Youth soccer
Amherst United shuts out Mustangs, earns U-14 'C' championship

The Amherst United U-14 boys soccer team defeated the Tritown Mustangs, 4-0, to win the U-14 "C" division championship. Members of the team, pictured from left, are: laying down - Jordan Bookbinder; first row, kneeling - Curtis Snyder, Alex Buell, A.J. Miles, Jeff Miller, Ben Roesser, Evan Martone and Will Tiftickjian; second row, standing - Alex Hong, Ryan Hofschneider, Danny Stelly, Kevin Wolfe, Sean McNamara, Tommy Ryan, Connor Dougherty, Chris Aurilio and coach Kevin Brenner.

The Amherst United U-14 boys squad took to the home pitch for the final match of the season against the Tritown Mustangs on Aug. 7. The United won 4-0, earning the U-14 "C" division championship.

Some nervousness was evident as the visitors made a play deep into the Amherst zone from the opening kick. Goalkeeper Tommy Ryan, who had allowed only six goals in 11 games to date, snagged the ball in the 18-yard box and implored his team to play to their potential before confidently punting the ball away. His words had the desired effect as Jordan Bookbinder took the ball down the right wing before his cross landed at the feet of Kevin Wolfe. Only a spectacular save by the Mustangs goalkeeper kept him off the score sheet.

Undeterred, Wolfe had a cross of his own from the left side six minutes in that struck the crossbar, but fortuitously fell to Ryan Hofschneider, who would not be denied opening the scoring.

Midfielder Jeff Miller upped the score to two when he stole a through ball and dribbled into the attacking zone before striking the ball to the goalkeeper's right.

With the momentum clearly in United's favor, Danny Stelly and Will Tiftickjian put on a brilliant display of passing in the Mustang half with Stelly only being denied by another incredible save by the opponent's goalkeeper.

Alex Hong was similarly denied with time expiring in the half after Evan Martone crossed the ball to the streaking Hong. Again, the Tritown keeper was up to the task.

The first half ended with a corner kick from Miller, who sought the head of Chris Aurilio but the ball sailed too high and was safely cleared as the whistle blew.

The second half opened with the Amherst men showing the same dominance that they had demonstrated in the first 35 minutes.

Less than three minutes in, Wolfe launched a cross from deep in the left corner to Sean McNamara who was planted eight yards from the goal. Unfortunately, McNamara's blast ricocheted off the cross bar.

Amherst had another opportunity 30 seconds later when defenders Alex Buell and Evan Martone moved the Tritown goal kick out of the defensive end quickly to Curtis Snyder. Snyder took the 20-yard shot which was knocked down by a visiting defender. The clearing attempt was stopped by Ben Roesser, who then smartly played the ball to Buell on the left, who promptly laid the ball off to A.J. Miles. His shot threaded past the goalkeeper into the lower left corner for the 3-0 lead.

The fourth goal for United was the result of some crisp passing and excellent communication. Hong called for the ball midway into the 18-yard box.

With Aurilio moving quickly into the attacking zone and signaling for the ball, Hong deftly played the ball backwards which Aurilio placed onto the right foot of Hofschneider, who knocked deep into the net.

The four-goal lead brought about a change in net for Amherst, allowing Ryan some well deserved time in the field. Ryan took advantage of the chance making the pass that almost had Hofschneider earning the hat trick and moments later being thwarted on a shot of his own.

Moments later, the final whistle sounded and Amherst United had earned their championship. They finished 7-4-1.