to take on the Atlantic City Diablos on Saturday, June 16 as part of another doubleheader with the Lady Aztecs. The women have two games on the road before returning home on June 16 to take on the Northampton Laurels.