The Midcoast United U13 soccer team’s fall season is off to a promising start after a match against a team in Winslow on August 25. They played under U13 rules for the first time on a full-size field with full-size goals and 11 players per side.

The team enthusiastically welcomed three new players from Bristol this season, all of whom made contributions in the game: Isaac Craig, Lucas Kelsey and Sullivan Fink.

Midcoast’s teamwork was a big ragged at the start of the first 35-minute half, but the players sorted out their positions and began working together to build several nice drives down the field.  Offensive play by Simon Spear, Markus Russell, Will Shaffer, Bayly Gaughan and Sullivan Fink improved as the match wore on. Avery Stewart in goal had several nice saves.  Will, Simon, and Markus attempted numerous goal shots that either hit the post, were stopped by the Winslow goalkeeper, or went wide of the net.

The second half was notable for the improved Midcoast teamwork. They dominated control of the game throughout. Simon, Markus and Sullivan continued making goal shots with Markus driving one in at the 44thminute mark on a nice breakaway. Lucas Kelsey, a newcomer to goalkeeping, made some nice saves to keep a clean sheet for Midcoast. The game was marked by very good defensive play by Ella Spear, Ethan Carmolli, Isaac Craig, and Ben Jacobs.  They kept the Winslow players safely away from their goal and Midcoast came away with a 1-0 win.

The U11 team met a tough opponent in Yarmouth in the afternoon. Ryan Russell and Grady Shur shared the goal tending duties, but Yarmouth was able to come away with two quick scores early in the first half. Midcoast worked well in passing and communication on the field, and though the team held Yarmouth to no goals in the second half, U11 came away with a loss. Other contributing team members were Kaleb Ames, Jake Fowler, Sam Sinibaldi, Wyatt Pinkham, Henry Pinkham, Sheamus Mann, Isabel Manahan, Natalie Farrell and Duncan Steele-Maley.

The U10 team traveled to Gray-New Gloucester to take on the Patriots. Andrew Gudroe started in goal and made some great saves in the first half. Maddox Tilas started the scoring for Midcoast with a goal in the first minute. Jack Duncan followed with another. Though the Patriots answered with a goal, Midcoast's Benjamin Sawyer and Casey Duncan added a goal each, and Drew Meader put two balls in the back of the net, bringing the half-time score to 6-1.

The second half saw two goalie changes, with Will Farrell and Casey Duncan minding the net and working hard to maintain the lead. The Patriots scored one more time, followed by goals from Midcoast's J. Duncan and Patrick McKenney. Quick passing and a strong defense by Quinn Prentice, Marley LeBel and Ellory Stewart supported the Midcoast win, 8-2.

With a weekend off for Labor Day, the next games are scheduled home games for all three teams on September 8. 

Currently, the Midcoast United Soccer Club has members and players from Phippsburg, Georgetown, Wiscasset, Dresden, Newcastle, Nobleboro, Damariscotta and the Boothbay area. 

If you would like more information on how to become a part of the Midcoast Soccer Club Community (through players or sponsors) please visit our website at www.midcoastunited.com or email Pam Wiley at pwiley@roadrunner.com/.