For the third weekend in a row, Mother Nature left the fields of West Haven underwater, further delaying the start of the West Haven Youth Soccer League Rec season, but some of the travel teams were able to get games in. Saturday afternoon, the Elite Soccer Camps U-12 girls travel team visited Wallingford. The Westies fell, 5-2, in a tough game. The muddy field conditions and the aggressiveness of the Wallingford team forced the Westies to go down 3-0 by the half, despite several great saves my Etta Funke in the goal. The girls played better in the second half, moving the ball well and creating chances. Jaylyn Powell and Ciara Harp both scored, while Molly Gunning and Jaelyn Beauvais played well on the flanks. Adelicia Parise and Annabelle Pasacreta put in a solid effort defensively in the matchup.
The Gunning Law Firm U-12 boys took on Amity for a Wednesday night game for their first match of a rainy spring season. They looked rusty and had trouble playing on a wet field, but were able to get an early 1-0 lead. Amity countered and scored just before halftime. West Haven looked much sharper in the second half scoring two goals for a 3-1 win. Ethan Masoperh, Brian Cruz, and Bobby Severino all played great in the win.
The U-12 boys returned to action on Saturday taking on the U-13 Cheshire in the first 11v11 match of their careers. It was sunny, dry day and the boys looked good moving the ball around with ease. They used the whole field to their advantage and where able to get a 5-0 win. Ethan Masoperh picked up two goals, with Efrain Brown, Brian Cruz, and Gabe Locklear also scoring. Also playing well was Antonio Brown, Evan Amoro, and Matt Hunter.
The Rock House School of Music U-19 boys travel team traveled to Orange Sunday evening, and won, 4-0. The Westies opened the scoring in the first minute of the match, as Javier Yanez poked the ball past a diving Orange keeper. The game went back and forth until the Westies began to pull away. Derick Meza smashed a shot into the upper 90, and Yanez added his second goal of the match midway through the second half. Danny Morales rounded out the scoring. Holden Axelrod and Nash Noble combined for the shut-out. The Westies improved to 3-0-2, and will play in the First Round of the Connecticut Cup next Saturday, May 4, at 7 p.m. at Ken Strong Stadium.
The Top Hat Dance Academy U-19 girls travel team also played Sunday evening, hosting Southington. The Westies fell, 3-2, giving up a last-minute goal. Lauren Panza made several key plays as she anchored the defense, working with Jalen Chandler, Emma Konicki and Aerin Maclaughlin. Riley Collins and Madison Molster also worked hard. Julia Merola played goalie for the Rush, making some great saves to keep the game close. Jessica Robinson and Selena Izzo scored. CeCe Yanez, Sophia Gigliotti, Cori Severino, and Riley Severino all showed signs of brilliance with their passing and movement off the ball.