Pinkerton Academy
The Astros have had a difficult time putting the ball in the opposing team’s net, but defensively, save for two games against Bedford and Londonderry, the team has excelled in that area, giving up just eight goals. Senior captain Braeden Wheeler has done a terrific job on the back line all season.
“I just do my best to keep the ball out of the net and support my teammates. I also just try to maintain possession when I am on the ball whether that be progressing it forward for recycling the ball to slow the game down and allow us to regroup,” he said.
Salem
Heading into this season, the Blue Devils had an opening in the goalkeeper position. Along came Elias Mercedes, who never played soccer before, nevermind goalie. In eight games, he has totaled 93 saves, and has three wins and two ties. On top that, he also scored the lone goal in a win over Timberlane on a long punt that bounced over the Owls’ goalie.
Mercedes also missed four games due to a shoulder injury.
“After I missed those four games games, I tried my hardest to get right back into soccer and make a positive impact for the team as we continue our push for playoffs,” said Mercedes, who is also the center fielder on the SHS baseball team. “I think we are ready as a team and are prepared for the battle to the state championship.”
Timberlane
A year ago, the Owls had one win. Currently the team is 5-4-4 and on the verge of qualifying for postseason play. Over the last six games, Timberlane is 2-1-3, beating Sanborn and Pelham, losing to Merrimack and ending in ties with Concord, Bishop Guertin and then Sanborn. Leading that charge in the offensive end has been Jude Seager and Andrew Pantano. Goalie Nick DiNapoli has been rock solid as well.
Windham
The Jaguars have dropped their last two games, putting the record to 5-6-2. The team’s most consistent performer all season has been goalie Matt Moseley, who has registered shut out wins over Winnacunnet and Manchester Memorial.
“Matt has kept us in games and given us a chance to win,” said head coach Mike Hachey. “You can count on him to take away at least one goal a game. If we’re going to compete in the playoffs, it will be Matt that carries us. He’s a tremendous young man that has put in the extra training to develop his game to a point where he can compete at the next level.”
Windham has three games left and need every point they can gather in order to qualify for postseason play.
“I think as long as we show heart and passion we can fight and get into playoffs,” said Moseley. “The team has a lot of talent and collectively we can make it into the playoffs. I believe I’m playing well this season, but there’s always room for improvement. I’ll continue to do my best and keep working hard.”