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Tag: The Center of Anna Maria Island

Center soccer champions

Progressive Cabinetry crowned champions

Written by Monica Simpson on . Posted in Soccer, Sports.

The spring youth soccer season came to an exciting end May 23 at The Center of Anna Maria Island with the number one- and number two-ranked teams meeting up on the pitch for the championship game.

Coming into the battle, Bins Be Clean was the top seed looking to retain its status as the best in the league.

Progressive Cabinetry, an arguably equally matched team finishing second in the regular season, had nothing to lose and a championship to win in the final game of the season.

With three of the league’s award winners, Bins Be Clean did not go down without a fight. Goalie of the Year Victor Albrecht was recorded to have three saves in his team’s strong effort in the game.

Overall MVP Jackson Pakbaz and Defensive MVP J.M. Feeney played a smart game for Team Bins Be Clean. Despite their best efforts, the team could not stop the critical and lone goal of Progressive Cabinetry’s Gregory Jordan.

Progressive Cabinetry’s victory came with the assistance of Female MVP Lily Kawahata and Most Improved Liam Coleman.

As the Island area kids finish their season, the big kids in the adult co-ed league start playoffs this week. Middle of the pack #4 Slim’s Place takes on #5 Ross Built Construction in the 6 p.m. game Thursday, May 31.

The second head-to-head match-up finds #6 Moss Builders versus #3 Sato Real Estate. At 8 p.m., #2 Lancaster Design meets #7 Mar/Kis Insurance on the field. The last game of the night pits undefeated first seed Legler Flynn against last place Acqua Aveda.

Center soccer clinic Beach Bums

A community of soccer on the Island

Written by Monica Simpson on . Posted in Soccer, Sports.

For years, the Island’s community center has met the many needs of the community. This community reaches far beyond the outline of the barrier island and it is strongly exemplified with the game of soccer.

With Island soccer, the feeling of being a part of a community is fulfilled. From the youth soccer league to the adult co-ed league, the field is occupied by players, friends and family who look forward to the weekly games and fellowship that goes along with the events.

The international game of soccer has proved to be a game for all ages at the community center. This season the players are as young as 3 years old and as seasoned as 78-year-old Lyn Clarke.

The love of the game and the community spirit is what keeps Clarke and other veteran players on the pitch every season.

This passion for soccer spills over to the youth soccer clinics lead by parent volunteers. Two of the coaches also play in the adult soccer league. These clinics not only allow for the adults to give back to the community, but also spend precious time with their own children.

Danny Anderson and Sean Flynn take one of the small fields, making it into the training ground for future players. The Flip Flop Shop sponsors the 3- to 5-year-old clinic, which allows the youngest to learn the simplest of soccer skills while still having fun and gaining a sense of accomplishment.

Center soccer Flip Flop Shop
The youngest soccer players listen to the coach’s instructions during the soccer clinic sponsored by The Flip Flop Shop. – Monica Simpson | Sun

The 6- to 7-year-old clinic, sponsored by Beach Bums, works on basic soccer skills and takes those skills to the field in scrimmage games.

These young players have goal scoring and fun games to look forward to as seen by the kids on the big field this week. While all of the individuals contribute to the team and outcome of each game, this week had some solid standouts – Riley Lawson, with three goals, and Kendall Rice, with three saves as keeper for Signarama. The team also had five saves by Beckham Factor on Saturday.
Team Progressive Cabinetry had three goal makers with five soccer balls in the net. Gregory Jordan lead his team with a hat trick. Ewen Cloutier and Lily Kawahata each had a goal of their own. Two saves by Liam Coleman helped the team finish the week with a win and a tie. Inheriting natural goalie instincts and talents, Evan Talucci had 10 big saves for Planet Stone this week. Nick Yatros and Aiden Templeton were given statistical credit for one goal each for their team.

Team Salty Printing was led by Jack Mattick within the net and Frankie Coleman followed with a single score. Jackson Pakbaz nailed three shots for points for Team Bins Be Clean. In their only game of the week, Victor Albrecht was noted to have five great saves giving Bins Be Clean a win.

The adults took the field Thursday night. In the first game of the night Ross Built Construction lost to Legler Flynn Law. Ryan Hogan and Chris Culhane scored for Ross Built. With two goals each, Diego Felipe and Chris LeClainche pushed past their opponent, topped with a score by Shay Coleman.

MAR/Kis Insurance won its first game of the season against Sato Real Estate. Manoj Poudel, Joel Sanchez and Tony Morales each had a goal for MAR/Kis Insurance. Eliza Fallace was the lone scorer for her team.

The 8 p.m. game put Moss Builders against Lancaster Design. Lancaster Design finished with single goals by brothers Danny Anderson and Ricky Anderson, as well as Sumiko Chipman. Robert Armstrong eluded the goalie twice. Jessica Williams scored the solo point for Moss Builders.

Slim’s Place won the last game of the night over Acqua Aveda with a hat trick by Rico Beissert and goal scoring shots by PJ Smargisso and Nate Welch. Jake Parsons had three goals of his own for Team Acqua Aveda, with a contributing score by Shea Yates.

With one week of regular season play, the youth soccer season comes to a close with the championship game on Wednesday, May 23 at 7 p.m.

The adults continue on the field through the month of June. The big winner will be named on Thursday, June 14 at 8 p.m.

Holmes Beach Center funding

Commissioners vote to financially support Center

Written by SUN contributor on . Posted in Center of Anna Maria Island, Community News.

HOLMES BEACH – After more than a year of tension between the city and The Center of Anna Maria Island, commissioners have agreed to give the nonprofit a little financial support.

At the urging of Commissioner Rick Hurst, a volunteer at the Center who also serves as the commission’s liaison to the nonprofit, city leaders agreed to revisit the idea of donating funds this fiscal year to the organization. In a 3-1 vote, with Commissioner Jim Kihm absent and Commissioner Carol Soustek dissenting, city leaders agreed to provide $22,500 to the nonprofit. Though the donation passed the vote, commissioners still had some reservations about the Center’s accounting practices and leadership.

“I think we’ve punished them enough for what happened four or five years ago,” Hurst said. “I think we need the Center. It makes us a better place.”

Soustek said she’s still concerned about the Center’s accounting practices, particularly that the organization’s board reported $100,000 in unbudgeted capital expenditures without pulling the nonprofit’s finances into the red.

“It’s a troubling thing when you can cover expenditures like that but still need money,” she said.

Soustek went on to say that she’d like to see audited financial figures and have more of an explanation about where funds are being used.

“I’m not just going to hand out money,” she said. “I want to know what you’re going to do with it.” She added that the three Island city commissions have already voted to donate $100,000 for capital expenses to the Center from the concession fund. The donation requires Manatee County commissioners to vote to release the funds.

Mayor Bob Johnson said he’s seen progress at the Center financially and in management, but he feels there’s more forward movement to be made. With little direct communication from the Center, he said more discussions between city and Center leadership are needed.

“I think the story is better, but I’d like to hear the damn story,” he said. “I’m looking for a face-to-face discussion.”

In response to commission concerns, the Center’s board chair, David Zaccagnino, and new Executive Director Chris Culhane met with Johnson in the days following the May 8 commission meeting. The two offered to meet privately with any city leaders who have concerns about the Center’s management and financial practices. Zaccagnino said the meeting with Johnson was a positive experience.

Commissioner Judy Titsworth agreed with Hurst, saying it was time to let bygones be bygones.

“I’m done saying ‘no’, ” she said. “I’m done saying ‘prove it.’ It’s time to move on.”

With the city now offering financial support to the Center, Titsworth said she hopes it encourages more community confidence in the nonprofit.

center team Planet Stone soccer

Team Planet Stone gains solid victory

Written by Monica Simpson on . Posted in Soccer, Sports.

In their third match-up of the season, Team Salty Printing and Team Planet Stone took the field Tuesday night May 1 with plenty of spectators on hand to cheer them on in a strongly competitive game.

With two age groups combined to make a league, older, more seasoned players teamed up with younger ballers, who proved themselves on the field by stepping up their game.

Goalkeepers Evan Talucci, for Planet Stone, and Salty Printing’s Fiona McCarthy protected their team’s goal with agility, quick reflexes and leadership.

Talucci started the game, setting the defensive tone with great saves. McCarthy worked her position with confidence, but could not stop a solid shot by Planet Stone’s Aiden Templeton that went off her hand and into the net.

Down by one point, Jack Mattick quickly showed why he is a force on the field with a shot on goal that was saved by Talucci.

Salty Printing proved its own defensive strength with confident play by Madeline Lessig and Cale Rudacille. Lessig’s tenacity stopped Templeton’s forward offensive progress, preventing the shot.

Given another chance on offense, Templeton took the soccer ball down the field in front of the net only to be met by Michael Coleman. Coleman stopped Templeton giving Salty Printing another chance on offense.

Mattick dribbled the ball down the field and found Frankie Coleman in scoring position. Talucci used his body in a nerves of steel move to make the save on the ground.

Caden Quinby put his first goal into the net with eight minutes left in the half to tie the ball game, giving Salty Printing the mental boost it needed.

Two minutes later, Planet Stone’s Nick Yatros put the ball between the posts past the goalie to move his team ahead again.

A slide tackle call was made against Salty Printing with four minutes on the scoreboard, giving Templeton the free kick that went just wide of the left post.

As the time ticked off the game clock, Rudacille provided critical defensive pressure, stopping the scoring push by Planet Stone. Despite the strong offensive push, the Salty Printing defensive was able to hold off its opponent to end the half.

Krosby Lamison started the second half of play in the key defensive position as the keeper, giving Talucci time on the field.

Templeton stopped the strong push toward the goal by M. Coleman and Jack McCarthy. Planet Stone’s Evie Baugher played phenomenally fearless defense against Jack Mattick, stopping his scoring opportunities.

Stealing the ball from Salty Printing with 16 minutes left in the game, Templeton dribbled to midfield and found Yatros open. Unselfish, Yatros made a long pass to Talucci. Sprinting Talucci got his foot on the soccer ball with a solid pass to Yatros in front of the goal for his second score.

With a point deficit, Salty Printing continued to fight hard on the pitch. Off a throw-in by M. Coleman, Mattick scored his team’s second goal of the game, moving the score to 3-2.

In less than a minute, Mattick got another shot off and hit the net.

Team Plant Stone put Talucci back in the goalkeeper position to guide his team for the remaining eight minutes of the game.

After K. Lamison took a hard hit by the ball in the stomach, Templeton found his next opportunity to shoot. F. McCarthy just could not stop the rocket shot.

With the lead, Planet Stone continued to put the pressure on the Salty Printing team on both sides of the field with the help of Natalie Talucci, Malia Keith, Julia Baugher and Kasey Lamison.

Templeton’s last-second shot was stopped by F. Coleman right in front of the goal to end the game with Team Planet Stone the victors.

Wrestling

Center Wrestling Club finishes season strong

Written by Monica Simpson on . Posted in Sports, Wrestling.

In its first season, The Center Wrestling Club went from just becoming familiar with the feel of wrestling in a tournament to bringing home six championship medals.

Wrestling
Proudly wearing their medals from the Brandon Wrestling Club Tournament, Harrison Schenerlein, champion, and William Pakbaz, second place.

This past weekend, the club took its team to compete in the rookie division of the Brandon Wrestling Club Tournament. In addition to the first place finishes, Caden Quinby, Ethan Sackett and William Pakbaz took second place in their divisions. Bam Gartman and RJ Phelan brought home the third place medals.

Under the seasoned guidance of head coach Will Schenerlein, Dylan Sato, Fox Smith, Stone Smith, JM Feeney and Jaxon Henry earned first place honors. To top off the wonderful experience, Schenerlein’s son, Harrison Schenerlein, was the champion in his division. H. Schenerlein carries on the wrestling legacy in his family.

In one year, W. Schenerlein and the wrestling club achieved all of the goals laid out for the team when it was first established.

Andrew Terman

A coin toss put Bins Be Clean on top

Written by Monica Simpson on . Posted in Football, Sports.

Team Bins Be Clean, led by captain Ray Gardner, finished the regular season of the adult co-ed flag football league at the top of the rankings with a flip of a coin. Don Purvis’ Beach House Real Estate team matched Bins Be Clean in the win-loss columns after eight games. Bins Be Clean’s forfeit against Beach House split the head-to-head match-up record, leading to a tied record for the two teams.

After an eventful night of flag football, with close games between Moss Builders versus Beach House Real Estate and Lancaster Design versus Beach Bums, The Center’s Recreation Director Will Schenerlein’s coin flip decided league’s playoff bracket to finish the season.

Bins Be Clean’s win was attributed to an amazing leaping one-handed catch by Chad Woods with two strong defenders on the long pass of Ray Gardner. Holly Belton’s own touchdown reception and extra point conversion contributed to her team’s victory.

The team’s add-on Chris Culhane, replacing injured Adam Mott, used his speed to sack and rattle CABB Cleaning’s quarterback Jason Sato. KB Belton put important reception and throwing stats on the board for Bins Be Clean. Joey Carder’s snaps under center gave Gardner added flexibility on the field, allowing him to run or pass to winning yardage.

Lexi Sato’s untimely injury took her out of the game for CABB before halftime. Her absence on the field was felt as her teammates worked hard to try to keep the game close with five men on the field.

Beach House Real Estate maintained a lead and pulled out the win against Moss Builders with touchdowns by Jesse Griffin and Andrew Terman. Extra point conversion receptions by Terman and Leah Purvis put critical points on the scoreboard, causing Moss Builders to fight for every yard in hopes of getting into the end zone.

Despite touchdowns and extra points by Moss Builders, including scoring receptions and runs after by Lane Burnett, Jacob Berger and a key reception by Emily Moss. The Ryan Moss-Jon Moss chemistry just could not make the difference for the Moss Builders team last Thursday night.

In a nail biter, Beach Bums one-point victory over Lancaster Design gave them five wins for the season. Brianna Shaughnessy’s Lancaster Design has a roster built for victory. The record does not show how competitive the team has been all season, with many close losses.

The semi-final games are set for Thursday, March 8, with Beach Bums playing Lancaster Design at 7:30 p.m. and Moss Builders challenging CABB Cleaning at 8:30 p.m.

Bins Be Clean will play the winner of the quarterfinal battle between Beach Bums and Lancaster Design. The victor of the other early round playoff game putting Moss Builders against CABB Cleaning will play Beach House Real Estate in the semi-finals on Thursday, March 15, at 7:30 p.m.

The playoffs always set the stage for surprise winners. It is any team’s championship to win.

Mason Agnelli

Bins Be Clean speeds past Truly Nolen

Written by Monica Simpson on . Posted in Football, Sports.

ANNA MARIA – Without both coaches, the 8- to 10-year-olds on the Bins Be Clean and Truly Nolen teams came out ready to play as Will Schenerlein and Frank Agnelli led the players for two halves of flag football.

The game started and ended with bursts of speed from Bins Be Clean’s Guy Daizell down the sidelines in double handoff plays behind the line of scrimmage. Daizell’s first get of the football on the first snap of the game was called back due to a screening penalty by Connor Samblis, but the six points were quickly put on the scoreboard on a repeat of the first play.

Daizell’s speed took him all the way down the field for the first touchdown of the game. Bins Be Clean could not get the point after against a strong Truly Nolen defensive effort in the end zone leaving the score 6-0.

After six snaps and a first down reception by Finnegan Bosner, Truly Nolen gave the ball back to Bins Be Clean without scoring.

A bad snap, a dropped pass and a short run by Bins Be Clean end its scoring chance in the series. Truly Nolen went back on offense hoping to gain momentum. Quinton O’Connor took the handoff and ran for a first down.

Quarterback Mason Agnelli’s next pass was intercepted by TJ Eckert. Eckert ran the ball past midfield after spinning past defenders.

Quarterback Mikey Bowes solidly moved his team down with a pass to Torianne Hurst gaining an additional 10 yards before being stopped with a flag pull. Third and goal pass was smartly batted down by Langdon Bell to prevent the score and give the ball back to Truly Nolen.

Playing with two minutes left on the scoreboard, short passes by Truly Nolen moved the team down the field gaining a first down with a pass by O’Connor and reception by M. Agnelli.

Seconds quickly ticked off the game clock; Truly Nolen felt the pressure to score before halftime. O’Connor’s pass rocketed past traffic in and out of the hands of Bins Be Clean’s Eckert for the near interception.

Less than 20 seconds were left for either team to put points on the board. A high pass and false start for Truly Nolen gave the possession back to Bins Be Clean right before the end of the first half of the game.

After nearly dropping the football, Bins Be Clean made a great recovery getting the football to Daizell, who soared down the field for his second touchdown of the game advancing the score to 12-0.

The next 20 minutes of the game started with Truly Nolen on offense. Three snaps of the ball by both teams lead to Truly Nolen’s next try with the football.

Landon Snyder made a big run only to be stopped by Harrison Schenerlein. O’Connor got the ball to Snyder on the second snap for the first down.

In scoring position, the Bins Be Clean defense stepped it up only giving Agnelli three yards on the next play. O’Connor hit Agnelli through two defenders in the end zone for the team’s first and only touchdown of the game.

Leading by six points, Bins Be Clean returned to the field, quickly moving the football down the gridiron.

On the first snap, Samblis caught the ball for the first down. With nine minutes remaining in the game, Eckert made a fantastic run only to be stopped due to a flag guarding call at the end of the play.

Eckert gained redemption for the penalty with a scoring run taking the score to 18-6.

Despite an interception by Julian Lazzara to prevent the point after, and effective play by Cale Rudacille and Jayden Sparks, Truly Nolen just could not get back into the end zone before the end of 40 minutes of football.

Truly Nolen’s loss leaves only two undefeated teams in the community center league. Three teams continue to seek their first wins. Moving into the back half of the season, the teams gelling on and off the field as the playoffs quickly approach.

Any of the 15 teams can be named champions in February.

Center fishing camp

Center ends 2017 on a high note

Written by SUN contributor on . Posted in Center of Anna Maria Island, Community News.

ANNA MARIA – It was a year of ups and downs for The Center of Anna Maria Island with the nonprofit ultimately coming out on top in higher membership and participation rates with renewed interest from the community, despite ongoing financial concerns.

Board upset

Discontent on the board and strained relations with the Island communities resulted in several board members resigning from their posts. In the wake of several resignations, including former board member Bill Schuman leaving the post of chair, though he didn’t retire from the board until December, Patti McBean temporarily became chair. McBean left the board amidst rumors of threats and financial concerns after less than two weeks as chair. Newly-minted board member David Zaccagnino agreed to take on the mantle of chairman. With another long-time board member, Treasurer Jim Froeschle, joining Schuman in resigning in December, the remaining board continues the search for new members.

Island Fitness merger

One bright spot for the Center is the November merger between the nonprofit and former adversary Island Fitness. Brenda Canning and staff moved into the second-floor fitness center space as former board member Shawn Kaleta moved out the fitness equipment he leased at the Center over the Thanksgiving holiday. Canning said the move had been well received from her members. Center Executive Director Kristen Lessig said the move also has been beneficial for the nonprofit through increased membership and better relations with the community.

Financial crisis and government support

For a while in 2017, it looked at least from the outside like the Center might not make it to see the New Year, at least not without heavy financial support. The organization closed out the 2016 fiscal year June 30 more than $200,000 in debt. Financial turmoil led to lowered government support. To help alleviate the financial strain, board members voted in late June to withdraw funds from the unrestricted endowment fund to provide operating reserves. The restricted endowment fund remains intact. During the November board meeting, board members remained hopeful the Island cities will provide some financial assistance before the close of the fiscal year.

Participation rates increase

The 2017 calendar year saw membership rates increase at the Center along with participation in youth and adult sports. With about 100 children participating, the nonprofit’s flag football season set a record for the number of players in a single season. Lessig said she’s seen some former members who had parted ways with the Center return in the wake of managerial-instituted changes and community relations improvements. Though participation rates were up in summer camps, late summer camps suffered from lower participation rates and cancellations due to a highly active tropical season. Lessig and Zaccagnino both said they hope for continued increases in sports and memberships through the winter season.

Wrestling

The Center takes the mat

Written by Monica Simpson on . Posted in Sports, Wrestling.

The Center’s youth wrestling program achieved one of its goals Saturday, under the leadership of Recreation Director Will Schenerlein, participating in the Amateur Athletic Union wrestling meet at Manatee High School.

With 26 elementary and middle school youth on the Island program’s roster, nearly a dozen boys took to the mat in their first competition.

Over the past year, Schenerlein used his coaching and personal wrestling experience to provide solid skills to the little wrestlers at The Center. Ethan Sackett led off the team’s efforts taking the mat with his first match of the day.

Schenerlein coached William Pakbaz, with the assistance of Billy Hermenau, outside of the ring for the Island team’s first win since its re-establishment last October.

Brothers Frankie and Michael Coleman, Liam Coleman, Max Higgins, Caden Quinby, Cale Rudacille, Dylan Sato, and Harrison Schenerlein all took the mat along with Pakbaz and Sackett, gaining much valuable experience and priceless confidence that only comes with competition.

Coach Schenerlein followed up each match with encouraging words and tips for the next time up on the mat. Schenerlein shared his own early wrestling losses to help the young athletes feel better about losses and greenness in the sport.

With their first meet under their belt, The Center team members will go into the next practices knowing which skills and moves they need to hone and learn, preparing the wrestlers for their next competition.

Brenda Canning

Island Fitness begins a new chapter

Written by SUN contributor on . Posted in Business.

ANNA MARIA – A new partnership is turning into a beautiful thing for both Island Fitness and The Center of Anna Maria Island.

Brenda Canning moved her business into the fitness center at The Center in November and, a month later, she says she couldn’t be more pleased with the results.

“The transition’s been great,” she said. “Everyone’s been so welcoming.”

When her lease was up at the Waterline Shops in Holmes Beach, Canning needed to find a new home for her business. In a fortuitous turn of events, it turns out that Center leadership was searching for a community organization to partner with.

After being brought together by a third party, Center Executive Director Kristen Lessig and Canning came to an agreement that benefits both organizations.

Members of Island Fitness were given the month of November to get acquainted with the facilities at the Center before they had to sign an agreement. Canning said she’s retained her membership at the new location and has seen a growth in activity. Lessig said the Center’s membership has grown with the addition of Island Fitness.

The way the agreement between the Center and Island Fitness works is that the fitness organization receives a percentage of membership dollars and occupies the majority of the second floor of the facility. Canning oversees all fitness programming and operations at the Center. She also owns and maintains all of the fitness equipment. The only segment of the Center’s fitness programming she doesn’t oversee is the CrossFit program, run by Shay Coleman, who also works as a trainer at the nonprofit.

In the New Year, Canning said she hopes to add additional fitness classes, a youth gymnastics program, at least two more pieces of equipment and 24-hour access to the fitness facilities. She said the response to the change from members of both Island Fitness and The Center has been very positive.

“I think it (the partnership) fits the direction of where I’ve always wanted the Center to go regarding community collaborations and partnerships,” Lessig said, adding she hopes the Center can expand its partnerships in the future.

Aqua Aveda

Acqua Aveda takes the first victory

Written by Monica Simpson on . Posted in Sports.

The community center field was painted with the all-too-familiar white lines to start another adult co-ed soccer season Thursday night. The field, a bit smaller to accommodate the slightly smaller rosters for each of the eight teams, was filled with the energy of the 10 players, who took the field for the first game matching Team Acqua Aveda led by Eric Pullen and Team Sato Real Estate.

Missing their captain Josh Sato, Sato Real Estate held its own on the field with Nate Welch in the goal. After nearly 10 minutes of play, Pullen put the first goal on the scoreboard despite the defensive efforts of Zoran Kolega, who came out of retirement after several years away from the Island’s field.

Bobby Troxler, for Sato Real Estate, quickly took the soccer ball and slammed it into the goal against keeper Steve Oelfke to tie the game 1-1.

With a quick change of goalies by both teams, Pullen took the role as protector of the house, allowing Oelfke to take a hard shot that went over the post and wide right. Sato Real Estate took the missed shot as an opportunity to move the ball down the field with precise passing from Kolega to Chelsea Hoffner. Hoffner’s shot went just wide right with eight minutes left on the clock for the first half of play.

The next three minutes of the game saw rocket shots by Kolega off the back of Acqua Aveda’s Rico Beissert, a shot by Hoffner saved by Pullen and a saved shot by Sato Real Estate’s Yunior Guerra.

Aggressive defensive play by Oelfke against Kolega led to a foul call on Oelfke. Kolega’s free kick was intercepted by an Acqua Aveda defender. After tough play, Sato Real Estate managed to regain possession, finding Hoffner all alone down field.

Hoffner, with all the time in the world and green field in front of her with no defenders, took the shot that went to the right of the goal. Despite several excellent shot attempts, Hoffner could not find the net in the first game of the season.

Drew Mitchell wore he goalie hat of responsibility with less than three minutes left in the first half. With team captain Pullen back on the field, he was able to control the pace of the game and control Acqua Aveda’s offensive run by putting the ball in the goal, giving his team a one point lead ending the half.

Pullen’s neighbor and first round draft pick Stephen Adair started the second 23 minutes of play in the goalkeeper position. Troxler took his turn in goal for Sato Real Estate.

After three minutes of defensive soccer, Kolega worked the field and managed to get Adair to move away from the goal just enough to score, tying the game 2-2.

With both teams playing four players on the field for the entire game, fatigue started to set in and the pace of the game slowed. Pullen finally found an opportunity to take a shot that rocketed toward the net, only to be saved by keeper Welch.

Team Acqua Aveda put a point on the scoreboard with a shot by Adair, advancing the score to 3-2.

Neither team having a dedicated goalie in the game, Guerra took his turn at the helm just in time for Pullen to take another shot after stealing the ball from Kolega. Failing to score, Sato Real Estate took over on offense.

Both teams started to make rapid striking efforts with just 12 minutes left in the game. Shots by Welch and Oelfke were just off target. Beissert’s missile shot hit and moved his team up by two goals with the score 4-2.

Three minutes later, Sato Real Estate’s Troxler shot the ball past goalkeeper Mitchell, closing the gap against Acqua Aveda. Looking to tie the ballgame, Hoffner took her last shot of the game after a smooth pass from Welch. Mitchell popped the ball out of play to retain his team’s lead. Taking the corner kick, Welch found teammate Kolega in front of the goal, but the ball could not find the net.

Another goalie change by both teams put Welch and Oelfke on guard. Welch found himself in the ready position watching the fancy footwork of Pullen, anticipating the inevitable shot.

Getting the soccer ball past Kolega, Pullen fired the shot past Welch, giving him the hat trick and his team a two-point lead. With no time on the scoreboard, Kolega made another strong effort toward the goal hoping to find one more scoring opportunity before the official’s whistle, but to no avail.

Team Acqua Aveda collected its first win of the season to start the league’s season. Other winners of the night were Sean Flynn’s Mulock Flynn Law in an exciting comeback game, Danny Anderson’s Jiffy Lube with an easy win and Kris Yavalar’s dominating victory.

The season continues on into December with the championship game on the 7th. There are many games to play, and changes in the rankings are certain to come.

Youth soccer

Big kicks in season kickoff game

Written by Monica Simpson on . Posted in Soccer, Sports.

The cheers from the bleachers from friends and family and the positive instructions from the coaches on the sideline came to life once again at the community center on Anna Maria Island with three youth soccer games last Tuesday night.

After the long summer break and several weeks of school underway, four teams hit the pitch, with the teen and tween players waiting another week after the forfeit by Team Slim’s Place.

Progressive cabinetry vs. Bins be clean

Team Progressive Cabinetry, coached by Rick Cloutier, started the game off strong with two quick goals by Jack Mattick in the first five minutes of the game. Protecting the Team Bins Be Clean goal, goalkeeper David Patterson sported hot pink socks in true goalie fashion.

Patterson got a small break while teammate Jackson Pakbaz took the soccer ball down the field for his first goal of the game. Goalie Lily Kawahata tried her best to stop the Pakbaz strike, but could not get to the ball in time moving Bins Be Clean to only one goal behind.

The battle on the field became a defensive one with each team trying to gain control of the ball against strong defenders like Tori Hurst and JM Feeney for Bins Be Clean and Kylie Barkley and Jax Kagin for Progressive Cabinetry.

After breaking away Pakbaz and Jaxon Henry moved offensively down the field. With a strike, the soccer ball went off defender Magness Rollins into the goal scoring a goal and evening the score at 2-2 to end the first half of play.

The second half of the game saw quick-paced action on both sides of the field with shots and saves. Only one minute in, high scorer Pakbaz found perfect placement in the left corner of the net while he had the goalie Liam Coleman going the wrong direction.

Ninety seconds later, Pakbaz found the back of the goal again giving Bins Be Clean a two point lead despite impressive defensive play by Kawahata.

Youth soccer
Going for the ball, Lily Kawahata for Team Progressive Cabinetry tries to make the sneaky foot grab against Bins Be Clean’s David Patterson in the first game of the season. – Monica Simpson | Sun

In the last 10 minutes of the game, Progressive Cabinetry made a comeback charge on the field. Bins Be Clean goalkeeper Andrew Patterson had his hands full as the Cloutier brothers, Kieran and Ewan, showed great teamwork.

With the support of his brother William, J. Pakbaz charged the field scoring his fourth goal in the game, advancing the score to 2-5. Coleman stopped the immediate strike by the formidable D. Patterson.

Progressive returned on offense with a beautiful cross-field pass to E. Cloutier, who took the shot only to be saved by the Bins Be Clean goalie. K. Cloutier repeated the move down the pitch, but could not put the soccer ball into the goal.

Sailing the ball from near mid-field, K. Cloutier showed everyone his strong and accurate leg getting the soccer ball to the goal. A. Patterson saved the score, giving his team another chance to widen the lead.

Coach Coultier’s team continued to fight hard on the field trying to make up the two-point deficit. On a great play by E. Cloutier, Mattick found the ball at his feet. Working the soccer ball down the field, Mattick hit E. Cloutier near the goal. The point attempt was just a tad soft, going right to the hands of the goalie.

Youth soccer
Progressive Cabinetry’s top scorer Jack Mattick reaches in to get the soccer ball against Bins Be Clean’s David Patterson and team MVP Jackson Pakbaz. – Monica Simpson | Sun

Bins Be Clean saw a nice shot by Gabriella Gilbert, with team backup by Connor Samblis on the field as the last minutes of the game ticked off the game clock.

The rally cries from the Progressive Cabinetry transcended onto the field with outstanding offensive passing by K. Cloutier to Mattick who scored, getting his hat trick in the final 60 seconds of the game.

Holding the two-point lead, the white jerseys of Bins Be Clean worked hard to keep Progressive Cabinetry from scoring. The Cloutier-Mattick triple threat made an exciting end to a great game of soccer to start the youth competitive recreational for yet another season.

In the end, Bins Be Clean maintained the lead for its first team win. On Saturday, Coach Rick Hurst’s team captured its second win with a shut out against Team Blue Lagoon, while Progressive Cabinetry put up its first W on the stat sheets beating Team Wash Family Construction.

With two games behind them, the 8-to 10-year-old league looks to be an evenly matched one. The rest of the season should prove to be quite entertaining with some great youth soccer skills.