Sports Shorts

Despite the early torrential downpour, the UFA 40 men’s soccer team managed to get a game in this past Sunday morning. With conditions as bad as they were, it was understandable that the match began with both teams short of players and without a referee.

After traveling from Rumson in horrible conditions, the visiting team was determined to play. They arrived with 11 men, UFA had eight, so after some brief negotiations a player was “transferred” to UFA to help balance out the sides and the game got under way. Despite the heavy rain, the fields were in excellent condition and play went on at a fast pace with Rumson pulling out to a commanding 3-0 lead in the first half. At the break, UFA made a goalkeeping change, taking out reserve goalkeeper John Cochran and putting in the multitalented Didier Mory.

From the restart, UFA surged forward, determined to get the game back on a level pegging. With Mory doing a stellar job between the posts, quick goals from Kaplan, Leyden and Pereira evened things up. That’s how it stayed until five minutes from time when Mory, the part-time goalkeeper, failed to cleanly gather a high cross, leaving the Rumson striker with an easy tap in for the win. A good game played under tough conditions, with officiating done under the honor system, was enjoyed by both squads. Special mention here to both of the UFA supporters who made their way to the game and stuck it out to the bitter end on a wet and windy morning. Next week, in the penultimate game of the season, UFA 40 are at home to Brick.

The MASA Grizzlies U-11 boys travel soccer team played in a weather-shortened Thanksgiving tournament in Bordentown on Saturday, and came away with first place. In their first game against the Hamilton Gaels, the ball was kept in the Gaels half for most of the game, as Grizzlies forwards John Lansing, Ernie Tessein, Matt Fleischacker, Bob Millar, and Sam Hawkes kept up continuous pressure. But the Gaels defense held fast. Gaels goalkeeper James Cody made some tremendous saves and covered every Grizzlies shot. Grizzlies midfielders Nick Howell, Kyle Alston, Zack Caruso, Nick Caruso, and Scott Nicholson hustled for the loose balls and fed the offense. Grizzlies goalkeeper Vinnie Migliori made some key saves and did not allow a goal. Grizzlies defenders Danny Lamb, Luke Olexsak, Sam Molnar, and Russell Nicholson held off several runs by the Gaels to avoid an upset loss, and the game ended in a 0-0 tie.

The second game was a barn-burner against the Ironbound Crusaders that pitted the Grizzlies’ hustle and speed against the Crusaders’ ball skills and discipline. Forward John Lansing found the mark first with a patient, well-earned goal to give the Grizzlies a 1-0 halftime lead. In the second half, the Crusaders showed excellent passing skills and scored two early goals to take the lead. Then Grizzlies forward Sam Hawkes charged through the middle on a break and found the back of the net to tie the score. On a later drive, the Grizzlies were awarded a free kick just outside the box, which Scott Nicholson converted to regain the Grizzlies lead.

The final minutes were fast and furious, as the Crusaders pressed for the equalizer and the Grizzlies counter-attacked. At the final whistle the Grizzlies had held on for a hard-won 3-2 victory, which, owing to weather cancellations the next day, was enough to secure the tournament title. This was a season highlight for Grizzlies, who competed in the Pre-MAPS League this fall against teams from central and northern Jersey, New York, and Connecticut.

The Grizzlies are coached by Dan Caruso, Mike Molnar, Nicole Howell and Bob Nicholson.

The Monmouth County Warriors, an AAU boys basketball team, is looking for 10 players for its 12- and 14-year-old teams. Tryouts will be held Dec. 11 and Dec. 18 from 7-10 p.m. at the YMCA of Western Monmouth County, 470 East Freehold Road, Freehold. For additional information on the team or the tryouts, call (732) 462-0464, ext. 10.

The Monmouth Power Sports Club is holding tryouts for its boys U12 basketball team for the upcoming AAU season. Candidates must be born on or after Sept. 1, 1992, or be in sixth grade as of January 2005. Tryouts will be held Dec. 15 and 18. Previous travel or AAU experience is required. For additional information, call (732) 617-9917.

The West Jersey Witches 12U travel softball team is looking for one more player.

Private tryouts can be arranged by contacting Dawn Dimon at PEVAH@aol.com or (609) 351-8824.