Five questions with North Andover’s Liam Delaney
Hi Liam, tell everyone how the season is going for the North Andover boys’ soccer team. Any big wins?
Overall, it has been a strong start to the season. We have a 6-1-1 record. I think we are gaining momentum as a team. Acton-Boxborough was a unifying win for us. They’ve been a problem for us in the past, including ending our last season.
You are one of the team’s captains. Are you more of a leader through communication or by example, and in what ways?
I would like to think I lead by example. I tend to build individual relationships with my teammates and offer to help them anyway I can. I try to push myself to impact the game when I think my teammates most need me, and they always respond as well.
You are one of the leading scorers in the Eagle-Tribune area with seven goals. Have you ever had a start like this before?
No, I’ve never scored this many goals before. Last year I had just three which was the most I ever had, but I did have more assists than I do now. I just hope to keep up the momentum and finding the back of the net.
A few weeks ago, you scored a penalty kick goal against Billerica. Goalies are taught to guess where the shooter is going. Did you get that idea that he was guessing or did you know beforehand where you were going with it?
I picked my spot before the kick. However, I was patient in stepping up to the ball, keeping a close eye on the goalie, and I was confident once I got him to inch over to one side I would have him slightly off balance when I hit it. Luckily, I was correct.
If a middle school student asked you what’s so great about NAHS, what would say to him/her?
The athletics at NAHS are well supported. Classes are challenging. The teachers are supportive and the foundation of the school. I really enjoy the independence that comes along with the step up to high school.
Throw-Ins
Crocker on fire … Central Catholic is off to a perfect 6-0 start. Matt Crocker has been immense with eight goals (three PK tallies) and two assists, while goalie Matt Orzeck has been excellent, posting four shutouts.
Not getting past the Mendoza line …After a slow start, the Greater Lawrence Reggies have turned things around with three straight wins. Senior captain Anthony Rubim is leading the offense, and halfback Miguel Mendoza has been instrumental, leading the team’s backline, winning 50-50 balls and creating offense.
A strong trio … Haverhill is extremely young and tri-captains Colin Bateman, Pablo Banos, and Evan Ortins have been the backbone of the “rebuild”. “Bateman drives the attack with energy and intensity, Banos anchors the defense with composure and leadership, and Ortins sets the standard for discipline and hard work in midfield,” said head coach Nick Guimaraes.
Saving grace … Goalie Jared Martinez has been the backbone of the Lawrence Lancers and their strong 5-3 start. He’s much improved between the posts this season, averaging eight saves a game.
New season, same traits … Methuen High senior captain Yaseen Dakiri is off to a strong offensive start with five goals. He played a big part in last year’s playoff run and was named a second team MVC All-Star.
Red-hot Scarlet Knights…North Andover is off to a terrific 6-1-1 start. Offensively Liam Delaney has seven goals, and Shane Lawlor has four, while defensively the team has posted six straight shutouts over Billerica, Westford Academy (tie), Lawrence, Chelmsford, Medford and Dracut.
Astros getting defensive … After losing most of his defenders from last year’s team, Pinkerton Academy (2-1-3) have given up just four goals this season led by the play of senior captain Zack DeLong, Justin Howell, Jackson Garrett and the team’s two keepers Tyler Elliott and Levi Jason.
A natural trickster … Salem’s Levi Leite scored a first-half hat trick recently against Spaulding, a spark that the Blue Devils have been looking for. “We hope he will heat up now that he has a couple of goals under his belt. We’re looking for him to keep the momentum going and step up in these next games as we push for the playoffs,” said coach Ian Valcich.
Strong leader … Despite a challenging start to the season with injuries and tough results, Timberlane senior captain Landon Petry (5 assists) continues to be the engine for the Owls. “Landon’s positive leadership, commitment to developing younger players, and exceptional soccer IQ are qualities that both his teammates and coaches deeply value,” said head coach Mitch Mencis.