Columbus Day weekend, the West Haven Youth Soccer League hosted its annual West Haven Ivitational Tournament (WHIT). The U12 girls had a spectacular weekend, winning the championship for their division.
On Saturday they faced off against New Haven, winning 3-0. Luciana Cappetta and Gillian Wynus scored for West Haven. During the second game, they took a 4-0 win over North Branford with goals by Francesca DeMartino, Luciana Cappetta and Wynus.
On Sunday, they fought against Southington where Josylyn DaVila and Annabelle Fiorillo were aggressive on defense, but West Haven fell short, 5-2. During their second matchup of the day, they defeated Cheshire, 3-1.
The championship game brought another match against Southington, with amazing saves in goal by Olivia Petrie. Excellent passing skills and teamwork lead the girls to a 2-1 win, taking home the championship.
The U10 boys went undefeated, going 4-0 and scoring 24 goals ,nd only giving up three through the four games. On Saturday the U10’s took on Coginchaug, winning 6-1. Ryan Abekah scored twice, getting assists from Emmett Hemming and Mason DaSilva. Luca DeCrescenzo picked up the other four goals. Jaxon Cruz played well in goal, with Ben Trenchard and Ethan Fonseca anchoring the defense.
The second game of the day saw the Westies take on New Haven, winning 7-2. Jacon Rader picked up an assist in the win, and Adam Lankhantar got the hat trick on his birthday. Jax Guarino scored two one-timer shots, and Jaxon Cruz scored the final goal, with an assist from Gavin Lenihan. Josiah Parrilla and Joey Ruiz played well in the midfield and on defense.
Sunday saw the Blue Devils continue their winning ways, first defeating Guilford, 6-0. Matteo D’Elia, Ethan Fonseca, and Collin Gibbons all scored, while Seth Empric was stellar on defense. Ben Trenchard had another solid game in the back, while making great passes forward to his teammates. Cruz and Rader were strong in the net for the shut-out.
The final game of the tournament saw West Haven taking on Haddaam-Killingworth, coming out on top, 5-0. Roland Green opened the scoring, dribbling past three defenders before he coolly slotted the ball past the goalie.
This past weekend the Dr. R. Mark Pappas Wolves played #DAVILATRIBE Yellow Jackets, and in a back-and-forth match came from behind to notch a tie, 1-1. The offense was led by Ruaa Naas, Isabella Celantano and Valeria Almonte, while the defense was led by Genesis Gallego, Ava Garcia, and Vittoria Almonte, who covered the net for the Wolves. For the Yellowjackets, Kamyah Bell attacked the ball taking it from her opponent and dribbling down the field. Rylee Lanci moved the ball up the field to a scoring position. Celeste Santiago made the first goal of the game.
In an exciting game, the West Haven Professional Firefighters played against Taco Town, with the match ending in a 4-4 tie. After being down 3-0 at halftime the Firefighters clawed their way back with goals from Dixon Lopes, Guillermo Gonzaga, Mohamed Nasr, and Joe Sperry Jr. The team also had outstanding play from Carlos and James Bazar. For Taco Town, Rida Saanon sent one goal in from the top of the box. Christopher Romero scored two goals with a tremendous assist from Daimeon Griffin. Anthony Soto-Poou and Carlos Jalexis Garcia Perez showed great hustle. In the final minutes of the game, Christopher Romero scored on a breakaway to tie the game.
Saturday found Mad Mike’s Cheesesteaks play a hard-fought game despite being short players against West Haven Federation of Teachers. Alice Burns contributed well on offense with a goal. Jaelyn Aviles played great defense and Lindsey Chuquisaca Granja scored as well. For West Haven Federation of Teachers, Katie Samaniego scored her first goal of the season and played the entire game with enthusiasm. Savannah Gilchrist played an aggressive game helping to bring the ball down the field multiple times. Aaliyah Castillo was an unstoppable defensive force, blocking shots the whole game. Lilithbelle Warcholic, Justine Davila, and Avalyn Wilder scored.
Keenan Funeral Home played against Vio’s Sports Plus. Michele Rossi, Yusuf Maras, and Zayed Baoudene played a good game, displaying teamwork and good sportsmanship. P&B Express took on Porto Funeral Home, winning 8-3. Alexander Urgiles scored multiple goals and pick-up two assists. Jeremiah Nunoo played tenaciously while the three-season veteran Sergio Salinas Jara scored for the first time in his career. Youseff El haouzi made it two games in a row getting the ball in the net and Jase Wynosky rounded out the scoring.
The travel teams were back in action the week after the WHIT. The U12 girls hosted East Haven Saturday where the girls fell short, 2-1. Annabelle Fiorillo led the charge in defense while Olivia Petrie had several excellent saves in goal. Kai Ruotolo and Chelsea Frost worked hard to get the ball up the field. On Sunday, the girls faced off against Clinton at home where they worked hard to fend off Clinton but lost, 1-0. Gillian Wynus had several excellent plays advancing towards the goal along with Luciana Cappetta.
The U10 boys were right back at it, playing Madison Saturday afternoon. They continued their winning ways, coming out on top, 6-1. Ryan Abekah got the hat trick, with Mason DaSilva and Ben Trenchard getting the assists. DaSilva picked up another assist when he put Roland Green through on goal, and Green hammered the ball into the back of the net. Luca DeCresenzo scored a nice goal after Matteo D’Elia set him up perfectly, and DeCresenzo picked up his own assist when Collin Gibbons knocked in a rebound from a well saved shot. Seth Empric and Josiah Parilla played well on defense and Jaxon Cruz and Jacob Rader were stellar in the goal. Adam Lankhantar and Jax Guarino both had strong games for the Westies in the win.
On Sunday the U10 boys traveled to Guilford and picked up the 4-3 win in a close match. Roland Green was strong on the attack, and Joey Ruiz worked hard in the attack and on defense. Gavin Lenihan hustled up and down the field, and Seth Empric, Collin Gibbons, Ethan Fonseca, and Ben Trenchard were all once again stellar on defense.