The Elite Soccer Camps Girls U-12 Lightning played twice this weekend. On Saturday, the Lightning took on the University of New Haven Thunder. The Lightning won, 4-1, in a great game that saw both teams play well. Jaylyn Powell opened the scoring for Lightning, off an assist from Niamh Chesson. Powell would go on to score two more to complete the hat trick, with Chesson assisting on all three. Ashlynn Trenchard picked up the other goal for the Lightning, receiving a long pass from Sophie Mazuroski, and cutting the ball back to beat the goalie and nail it home. Etta Funke and Llyanna Griffith-Waite combined for several saves in goal, while Chloe Whelan anchored the defense and Jaelyn Beauvais held down the midfield.
For the Thunder, Madden Evangeliste, Jayden Braacker and Angelina Messina were strong at the back and made it difficult for Lightning to score early on. Sydni Gayle made some great saves and Madyson Ortiz played well. In the second half, the Thunder continued to play well and work hard with strong midfield performances from Natalie Reed, Amanda Fagnani, Sarahi Cruz-Cruz and Arya Mulmi. Bellarose Ramirez put in a solid performance on the field and then did well in goal in the last ten minutes of the game. Michelle Ceja and Katelynn Salgado put in strong performances both in midfield and defense. Amyah Kelly managed to score a goal late in the game.
Both teams were back in action on Sunday. First the Thunder took on Prospect, falling, 3-1, though the score line does not reflect how well they played against a team at the top of the league. The Thunder started positively, creating early chances through Amyah Kelly and Madyson Ortiz, but could not find the back of the net. As always defensively the Thunder were strong, with Madden Evangeliste, Jayden Braacker and Angelina Messina making it difficult for players to get through on goal. In the second half Thunder came out very strong and got a goal early by Sydni Gayle, who used her strength to hold off the defender. Natalie Reed had some terrific runs down the wing and caused a lot of problems in the box, but could not score.
Bellarose Ramirez put in a very solid performance in goal in the second half and kept the score at 3-1 giving the girls a chance of getting back in the game. Amanda Fagnani, Katelynn Salgado and Michelle Ceja again put in strong performances in midfield and did well to move the ball up the field quickly and helped maintain pressure on Prospect.
The Lightning played Guilford later Sunday afternoon, winning, 4-1. Aylin Soto opened the scoring for the Lightning, scoring on a brilliant solo effort getting around the Guilford defenders and slotting the ball home past the keeper. Molly Gunning added to the scoring a few minutes later, collecting a pass from Soto and finding the back of the net. Alexandria Nunes picked up the third and fourth goals in the second half, with Jaelyn Powell assisting on one and Ashlynn Trenchard getting the assist on the other. Annabelle Pasacreta and Adelicia Parise both did a good job defending, and Cashlin O’Neill played great in goal.
The Elite Soccer Camps U-14 girls continued their strong season as they made a push for the top of the league when they hosted Madison Sunday afternoon, winning 4-0. The Westies and Madison traded chances early on, but both goalies were up to the task, until Ariana Izzo threaded a pass between two defenders into the path of Julia Tsakonas, who took a touch and put the ball into the Madison goal. Izzo would pick up a second half hat trick, getting assists from Olivia Trenchard and Tsakonas. Alyvia Ginsberg played well on defense, and Camryn Flaherty and Emma Walker did a commendable job at center back. Riley Studley made some important clearances and helped preserve the win for the Westies.
The First Congregational Church of West Haven U-10 girls ended the weekend with two wins and a tie. On Friday night, the Westies traveled to Prospect. Both Valentina DeMartino and Cristel Miguel played tough in the goal. Camilla Murphy was the only Westie to net a goal. In the end, the game finished with a 1-1 tie. On Saturday, the Westies played in front of a home crowd against Branford. Madison Gargiulo made multiple saves in goal while Katarina Oliveira and Michelle Mora-Cyrus played a solid game. With an ending score of 7-0, goals were scored by Lexi Lucas, Kaylee Pellino and Camilla Murphy. First-time travel goals were scored by Mariella Cappetta, Lia Powers and Valentina DeMartino. On Sunday the Westies traveled to North Haven in a tight game with a 2-1 finish. The Westies put the pressure on as they dominated the field in the first half and a goal was scored by Isabella Antonucci. Amiyah Jones and Kayci Gayle were strong in defense as they blocked anything coming close to the goal. In the second half, Kaylee Pellino scored the second goal for the win in the final seconds of the game. A good game was played by all.
Midweek, the Milano & Wanat West Haven U-19 boys travel team played Branford. The Westies fought back from a 3-0 deficit to nearly tie and come away with a point, but Branford outlasted them and they fell. The attack was led by Bernard Ocansey with two goals, Santiago Moreno and Raady Rahman each with one. They were supported by strong midfield play from Isaac Osei and Youssoupha Cisse, who both assisted the goals. Over the weekend, the Westies played in the Cheshire Tournament. In their first game, the Westies upset Ansonia, 1-0. The team got a goal early from Santiago Moreno from a corner kick. The Westies hung on working the clock thanks to subs Anthony Garcia, Walter Trigueros, and Murtaza Amjad who came in to hold off the Ansonia counter. In the second game, the Westies fell 1-0 to Cheshire White due to a penalty kick. On Sunday, the team returned late in the afternoon to face a scrappy Branford team. Despite a relentless attack and a wall-like defense from Thomas Mazzara, Matthew Bello, Mike Afful, and Raady Rahman, Branford got just one good attack through. The Westies fell 1-0 to Branford. In their final game, the Westies fell to eventual tournament winners Cheshire Red, 5-1. Goalkeeper John McLaughlin was tireless throughout the tournament, stopping far more shots than were allowed. Santiago Moreno again scored on a penalty, just one of two goals scored against the champions.
The Shoreline Wellness Center Green Leafs played a tough game against Capetta’s Italian Imports, with the Leafs winning, 3-0. Goals were scored by Nylah Beyah, Isabella Antonucci, and Lia Powers. Valentina DeMartino was unstoppable in the goal and Eve Montiel played amazing defense. The Keenan Funeral Home Yellow Jackets won on Saturday against the Gunning Law Firm, 4-1. Alivia Reilly and Kaylee Pellino turned away many shots while in goal. Kiara moved the ball down the line. Lexi Lucas and Kayci Gayle each scored two goals.
In a midweek game Barcode lost to Sweet Relief, 5-3. David Christensen led the way with three goals, and Caleb Awuah picked up two goals. There was great field support from Ato Appiah, Jacob Smalls, Elijah Reddick, and great sportsmanship from Dante Grammatico and Zach Shippy. The two teams played again over the weekend, with Sweet Relief Catering winning, 6-3. Aiden Mancini scored and great field play was on display by Paul Christensen and Stephen Christensen. Great defense was displayed by Tyler Geer, Gregory Roddick, and Brandon and Christopher Hernandez in the win.
The Porto Funeral Home Green Dragons took on the Jason Ranalli All Stars, winning, 5-0. Omar Elnatour played well overall and had a beautiful assist crossing from the right wing. Gabriel Nascimento contributed a goal in the winning effort. Aiden Gagiulo also worked really hard offensively and defensively for the Green Dragons.
The Elite Soccer Camps Blue Sharks played WH Professional Fire Fighters, with the sharks coming out on top, 11-5. Seth Empiric picked up a great assist on an Alex Knuth, and Empiric also scored. Ben Trenchard had a nice pull back turn that took him between two defenders, and later did a sole roll across his body that beat a defender, allowing him to pass to Matteo D’Elia, who buried the ball for a goal. Trenchard also scored, as did Luca Decresenzo and Ryan Abekah. Jax Guarino worked hard, scoring and setting up his teammates to score as well.
The Stars Ice Cream Golden Warriors played two games this week. On Tuesday they tied the Rock House School of Music, 3-3, with Maryorie Hernandez-Fortin scoring two goals and Aliana Tepetl scoring the other. On Saturday the two teams met again, and the Warriors came out on top, 4-3. The Warriors were led by Nada El Mouki with two goals. Maryorie Herendez-Fortin and Alexandra Ortiz also scored.
The Top Hat Dance Academy Soccer Rockers also played two games. On Thursday they played a well rounded game against Top Hat Dance Academy, with a 5-1 win. Malay Romeroscored her first goal, and Joyce Delgadoalso scored. Julliana Mancini working hard as keeper. On Saturday, the Soccer Rockers played West Shore Family Dental, losing, 4-3. Asia Ford scored, and Lliany Romero worked hard on defense, and Sofia Lora played well at outside midfield. The Nick’s Luncheonette Dragons went up against the Gunning Law Firm on Saturday, with the Dragons taking the win, 7-2. Jayden Abekah, Dylan Narvaez Ramos and Mark Zhuno all played well.
In what was a great defensive battle, the P & B Express Shamrocks came out with a 2-1 win against the Oyster River Energy Blueberries. Julissa Oliveras was fantastic on offense scoring a goal in the first half and Ariel Titus produced the winning goal in the second half. Yulissa Leica-Palma, Leanna Philogen, and Klara Frost played tight defense making it hard for the Blueberries to score.
The West Haven Police Local 895 Yellow Flash played against Jason Rinelli. Yellow Flash won, 12-5. Alessio Bisceglia scored his first goal, while Jacob Rader demonstrated his strong sportsmanship and foot skills by supporting his team in a variety of ways. He made the most passes to teammates and had the most assists. Owen Nieve assisted on a goal. Jacob Colon and Jeshrun Polington showed off some new foot skills and passing. Roland Green scored three goals for the team.
The George Ellis Company, Inc Blue Bruisers played Frank Agvent Heating and Plumbing. The Blue Bruisers won, 4-3. Cheyenne Sebas scored a goal. Olivia Moretti scored her first goal of the season. Hudanur Sahin, Bianca Davila and Eliana Centeno-Galdame held back the opposing team from breaking through the defense making possible for the Bruisers to get their first win of the season.
The West Haven Federation of Teachers Local 1542 Mini Blueberries played the WH Italian-American Civic Association, with the Mini Blueberries losing. 3-1. Anessa Worrell and Harper Golde used team work passing the ball up. Jillian Crudo found open space to pass to her teammates. Aaliyah Powers supported her team defensively.