New England Aztec – A History: 2007 club news

U18 Boys Kevin Sena (Winthrop), Jesse Marks (St. John's Prep) named class valedictorians.

The Aztec Soccer Club wishes to congratulate Kevin Sena and Jesse Marks of the U18 boys team who have both earned recognition as valedictorians of their graduating class. Kevin is a senior at Winthrop High School and was an All-Star in the NEC last fall, while Jesse is a senior at St. John's Prep in Danvers, a team that earned an undefeated season en route to the Division 1 State Championship. These achievements are a credit to the effort they put in on the field and in the classroom. As the 2007 spring season moves into its later stages, we would like to take this time to wish all of the graduating seniors on our U18 and U17 boys and girls teams the best as they move into the next phase of their lives. These student-athletes are role models for the younger players in our organization, and for the younger students in the schools they attend. Good luck seniors, and thank you.

Aztec U18 Boys / Fall '07 College Aztec U18 Girls / Fall '07 College Dana Bergstrom - Syracuse Univ.

Jesse Marks - Yale Chrissie Chater - Florida Institute of Technology

Kevin Sena - Brown Kelly Cox - St Anselms College

Daniel Sargent - Westmont College (Santa Barbara CA) Jen Courossi - Springfield College

Joe Larocca - St Anselms College Shelly Danley - Ithaca College

Anton Dasilva - Merrimack College Jill DiBenedetto- University of Rhode Island

Paul D'Angelo - University of Southern New Hampshire Katherine Farrar - Bowdoin

Samuel Houston - Gordon College Lauren Keating - Assumption College

Kyle Grimaldi - University of Rochester Chelsea Keller - Ohio Wesleyan

Rodrigo Pardo - Wentworth Colleen Liffers - Wheaton College

Devin Pleuler - Wentworth Kirsten Lundquist - Middlebury College

Joe Ryan - Endicott College Taryn Martiniello - Brandeis University

Xavier Salinas - Merrimack Stephanie Naugler - St Anselms College

Zachary Mintz - Salem State College Keri Nobil - Columbia University

Richard Greene - Framingham State Kellie Oberholtzer - West Carolina University

Matthew Tieri - Lasel College Jess Scioli - Manhattanville College

Gregory Doucette - UMass-Dartmouth Jackie Sousa - Long Island Univ. at CW Post

Daniel Quach - undecided as of 5/7/07 Danielle Tenaglia - Stoney Brook Univ.

Freddie Gonzalez - undecided as of 5/7/07 Liz Theberge - St. Joseph's of Maine

Note - U18 Rafael Santos is a Junior at Boston Latin, Thomas Cahill is Katy Verette - Salem State College a Junior at Wakefield

Note - U18 Alice Palazzola already attends St Anselms Aztec U17 Boys / Fall '07 College Bryan Lee - Endicott College Aztec U17 Girls / Fall '07 College Deanna Maccario – UNH, Katie Colbert – UNH, Sam Grody - UConn

Rikki Sartor - St. Anselms College, Barrie Lindsay – Wheaton

Aztec Minor League Seasons Heat Up While Youth Seasons Wind Down

Aztec women travel to face the Mass. Stingers; Men head to Atlantic City

Aztec U14-U18 Girls, U17 Boys to play in Mass. State Cup; U15 Girls win NESC Memorial Weekend Tournament; U15, U17, U18 Boys, U13, U16 Girls Finish Season in First Place

Beverly, MA - May 31, 2007 - As some of the Aztec Soccer Club's youth teams prepare for State Cup matches this coming weekend, the WPSL and NPSL minor league teams head on the road for their second matches of the season. The Boston Aztec WPSL squad (1-0-0) takes on the Mass. Stingers (1-1-0) on the road Saturday, June 2nd, while the Aztec NPSL team (1-0-0) head to New Jersey to take on the Atlantic City Diablos (1-0-0) on Sunday, June 3rd. 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.

Meanwhile, the Aztec Soccer Club congratulates the players and coaches on all of its youth teams for a successful spring 2007 season. The Aztec U14- U18 girls and the Aztec U17 boys qualified for the 2007 Mass. State Cup, while the U13 and U16 Girls, along with the U15, U17 and U18 boys, all finished their seasons in first place. The U15 Girls also took home the championship at the New England Soccer Classic on Cape Cod over the Memorial Day weekend.

The Round Robin phase of the Mass. State Cup tournament will be held this weekend at various locations including UMass-Amherst and Citizens Bank Park in Lancaster. On the girls side, all four Aztec Premier teams and one Jr. Aztec team will represent the club in pursuit of their first state championships. The U18 and U16 girls, who as previously mentioned are atop their league standings, automatically qualified based on their performances in 2006, and are seeded second and fourth respectively. The U17 girls (3-0 over SF Vikings), the U15 girls (2-1 over Fuller Hamlets) and U14 girls (2-1 OT win over VSA United) all won their way into the round robin part of the tournament, clinching their spots with the noted victories in May. The U17 Boys, who went 7-0-0 in the spring, also won their way in with a 2-0 win over the MPS Boston Bulldogs this month. The U14 and U15 girls each needed three wins to advance to the final round, as did the U17 boys. The U17 girls needed just the one win in the qualifying rounds to advance.

And though the U13 girls and the U15 and U18 boys will not participate in State Cup, each had fine seasons. The U18s finished 6-0-1 and allowed just four goals this spring to finish atop their league standings, while the U15s 6-0-1 record had them sitting alone in first place in their group as well. The U13 Girls finished atop their group without having conceded a goal all season. It should also be noted that the U17 Girls finished their season tied atop their group with a 5-0-2 record, with goal differential the only difference in officially finishing in first place.

The Aztec Soccer Club focus is on development, especially at the youngest ages up through our Jr. Aztec teams (U9-U14). Too many clubs and coaches place a premium on winning at the youngest ages, often doing so at the expense of teaching proper technique. The Aztec philosophy believes a player's skills and tactical awareness need to be developed enough to crack the varsity in high school and college. And thus far in the spring of 2007, the Aztec philosophy appears to be working, as the Aztec Premier teams (U15-U18) earned a combined 39-10-7 record in the top leagues in the state.

Aztec U18 Dana Bergstrom named NCSAA D1 Player of the Year and other youth news

In Aztec SC youth news, Aztec U18 player Dana Bergstrom was named NSCAA D1 Player of the Year. She will attend Syracuse next fall.

Also, the U16 Girls season came to an end in the semifinals of the MASS State Cup last weekend. Led by Head Coach Matt Kersker, who has also served as Head Coach for the Gloucester High School Girls Varsity for the past two seasons, the Aztecs made their fourth consecutive trip to the State Cup Semifinals (Finalists in 2005). Although the team was disappointed not to advance to the finals, the team accomplished a great deal this season, winning the MASS Premier League Division 1 Championship with an undefeated 7-0-0 season. The U16 Girls, made up of many elite high school All- Stars from the region (roster below), also won their division at the 2007 MAPS/MSSL College Showcase Tournament in Philadelphia. The team won the Fair Play Award as well.

The Aztec U17 Girls and U15 Boys also finished their seasons this past weekend, bringing the 2007 Aztec youth regular seasons to a close. The U17 Girls were promoted into the MASS Premier League D1 for next season after a 5-0-2 spring and a PK shootout victory in a two-game promotion match series against the South Shore Selects. The U17 Girls are led by former Salem St. College All-Star Doc Simpson. The team is made up of High School Varsity Starters, Captains and All-Stars from Andover HS, Austin Prep, Beverly HS, Danvers HS, Deerfield Academy, Governor's Academy, Marblehead HS, Masconomet, Newburyport HS, North Andover HS, North Reading HS, Peabody HS, Pingree School, Revere HS and the Waring School.

As for the U15 Boys, the team earned promotion for next spring into the MASS Premier League after a 6-0-1 regular season and a finish in the top half of their 6-team promotion tournament last weekend against Eastern MA FC, Middlesex Phantoms, Hammer SC, Nashoba United and Elite SA. The team is led by former Beverly HS Boys Varsity Coach and former Beverly State Representative Mike Cahill. Among other up-and-coming players, the team features Ian Mulholland, a Mass. Bay Independent League All-Star as a freshman from Winthrop at Boston Trinity Academy. Aztec SC is now the lone club soccer program serving the area with all of its U11-U18 Boys and Girls teams playing in the top divisions of the MASS Premier Leagues. Aztec is the only program located within 20-25 miles of the Aztec's home facility of Soccer ETC in Beverly to achieve this distinction. Six of the Aztec youth teams (U15, U17, U18 Boys; U13, U14, U16 Girls) won their divisions this past spring. Eight of the ten Aztec U14-U18 boys and girls teams in the MASS Premier League will play in Division 1 or 2 in 2008.

Aztec U16 Girls - Four-Time State Semifinalists Liz Kane, Triton Regional HS - CAL All-Star; Jillian Kinter, Newburyport HS - CAL All-Star; Jessica Morrow, Andover HS - All-State, MVC All-Conference; Alex Bengston, Andover HS - EMass All-Star, MVC All-Conference; Laura Muise, Newburyport HS - EMass All-Star, CAL All-League; Taylor Bresnahan, Newburyport HS - CAL All-League; Caitlin Pinkham, Peabody HS - Varsity Starter; Caitlyn Clark, Masconomet Regional HS - CAL All-League; Mary Ryan, Newburyport HS - Varsity Starter; Olivia Colombo, Peabody HS - Mass. ODP Player; Skylar Sabbag, Swampscott HS - NEC All-Star; Cara Connors, Masconomet Regional HS - Varsity Starter; Casey Schulze, Chelmsford HS - MVC All-Conference; Marielle Elie, Central Catholic HS - Varsity Starter ; Ally Stager, Reading HS - Varsity Goalkeeper Alana Figurido, Hamilton-Wenham Regional HS - Varsity Starter; Bianca Gallo, Bishop Fenwick HS - Varsity Starter;

What Parents Need to Know - By Aztec President Mike Kersker

“We are not who we are because of the league we play in but because of the hard work and dedication we put into becoming the best player we can be.”

Aztec Soccer Club has been built on a foundation of teaching players the game. Our organization gives players an opportunity to become the best players they can be. This is done through sound coaching, a philosophy of teaching the game before anything else. We also have a very unique opportunity with our Soccer Etc. training facility during the winter months. With our High School aged teams, we have our own leagues made up of our U16s-U18s and our Men’s and Women’s teams. This gives all of our player’s phenomenal competition each week while playing against teams in our own club. Coupled with weekly training and games played in this competitive environment, our players have a distinct advantage over players from other organizations in New England. The only way to give our players a chance to grow like those from warmer regions, who can play outdoors year- round, is to have the set up that we have. We are able to train and play competitively through the winter months in a fantastic environment.

Aztec players coming out of the North Eastern part of Massachusetts are competitive with some of the best players in the country. This is because we focus on individual player development at our younger ages while our competitors worry about winning and losing, and even more so on team placement. Team placement says nothing about whether a child is learning to play the game as it is played at the highest levels, but it seems to stroke the egos of adults who care more about how many games a child wins at age 12, instead of focusing on whether or not the child is being properly taught. What league your club team plays in means absolutely nothing to a potential prep school or college. Their concern is what type of a player you are and can you make an impact on their program. Some parents don’t take the time to understand what club soccer really is supposed to be about, and that is simply this; What do you want your kids to get out of club soccer? What are your goals and how can a “real” soccer club help you achieve them?

How can this be measured? The National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) teaches their coaches that there are four components of the game that players need to be taught. These are Technical, Tactical, Physical and Psychological components of the game. The technical piece is the most important at the younger ages coupled with some limited but sound tactics. Aztec plays a “build-up” style of soccer with all of our younger teams. This is very hard when you are playing against teams in our state, the majority of which are taught to kick and run. To be sure, many times when trying to play soccer against a kickball team, younger age teams especially may face some struggles. But inevitably our players become TRUE SOCCER PLAYERS and not just athletes that play soccer.

As for the other NSCAA components, the physical component has a lot to do with genetics, but can be developed through regimented programming towards speed training and strength training. This usually takes place at the High School ages. The psychological component of the game is taught from day one with our kids. We teach them the proper morals of the game. These morals are important in our players’ development, such as winning and losing with grace, and respecting our opponents and the officials. Aztec coaches teach right from wrong with the language we use on the sidelines with our players, and we try to communicate and give our players a comfortable environment at the younger ages. Players need to know that mistakes are part of the game, and as we continue to grow we want to minimize those mistakes. Our players are taught to compete and to be competitive players day in and day out through the preparation our coaches give them. This is all part of the learning process at the Aztec Soccer Club.

Every team that has gone through our club at some point or another has played in the third division in our league in Massachusetts. This has no bearing on our philosophy and we continue to teach the game the same way to all of our teams. Some of our teams end up in a higher division than others in our club because of different factors. They include physical development, a prolific goal scorer at a certain age, poor weather, learning curve with particular age groups, poor officiating, schedule conflicts, life conflicts and others.

The whole process is evidenced in our two current U-17 teams at Aztec Soccer on both the boys and girl’s side. Both teams have some of the best players in our region. Both of these teams played maple d or third division all the way through age U-16. This didn’t matter to these teams, as they were have been trained through the Aztec Philosophy, and are now showing what a program like Aztec can do for players that really want to compete at some of the highest levels of the game. Our girls team won their college showcase this past month, and the boys were one goal away from winning theirs. We have college coaches that we talk to on a daily basis that say how much they love watching our teams play because they are so technically sound and tactically savvy. These are the types of players that prep schools and colleges are looking for.

We have players from both of these U-17 teams that will be competing with our men’s and women’s teams this year. (Did I mention that we are one of the only clubs in our state to have both a Men’s and Women’s team of this caliber for our younger players to be a part of and aspire to?) Our women play at the highest level of women’s soccer in this country in the Women’s Premier Soccer League. Our men’s indoor team play in a feeder system to the Major Indoor Soccer League while our outdoor men’s team plays in the third division of pro-caliber soccer in this country. Please visit the website and look at the roster of players we have for both our men’s and women’s team to really understand the high level of play. (Did I mention that neither of these U-17 teams has yet to play in the top division in our state?)

As I write this article, both of our U-17 team teams are undefeated in the second division in their league. Both teams have one more game to play to be considered one of the top 8 teams in the state, competing for a chance to play in the state tournament. Last year, the girls qualified for this event and we are hoping that both teams will be a part of this event in June. From the President’s perspective, it is nice to see that our players and their families believe in our system. Our players, families and coaches are being rewarded for all the hard work and dedication they have put in through the years. They have helped continue to build that bond between our club and the academic institutions where our players will go and continue to enjoy playing the game of soccer competitively in the next chapter of their lives, always being a respected member of the Aztec soccer family.

Teach the kids the game!!!!!!

Jr. Aztec, Aztec Premier teams return from Easter Weekend Tournaments as the spring season starts to heat up

Aztec U16, U17 Girls win their group as Aztecs compete against the best from around the country

Beverly, MA - April 10, 2007 - With the spring season already under way, Aztec boys and girls teams competed in elite tournaments over Easter Weekend to further prepare for the tough matches this spring. The Aztec U12-U14 boys and U12-U15 girls took part in the 23rd annual Countryside Invitational Easter Soccer Tournament just outside of Tampa, FL, while the U16-U17 boys and girls competed in the annual MAPS/MSSL Spring College Showcase tournament in the Philadelphia area.

The U16 and U17 teams found great success at the MAPS/MSSL Showcase. Although they may have longed to join their younger counterparts in the warmer Florida weather, the teams put themselves on display in a positive way at an event that regularly hosts around 100 representatives of all levels of college soccer in the United States. Competing against teams from all over the east coast, the Aztecs earned a combined record of 11-2-3, with the Aztec U17 Girls winning their bracket with an undefeated 4-0-0 record. The U16 girls were also undefeated at 3-0-1, and finished atop their group standings as well. A tournament recap can be found at the MAPS/MSSL website.

As for the younger teams, the experiences they earned in the Countryside tournament will surely have them ready to play against the best in the Bay State during this spring season. At the younger ages, the Aztec focus is on development, and competing in a top class tournament that attracts teams from all over the country, as well as teams from countries like England and Germany, will serve them well as they near the ages of their own collegiate showcase tourneys. Take for example the U14 boys and girls. The boys earned big wins against Maryland's Freedom Fire and Florida's Largo United, but the most important game was a loss to the RSL Kickers, the current Florida state champs and a very good team. This match showed our boys just what it takes to play at the highest level. The U14 girls on the other hand played in the U15 Gold Division, and after a 2-1-0 first round, represented the Aztecs in the final. Although they fell in the final, their ability to compete with and in many cases outplay girls a year older than them is a testament to what they can accomplish going forward. Tournament photos from some of our games are available through the CYSA website.

With the start of the spring 2007 season rapidly approaching and Aztec soccer having been named one of Adidas' model clubs in New England/New York, Aztec President and Director of Coaching Mike Kersker released the following State of the Club statement.

As we prepare for the spring season I would like to take a few minutes to review the "State of the Club." We are moving in the right direction as Adidas has tapped us to be one of their model clubs in the New England / New York area.

What does this mean? This will continue to raise our status as an elite club respected throughout the country by administrators, vendors, prep schools, colleges, college showcases and other professional soccer organizations.

Why have we been identified by Adidas? The Aztec Soccer Philosophy has always been about player development. We believe in teaching the game before anything else. We pride ourselves on our players’ abilities to play the game both technically and tactically. This doesn’t always spill over to immediate team success, but what it does is give our players a soccer foundation that will last a lifetime. This foundation each player builds will be shared with teammates in high schools, colleges, pro teams and older recreational teams throughout our player’s lifetimes.

Along with their ability to play the game at a high level, it is the character building that we also pride ourselves on inside the Aztec family. I can’t tell you how nice it is to hear from prep schools, high schools and colleges that say, "Mike, Aztec players are not just great soccer players, but they are great people." I have heard this time and time again and this is just as important to us as is our players overall soccer development. These club attributes obviously don’t go unnoticed. We have been able to achieve this status together and each player in the organization has played a part in it.

I would like to thank our parents in the Aztec organization for helping their children understand how important it is to place a concerted emphasis on building a strong foundation. Our parents have been patient and have reaped the benefits of this patience by seeing their children become effective soccer players with a passion for the game. This is great to see in today’s world, where some parents worry about how many games we win as a U12 or U14. Don’t get me wrong, we all love to win, but this isn’t where we place the emphasis of importance in youth sports. The parents that do aren’t giving the game of soccer a chance to succeed. This game is about the nuances, the beautiful passing, fantastic ball work, great saves, incredible shots, impeccable balance and other parts of the game that make this game what it is and the players who they are.

Our players are not defined by a league with a seven game season but by the amount of time and effort they put into their training sessions to become better players, which in turn leads to better team play and an understanding of the game. The league we play in is an opportunity for us to see our players perform. It doesn’t make us who we are, but it does have a place in our overall development. Please continue to spread the word to others this spring that it doesn’t define us as a player or a club!

As we have another set of players heading off to college this year, I want to thank you all for being a part of this organization. Your commitment to Aztec Soccer has greatly contributed to the club and what we are today. We hope that you will all be ambassadors for the game of soccer as you venture out into a new phase of your life. As players before you, we hope that you will continue to stay in touch and utilize us on your winter breaks, spring breaks, and summers. Next year we are looking to hold our first Aztec Alumni game (Summer ‘08). This is YOUR club for life!

The NSCAA 2007 Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana:

From the Perspective of the Director of Coaching – Mike Kersker

Some people ask, what is the National Soccer Coaches Association of America Convention? Well here it is: The convention is the biggest gathering of coaches at one time anywhere in the world. Annually, the NSCAA convention is a week that any one who is a soccer coach looks forward to all year. This year was not different.

I started going to the NSCAA convention when I was 24 years old. This was my 11th convention. Through that time I have been an NCAA Division III college coach at Endicott College and Salem St. College, a club coach for the now-defunct SUNS and Director of the KIDS program (a development model where players only trained and did not compete in games).

I am now President and Director of Coaching for Aztec Soccer one of the best player-centered approach clubs anywhere. Winning at the younger ages is not important but striving to win is! At Aztec Soccer we teach and play the game with a passion with the players’ development in mind. Our staff has truly built a club and not just a bunch of teams. We have a pyramid ladder that our players follow and if you watch our teams play and train, you can see a strong foundation in all of our players.

Front Row (l-r): Ben Slingerland, Nick Figuerido, Matt Lemire, Pete Kersker Middle Row (l-r): Edgar DeLeon, Pete Mendel, Ebbie Kodiat, Markens Benoit, Matt Kersker, Tim Conway Back Row (l-r): Doc Simpson, Tony Lage, Mike Kersker, Jeff Winterton

We like to win as much as everyone else does, but winning when we are in High School and College is more important than winning when our players are in elementary and middle school. These are the ages that we teach our players the game and give them the tools to be successful at the next level.

Just to give you an overview of some of the speakers and presenters at the 2007 convention: Anson Dorrance (UNC women’s coach), Tosh Farrell (Everton FC Academy) Sue Ryan (Head of Region 1 on the girls side, Stonybrook Head coach), Howard Wells (Irish Football Academy), Tony DiCicco (Former women’s world cup champion coach), Bill Beswick (English National team psychologist), Emma Hayes (Arsenal FC Women’s team), Dettmar Cramer (FIFA instructor), Frans Hoek (Former staff coach, Ajax and Barcelona FC), Robin Russell (CEO, Sports Path International), Sam Snow (Director of Coaching Education USYS), Dominic Kinnear (Head coach of the 2006 MLS cup champs, Houston Dynamo) and many, many other credentialed professionals.

We sat in on our first session Thursday morning at 9:30 and didn’t stop until Saturday night. We were a part of one of the best conventions I have been to over the past decade. Aztec Soccer had twelve representatives there this year, far more than any other college, club or organization. We listened, learned, shook hands, met many coaches for the first time, saw old friends, made new acquaintances, talked to many college coaches about our program, and built even more camaraderie among the coaching staff.

The highlights of the convention were:

1. Many, many extremely well run sessions and ideas to bring back 4. Getting together with my friend and Director of Coaching for the home to Aztec Soccer. state of Massachusetts Mike Singleton, and discussing the state of soccer in Massachusetts and throughout the country. 2. Being a VIP guest with Dushawne Simpson and Jeff Winterton, our two technical directors, to the Adidas Premier Club party where MLS 5. Being associated with another All-American recipient Nick Figuerido stars Jaime Moreno, Kevin Hartman and Head Coach of the Houston from Bowdoin who plays on our NPSL outdoor men’s team. Dynamo, Dominic Kinnear were in attendance. We had a chance to meet the brains behind Adidas, those individuals who make the shoe 6. Discussing last years Hermann Trophy winner with the assistant designs, accessories and uniforms. We had the opportunity to talk coach of Maryland. about youth soccer in this country and where it is heading with many well versed individuals. It was truly a special night. 7. Sharing experiences with Luis Reis, the Wheaton College women’s th coach. 3. Celebrating my 35 birthday with the staff at a local steak house and sitting next to us was Dirk Nowitzki and his teammates of the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks. Sitting across from us was Danika Patrick, 8. Sitting down and having a drink with one of my mentors Derek the beautiful and talented Indy Car racer. Armstrong, the Director of Coaching for the La Jolla Nomads (the organization I coached with in San Diego) and hearing his insight as to how soccer is progressing on the West Coast. 9. Playing pick up soccer with our guys and the Middlebury girls 12. Meeting Miles Joseph, a former MLS star who played High School coach, who coaches one of our former State cup finalists and who has soccer with our own Jeff Winterton, and meeting many Oakwood just signed one of our current U-18’s. players that Doc played with growing up, all still in the game in some capacity, may it be coaching or serving as a rep for one of the big soccer apparel companies. 10. Discussing our WPSL team at the Adidas VIP with NSCAA goalkeeping institute Staff Coach Lisa Cole. 13. Watching our team on Saturday evening go to the finals of the Walt Chyzowych 4v4 tournament where they played the University of 11. Listening to Sue Ryan and the other heads of their regions speak Indiana Alumni (featuring former USMNT, Revolution & English about the Regional team selection process. Thank you to Sue for Premier League GK Juergen Sommer) in the final. Our guys played fielding many questions about the support we as clubs provide for the against and among some of the best in the US who have played the ODP System and how do we see the support come back to us in the game. It was truly great to hear Boston Aztec’s name announced in clubs. the final of a convention that I have been coming to for 11 years and a tournament where I played in the first annual.

Overall, it was quite an experience, and being my 11th convention it is still just as satisfying as my first, just from a different perspective. I want to thank all the coaches from the club that took their time to go out and become a better coach so that our players can continue to learn and prosper in our Aztec Family. We look forward to sharing with those staff members that weren’t able to attend. Here is a big cheer to the NSCAA for all they do for soccer in this country and throughout the world!

Aztec Soccer Club brings 12 to NSCAA Convention; team reaches final of convention tournament

Beverly, MA - January 19th, 2007 - The Aztec Soccer Club once again made a strong showing at the 60th annual NSCAA Convention in 2007. Last year, 16 Aztecs attended the convention in Philadelphia, but were disappointed to miss registration for the annual Walt Chyzowych 4-A-Side Tournament. This year, from January 10th – 14th in Indianapolis not only did the Aztecs bring another large contingent of 12, but the club also entered a team into the Chyzowych and managed to advance through to the finals.

Top Photo: Pete Kersker Guards the Goal in Chyzowych Quarterfinal Win Bottom Photo: The team (l-r): Tim Conway, Matt Lemire, Pete Kersker, Nick Figuerido, Ben Slingerland, Matt Kersker

Aztec Soccer is dedicated to improving their coaching staff by learning from the best coaches and systems in the country, and in turn better serving the youth in our program and throughout the community. The NSCAA convention is a massive soccer spectacle that includes coaching, instructional and discussion sessions with some of the most recognizable names in American and International Soccer, such as Women’s World Cup winning coach Tony DiCicco, MLS’ Houston Dynamo head coach Dominic Kinnear, former WUSA and USWNT star Brandi Chastain and Survivor winner Ethan Zohn . It also hosts the MLS SuperDraft, the NSCAA/adidas High School and College All-American award presentations and the largest soccer trade show in the country. The convention changes its location every year, having been held in 13 different places over the last twenty years, and will be held in Baltimore, MD in January of 2008.

“It was an exciting time to be in Indianapolis at this convention,” said Mike Kersker , President, Aztec Soccer Club. “You had all the hype about the Beckham signing, the MLS draft, and although it isn’t to do with soccer, the buzz about the Colts playoff run. Coupled with the informative sessions, it was an amazing few days.”

As for the tournament, it was the 10th annual Walt Chyzowych 4-A-Side Tournament, which since its inception regularly features well-known players such as former USMNT and MLS stars Eric Wynalda, Paul Caligiuri, Preki and Yari Allnut. The Aztec team was made up of St. John’s Prep All-American Ben Slingerland , former St. John’s All-Star, Bowdoin All-American and Boston Aztec NPSL player Nick Figuerido, Billerica native and Nyack College All-American Tim Conway, Ipswich native and San Diego St. striker Matt Lemire, former Beverly & Ipswich All-Conference and Keene St. ‘keeper Pete Kersker and former BHS, Phillips Andover and Babson All-New England Matt Kersker. In the final, which annually takes place in front of over 2,000 spectators, the Aztecs fell to the University of Indiana Alumni All-Stars , a team of former NCAA D1 National Champions and All-Americans, with ex- USMNT, Revolution and English Premier League GK Juergen Sommer in net.

“We really enjoyed ourselves out there playing on a stage in front of so many people, but this wasn’t your typical tournament. In this business, great players surround us all the time. But you’d be hard pressed, anywhere in the world, to find that many educators, mentors and coaches all in one crowd,” said Matt Kersker, who is also the Aztec Business Manager. “To be on center stage, I can guarantee you that people from all over the country who didn’t know us will now associate positively with the name Boston Aztec, all because of a small sided tournament. It’s just this particular tournament takes place in the presence of some of the most well respected people in soccer. I guess you can say we had a bit of fun.”

The tournament is named after Walt Chyzowych, one of the pioneers in American soccer. A pro player from 1958-1974, he won various individual awards and team championships in multiple leagues and tournaments. He played for the USMNT in World Cup qualifiers in 1965, served as coach of the 1980 US Olympic team and from 1976 – 80 was USMNT head coach, leading the team to what was a major 2-0 upset of Hungary in 1979. In 1986 he was named head coach at Wake Forest , earning four NCAA tournament bids and one National Championship. He was inducted into the NSCAA Hall of Fame in 1997

Aztec Youth Captain Interviews Aztec Alum and Wheaton Star

Barrie Lindsay - Ipswich, MA. - 2007 Graduate Waring School

Aztec U18’s/WPSL, Freshman Wheaton College

Interviewer: Ashley Mueskes U14-W Girls Captain

1.) What 3 things do you miss about playing with Aztec soccer?

1-My teammates. I played with them for 5 years. 2-My coaches. I loved playing for Doc. 3-Playing the fun scrimmages and games at practice.

2.) What is your favorite memory with the club?

Winning the Countryside tournament in Florida in PK’s.

3.) Do you think Aztec prepared you for college soccer?

Yes, Aztec definitely prepared me for college soccer. Aztec gave me such a great foundation technically it was easy for me to adjust tactically to the college game. I was also able to play and train with the Aztec women with players who were either in college or graduated from top programs like Notre Dame and BC for 3 years. It really helped me with my speed of play.

4.) What 3 things would tell a youth player who wants to play college soccer?

1-If you want to play, go for it! You will make 20 new friends immediately! 2- You have to be able to manage your time. 3-You have to manage your work. You will have a lot of other stuff on your hands, like classes.

5.) Is there anything you would do differently in your development as a player?

No, Aztec taught me a lot of what I know and have learned.

2007 High School & College Wrap-up

It was a phenomenal fall for Aztec High School & College players. Many players with Aztec ties played for conference champions and tournament teams, or earned some kind of individual award for their play. Aztecs played for teams that won it all, as some of our youth players won the MIAA D3 State Championship with Newburyport, while one of our NPSL amateur men's team players won the NCAA D3 National Championship with Middlebury College. Boston Aztec WPSL players led Franklin Pierce to the NCAA D2 finals where they lost on PKs, and many other players from the Aztec youth and amateur teams had noteworthy individual and team accomplishments in 2007. Scroll through the list to learn more, and please let us know if we are missing anyone.

Alex Trotsky, Anthony LaRocca - Gloucester - Players on the Aztec U17s, both were key players on the Northeastern Conference South championship for the second consecutive year. Alex was also named to the NEC All-Star team.

Jackie Lee, Ariana Twomey, Narayan Plourde, Ben Harrison - Pingree - These two members of last year's Aztec U14 boys team showed Pingree has a bright future. Narayan was named the Pingree Freshman Boys Soccer Team MVP, while Ben had 9 goals and ten assists on the season for the 8-3-2 frosh squad. On the girls side, Aztec players starred for the Pingree School Girls Varsity league champs. Jackie and Ariana from the Aztec U18s and U15s respectively were named 1st Team EIL (Eastern Independent League) all-stars this fall. Pingree was eliminated in the Class C Semifinals of NEPSAC (New England Private School Athletic Conference) tournament. Jackie was also league and team MVP.

Bianca Gallo, Kristen Verrette - Bishop Fenwick - A member of the Independent League (MBIL) boys soccer championship after beating class of 2009, Bianca was an EMass All Star, Catholic Conference All arch-rival Commonwealth School by a decisive 4-1 score in the League, and a Central Catholic League All Star in 2007. An Aztec U15 championship game. Ian also played on the MBIL All-Star team, and player, Kristen started as a freshman for a powerful Fenwick program. was named an All-Conference player. Her older sister Katy is an Aztec alum playing at Salem St. Marielle Elie - Central Catholic - Marielle of the Aztec U17s was Ryan Marchant, Matt Marchant - Wakefield - These brothers from named a Merrimack Valley Conference All-Star this fall. Marielle was the Aztec U17 Boys team had a fine season for Wakefield, with Ryan just coming back from an ACL tear at the beginning of the season yet named a Middlesex League All-Star as a keeper. she played 100% of every game, leading CCHS into the playoffs.

Ian Mulholland - Boston Trinity - This U-16 boys player was co- Jillian Kinter, Maggie Mahoney, Laura Muise, Taylor Bresnahan - captain of the boys varsity soccer team at Boston Trinity Academy this Newburyport - These Aztec Premier players and Newburyport stars year. He started every game as center midfielder and led the squad to were all named CAL All-League after a fantastic 17-1-1 season and a a winning record. The team ended the season winning the Mass. Bay MIAA State Championship. Mariah Dellea, Melissa Arn, Morgan Healey, Danielle Quinlan, Yuta Kizaki, Andrew Angus, Kilder Cardona, Katy Lyn Verrette - Kelly Cardinal, Jenn Pino, Katie Moroney - North Andover - All Salem St. - The 2006 MASCAC Player of the Year and Boston Aztec Aztecs, they were instrumental in North Andover's CAL Large Title. PASL, NPSL midfielder, Yuta has been up to his old tricks, scoring 11 Danielle and Jenn were named CAL All-League, while Morgan, goals with 4A and named MASCAC Player of the Week three times, Melissa, and Kelly were named CAL All-Stars. Mariah’s effort to with one Honor Roll mention this fall. His Aztec and Viking teammate overcome ACL tears in both knees was profiled in the Eagle-Tribune. Andrew Angus has 12 GP with 4G and 2 A, while former Aztec premier player Kilder Cardona has played 14 games with 1G and 1A for the 12- 6-1 side who are playing in the MASCAC finals. And this success has Bridget Leahy, Alyssa Accomondo - Beverly - Players for the Aztec come without ALI KABA, DAVID BISHOP and ANDREW AMES, all U16s and U17s respectively, both were instrumental in Beverly's run to Aztecs who missed the Salem season due to injury. On the Women's the tourney, and were both named NEC All-Stars this fall. side, Katy has started 18 games and recorded a goal and 4 assists for the Lady Vikings, who were 9-7-2 and are playing in the MASCAC Ben Sena - Winthrop - The Aztec U17 keeper was named an finals. NEC All-Star as a junior. It was his second career All-Star selection. Liz Theberge - St. Joseph's College of Maine - Liz is enjoying a Jaime Harris, Whitney Montesanto - Lynnfield - Players with the successful freshman season with the 16-1-3 Monks. She scored the Aztec U15 girls, both played for the 2007 CAL-Small Champs. Jaime game-winner in the first game of the year, a 1-0 win over Southern was named the Small Divisions Player of the Year as well as CAL All- Maine. She added another game-winner, and an assist, in a 3-0 win League after a 20-goal sophomore season. Whitney started for over Simmons, and was named GNAC Rookie of the Week. Liz has Lynnfield as a freshman in a good start to her career. five goals on the year.

Jackie Gauthier, Brittany Russo - Danvers - Jackie from the U-18 Keri Nobil - Columbia - Keri has appeared in 11 games as a sub and Aztec Premier Team was named to the Northeast Conference All Star has 1G and 1A for the 6-5-4 Lions in the Ivy League. team for the fourth time, and to the Eastern Massachusetts Coach's Association first team All Stars for the third time. Brittany was named Rikki Sartor, Gabe Pesce, Kelly Cox, Elyssa Power, Ray an All-Star for the first time and had an assist in the All-Star game. Gravellese, Joe Larocca - St. Anselm - It's like Aztec North on the St. A's campus this season. Rikki has appeared in 19 games, starting two, Mary Keroack - Marblehead - A sophomore at Marblehead and An and notched two goals thus far for the 9-7-3 Hawks. She plays along Aztec U16 player, she was named to the NEC All-Star team and with Gabe (18 games, one goal), Kelly (15 games, one assist) and scored a goal in the All-Star game. She also runs track and was Elyssa (19 starts) who have also worn the Aztec colors. Rikki scored Rookie of the Year for Winter Track and an NEC All Star for Spring her goals in a 4-0 win over Dowling and in a 2-1 defeat vs. Assumption Track, both in her freshman year. and was recently profiled in the Andover Townsman. On the men's side, Joe has appeared in 7 games for the 5-10-1 Hawks, while Ray has played in three games. Nick Allman - Newburyport - A star goalkeeper on the Aztec U18 Boys team, Nick was named CAL All-League and was recently profiled in the Daily News of Newburyport. Jen Courossi - Springfield - Jen has appeared in 12 games as a sub and added one goal for the Pride who are 15-2-1 and play in the NEWMAC. Charlotte Jensen, Colin Wilson - Wilmington - On the boys side, Wilmington tied for the CAL Large crown and won the CAL Fair Play Award with Colin starting at fullback. On the girls side, Charlotte was Dan Sargent - Westmont - Dan has one goal and one assist on the named CAL All-League. 2007 season. He played 14 games and started 4 for the 8-7-0 Warriors, who play in the GSAC. Brian Connery, Andy Panella, Andy Mello, Kevin Ivester, Greg Hartmann, Erica Skinner - Masconomet; Skinner was named an Taryn Martiniello, Taylor Bracken - Brandeis - Taryn has started 17 EMass All-Star and CAL All-League player in 2007 (along with Masco games and added an assist for the 9-6-2 Judges, who play in the UAA. teammate and former Aztec player Cait Clark ) her third year as a For the men, Taylor has started 17 games and has a 1.36 GAA for the CAL All-Star, and was profiled by Salem News writer Matt Jenkins. 8-8-3 Judges. Masco's boys clinched a share of the CAL-Large title, tied with Colin's Wilmington team. Connery, Panella and Mello are pictured at right after Sam Houston - Gordon - The former Hamilton-Wenham star has the clinching game. started 16 of 18 games for the Scots who are 9-8-1 in the CCC.

Alana Figurido, Jon Britton, Shawn Tucker - Hamilton-Wenham - Barrie Lindsay, Colleen Liffers - Wheaton - Barrie has played in 18 The H/W Boys won the CAL-Small title. In a game full of Aztecs, games, starting five. She scored her first career goal in a 5-0 win over Masco's Connery, Panella, Mello, Ivester, and Hartmann faced Britton Rhode Island College and has 4 goals and 8 assists on the year. (CAL All-League 2007) and Tucker (CAL All-Star 2007). They all play Colleen has started 12 of the 14 games she has played and recorded 3 together with the Aztec U17 boys and this game was profiled in the assists. Barrie recently scored two goals for Wheaton in a 2-1 Salem News. Britton and Connery were photographed battling each comeback win over Amherst College, who are 17-0-1 in 2007. Barrie other in a game this season, while Tucker came in for praise from was also recently profiled on the front page of the Salem News sports coach Matt Jauron. section.

Nathaan and Anjuli Demers, Kirsten Lundquist - Middlebury - The Gabriela Demoner, Jenna Giardina, Thati Preisler- Franklin Pierce Aztec NPSL defender has started 8 of the 18 games he has played, - Gabi, the Ravens All-American and Aztec WPSL All-Star is up to her and added two assists for the 18-2-2 Panthers in the NESCAC. He old tricks, earning three NE-10 Player of the Week awards on the appeared as a sub in the NCAA Div. III Final, when Middlebury earned season with 22 goals and 10 assists. Jenna has five goals and 10 its first National Championship in men's soccer with a PK win over assist in 17 starts, also earning a selection to the NE-10's All-Academic Trinity of Texas. On the women's side, Nathaan's sister Anjuli has First Team. Thati has also started 17 games and added 2 goals and 5 started 13 games in the back for Middlebury, who have only allowed 14 assists. She also earned a bronze medal at last summer's World goals all season, and was named NESCAC All-League. Kirsten has 12 University Games with Brazil. The Ravens made it all the way to the GP and a goal and an assist for the 8-3-2 Panthers NCAA final before falling on PKs.

Nick Figuerido - Bowdoin - An Aztec NPSL midfielder, Nick has Jackie Sousa - LIU CW Post - Started 16 games, recording 3 goals started 13 games and added 8 goals and 9 assists for the 9-3-1 Polar and 3 assists for the 14-1-2 Pioneers in the ECC. Her team is ranked Bears. He also earned one NESCAC Player of the Week award, and 7th in the country. was named NESCAC Player of the Year. Nick was also featured in the Salem News after breaking Bowdoin's scoring record. Matt Lemire - San Diego State - Has appeared in 11 games, starting Danielle Tenaglia - Stony Brook - The Seawolves freshman has 1 for the San Diego State Aztecs with one goal on the year. SDSU is 8- played in 15 games and has recorded 3G and1A for the 7-3-5 America 4-2 in '07. East squad.

Chris Ethier - UNC Greensboro - Has 9 GP and scored his first Kellie Oberholtzer - Western Carolina - Three starts in 14 games NCAA goal in a 3-2 win over UNC Wilmington for the Spartans, who played for the Catamounts. Kellie has 3 assists for the Southern Conf. are 7-7-2 and play in the D1 Southern Conf. team, which stands at 8-8-1.

Brian Doucette, Laura Sansoucie - Colby Sawyer - Brian has Chelsea Keller - Ohio Wesleyan - 9 games played with 1 goal and 1 appeared in 19 games, starting eight. He has one goal and four assist for the 9-4-4 Battling Bishops, who play in the NCAC. assists, with his team earning a record of 10-8-2. "Sous" started 17 of 19 games for the Chargers, scoring eight goals with two assists for the Lauren Keating - Assumption - Playing behind a senior starter, 8-8-3 Commonwealth Coast Conference squad. Lauren is one of the backup GK's for the Greyhounds. She has started one game, giving up only two goals in a 2-1 OT loss to St. Michael's Pete Koskores, Rob Kennedy - New England College - Pete has where she recorded 6 saves. Assumption is 4-11-2 and play in the NE- started 18 games, and recorded a goal and 2A. Rob has started 14 of 10. 16 games he has appeared in with 4G and 1A. The Pilgrims are 11-6-1 and play in the CCC. Jill Dibenedetto - URI - Playing in the NCAA D1 A-10 conference, Jill has 5 games played as a sub for the 10-4-2 Rams. Jared Joaquin, Mike Crepeau - Bentley - Jared has appeared in 12 games, starting nine with 4G and 1A. Mike has started 11 games, Chrissie Chater - Florida IT - Started 11 of the 13 games she has adding 3G and an assist. Bentley is 6-12-1 in 2007. played, recording 1 assist for the 9-5-1 Panthers in the SSC.

Jesse Stevenson, Alex Martland - Connecticut College - Alex has Matt Tieri - Lasell - 12 GP with one start for the 9-6-0 Lasers in the made five appearances with one start and only one goal allowed as a GNAC. backup GK, while Jesse has appeared in six games for the NESCAC squad, who are 3-9-3. Richie Greene, Jill Jenkinson, Steph Glowick - Framingham State - Richie has 10 GP with one start, adding a goal and three assists for Kate Weinstein - Union - Katie has started 13 games in 2007. She the 12-3-1 Rams, who play in the MASCAC. On the ladies side, Jill has has two goals and three assists for the D3 Liberty League team. The one assist after starting 15 games for the 6-8-1 Rams. Steph has Dutchwomen are 15-3-0, ranked 17th in the nation. started 5 of 10 games played for the Rams in their MASCAC season.

Erin Lensky - Univ. of Delaware - Erin has 16 starts as a defender for Paul D'Angelo, Shawna Medina - Southern NH - Has started 12 of the NCAA D1 Blue Hens, who are 7-10-0 in 2007. the Penmen's 14 games as a freshman, adding 1 assist. SNH is 5-7-5 in the NE-10. For the women, Shawna has started 4 of the 14 games Alex Caram - Fairfield - A star midfielder with the Aztec 2006-07 she has played, adding two assists for the 8-10-1 squad. WPSL squads has started 15 games and has five goals and one assist for the 7-6-2 Stags. Kyle Grimaldi - RIT - Two time NEC all-star has one assist in 7 games, two as a starter, for the 9-6-2 Tigers in the Empire 8 Matt Carroll - Dartmouth - The Aztec NPSL star has started 12 conference. games and added three assists for the 8-2-2 Big Green in Ivy League action. Brianna Russo, Sarah Miller, Joe Ryan, Bryan Lee, DJ Picariello, Edgar Deleon - Endicott - Brianna played 16 games as a sub for the Britt Canfield - UMass-Amherst - Another WPSL star, Britt has Gulls and has scored one goal. She plays alongside Sarah Miller, an appeared in 13 games for the Minutewomen. She has 6 goals and 9 Aztec youth coach who has started 18 games with 3 goals, with the 13- assists for the 8-4-1 A-10 team. 5-0 Commonwealth Coast Conf. team. For the men, Joe has 13 starts, while Bryan has 14 starts and one assist for the Gulls, who started the season 2-11-3 and are losing alot of close games. DJ has appeared in Mike Tilley - Lafayette - Another Aztec NPSL player, Mike has started 15 games, starting 6, adding a goal. Aztec Youth Coach Edgar Deleon 13 games with three goals leading the Leopards to a 6-2-5 record. is asst. coach with the Gulls.

Deanna Maccario, Sara Hourihan - UNH - Freshman Deanna has 8 Kerri Domohowski - Merrimack - Kerri has started 9 of 18 games Games played, 2 games started. Recorded an assist in a 3-0 win over with 2 assists for the 11-3-4 Warriors in the NE-10. Central Arkansas. She plays alongside fellow Aztec alum Sara Hourihan, who has started 10 of her 16 games and notched 1 goal on the 10-5-1 season for UNH.

Dana Bergstrom - Syracuse - Dana has appeared in 17 games for the Orange, starting 15. She recorded a goal and two assists for 'Cuse. Syracuse is currently 6-7-4 in the Big East. Viva Madrid! - Aztec U13 Goes to Spain

"If you can’t play soccer over the Columbus Day weekend, the next best thing would be to catch some professional soccer action from Columbus’s own back yard!"

Hi, I’m Leah Connerty, #15 on the Aztecs U-13 Girls team, and that’s exactly what I did over the recent Columbus Day long weekend. I was able to see Real Madrid defeat Recreativo de Huelva 2-0 in a La Liga match at Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid, Spain.

My brother Jacob is going to school in Madrid for his fall semester. My parents and I decided it would be fun to visit him. With a break in our Maple season, even though we were gone for 6 days, I only missed one training session with my team. Madrid was a pretty cool place with lots of culture, museums, and old buildings. People take siesta in the late afternoon, so it’s weird when everything closes down and there aren’t too many people out on the streets. But at 7pm, everyone comes pouring out into the streets and the city comes to life. They eat dinner much later than we do, and everyone stays up late.

Besides the soccer, my favorite experience was going to a bull fight. It was a little sad when the bull dies, but in Spain it is considered a great honor for the bull to meet its demise in this manner. It was definitely something different than you can see in the U.S.

We went to the Bernabeu the day before the match to pick up our tickets. While we were there, we were able to go on a tour of the stadium. It was very similar in tradition to how we all feel about Fenway Park. It is an older stadium that seats about 80,000 people. There is a museum and trophy room within the stadium that traces the history of the team and displays all trophies from competitions that Real Madrid has won over the last century. I was able to go down to the field and sit on the benches. I also got to go up the tunnel and go into the team locker room, and then to the press conference room where the players and coaches are interviewed after the games.

We had awesome seats for the game, about 8 rows off the pitch. I didn’t know any of the players from Recreativo, but Madrid had all their top players in the lineup. They played a 4-3-3 formation similar to the one Ebbie uses on my team - except the names were Robben, v. Nistelrooy, and Raul up top; Sneijder, Guti, and Diarra in the middle; and Sergio Ramos, Cannavaro, Heinze, and Marcelo on the back line! My dad thought Robben was great to watch up close, but I really focused on how Sergio Ramos played, as that’s the position I play on my team – outside back. He was great at reading the play, and jumping up in to the attack by making an overlapping run. He also barely missed scoring off of a header on a corner kick. But, he always seemed to get back in position anytime Recreativo tried to counter attack.

Real Madrid seemed to control most of the game, but it wasn’t until the 73rd minute when v. Nistelrooy scored. They added a 2nd goal in stoppage time to seal the 2-0 victory. The game was good, but it was really the atmosphere that was the most memorable. There was a constant buzz in the crowd; a constant blare of horns, singing of songs in Spanish and lots of shrill whistling when the crowd didn’t agree with the referee!

It was a great experience that I hope to do again. Maybe next time, a trip to Old Trafford to see Man U!

Aztec Youth Captain Interviews Aztec Alum and UNC- Greensboro Midfielder

Chris Ethier - Beverly, MA. - 2006 Graduate Beverly High School, NSCAA All-American

Aztec Youth Teams/PASL/NPSL, Sophomore, UNC-Greensboro

Interviewer: Ryan Simpson U14 Boys Captain

1.) What 3 things do you miss about playing with Aztec soccer?

1-Playing with and being around everyone involved in the club, meeting new people who care about the game as much as I do. 2-Being able to compete amongst some of the best players in the state. 3-Seeing the guy’s everyday.

2.) What is your favorite memory with the club?

Winning the PASL Indoor national championship.

3.) Do you think Aztec prepared you for college soccer? How?

Without a doubt, I would not be where I am today not just as a soccer player but also a person. Aztec has given me the tools to succeed on and off the field. I was taught the game in a professional environment and the guys have become my best friends. Playing with Aztec is a win-win situation whether you want to become a pro, play D1 or just be part of a team. Aztec has something to offer everyone.

4.) What 3 things would tell a youth player who wants to play college soccer?

1-Make sure the school is the right fit both academically and athletically. Use all the resources Aztec has to offer. The club has a lot of connections and they know more about the game than you can imagine. 2-Grades first, everything else will fall into place. 3-When you play college soccer you will meet kids from big time clubs. Know that you came from a big time club also.

5.) Is there anything you would do differently in your development as a player?

There is nothing that I would do differently. My dad tells me that there are lots of clubs popping up around the North Shore. I cannot stress the fact that if you’re a player in the North Shore and you’re not involved with Aztec you’re missing out. I’ve been playing with men in the program since I was 15. You have to give yourself the best chance to succeed in the game. No club on the North Shore compares with Aztec in any aspect.

2007 Aztec High School All-Stars by team

Girls: U18s - Alyssa Accomando, Beverly; Kelly Cardinal, N. Andover; Jackie Gauthier, Danvers; Morgan Healey, N. Andover; Erica Leber, Andover; Jackie Lee, Pingree; Maggie Mahoney, Newburyport; Danielle Quinlan, N. Andover; Laurel Ganem, Waring School; Erin Quinlan, Governor’s Academy; Monty Sherwood, Waring School; Erica Skinner, Masconomet

U17s - Melissa Arn, North Andover; Alex Bengston, Andover; Taylor Bresnahan, Newburyport; Marielle Elie, Central Catholic; Alana Figurido, Hamilton- Wenham; Bianca Gallo, Bishop Fenwick; Jillian Kinter, Newburyport; Laura Muise, Newburyport; Caitlyn Pinkham, Peabody; Sarah Riggert, Lawrence Academy; Casey Schulze, Chelmsford; Christine Silva, Stoneham

U16s - Lucy Gildein, Masconomet; Charlotte Jensen, Wilmington; Mary Keroack, Marblehead; Bridget Leahy, Beverly; Jenn Pino, North Andover

U15s - Jaime Harris, Lynnfield; Brittany Russo, Danvers; Kristin Verrette, Bishop Fenwick; Arianna Twomey, Pingree

Boys: 2007 U18 - Rafael Santos, Boston Latin

U18s - Nick Allman, Newburyport; Sean Bishop, St. John’s Prep; Josh Boyce, Peabody; Tim Davison, Danvers; Nick LoCoco, Gloucester; Phil Marchwinski, Danvers; Kevin McCarthy, Danvers; Billy Nickerson, Pingree; Shane O’Neill, Gloucester; Jared Rizzo, Peabody

U17s - Jonathan Britton, Hamilton-Wenham; Shawn Tucker, Hamilton-Wenham; Ben Sena, Winthrop; Ryan Marchant, Wakefield; Alex Trotsky, Gloucester

U16s - Ian Mulholland, Boston Trinity

2007 Fall Tournament Wrap-up

Aztec Soccer kicked off the season with some impressive performances at Labor Day tournaments, including a Bandits Cup Championship for the U13 Girls. The Aztec U14 Boys were Bandits finalists, as both the boys and girls dispatched defending State Champs along the way.