Sports

Stoughton's U14 Boys' Soccer Team Caps Season at Massachusetts Tournament of Champions

After winning the South Shore Soccer League finals, Stoughton was one of just 12 teams at the U14 boys' Division 2 level statewide to head to the Massachusetts Tournament of Champions (MTOC) this past weekend.

After beating Brockton following penalty kicks in the finals of the  on June 17,  headed to the Massachusetts Tournament of Champions (MTOC), held June 22-24 in Lancaster, MA.

Competing as one of just 12 teams statewide at the U14 boys' Division 2 level, Stoughton fell short of its ultimate goal of a state title, but capped a successful and exciting season.

"Our experience at was amazing," coach Rob Mitchell wrote in an email. "The games were very intense because the state title is at stake. The players were terrific; they played hard yet respectfully. It was great meeting so many families that are all as committed as ourselves. The weather was hot but everyone did their best to stay cool. All in all, it was the best soccer experience and competition you could possibly imagine."

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Stoughton entered MTOC with a perfect 11-0 record and went 1-2 in group play at the state tournament. 

Stoughton's U14 boys' team lost 2-1 to Andover (the eventual state finalist) on June 22, but bounced backed to beat Athol later in the day, 3-0, despite dealing with lightning delays. 

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The team was then eliminated after losing to 3-0 to Scituate on June 23 in the final game of group play. 

"Even though we fell short at MTOC, our Stoughton u14b soccer team is the SSSL [South Shore Soccer League] Spring 2012 Champion and will go in the youth soccer history books with a perfect 11-0 record on the regular season and postseason," Mitchell wrote in an email.  

"I am so proud of my players and they worked hard and grew their soccer skills. Thank you to our very supportive parents and families cheering for us. Special thank you to my assistant coach Bob Fishman for his many valuable skills and partnership to making our team successful. Thank you to SYSL [Stoughton Youth Soccer League] and to our corporate sponsor Stelio's Pizza." 

Players on the team include: Marco Antunes; Cam Carpenter; Nate Espinal; Jeremy Fishman; Matt Gallagher; Max Goodman; Conor Kavanagh; Joshua Mitchell; Colin O'Neil; Will Peoples; Adam Potter; Izaiah Roberts; Malyke Ross; Noah Schulze; Kyle Silverman; Trevor Simmons; Hunter Sprague; and Derek Westhaver.

"My goal has a soccer coach has always been to provide a fun and learning environment, share my knowledge of the game, help players find their skill level, and pull/push/inspire them to improve themselves," Mitchell added. 

"I only planned to win "the next game" and really focused on getting our players to work together as a team. With the right mix of "great attitude" and "desire to win" we were able to accomplish something that no one thought was possible. I'll always remember this Spring 2012 as the best season of coaching soccer forever."


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