High school girls soccer

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fastest with the ball under control

OK, agree with you then

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OK, agree with you then

Mass. high school player, that is

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Definitely not quite as fast as HB or CR who are now with Maryland and if I need speed with the ball, I'll take either of the M sisters. But its pretty heady company to be discussed with any of those players.

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How many girls on this year's Newburyport roster aren't from N-Port?

Why do you ask? Don't all of N-Port's players come from N-Port?

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As nasty as this post may seem to be, it is one of the most accurate posts I have read here in months.

The Newburyport coach is a 'soccer God' to some of the locals, but he is hurting player development of all the players he coaches and creating dangerous situations for all players on the pitch when playing his high school team. He should have moved on many years ago.

I really feel badly for the Newburyport families that put their trust in him. They do not understand how bad this guy is. I also understand that some youth players are almost forced to participate in extra sessions or on town teams to get ready for high school. This is so wrong, but part of Newburyport culture from what I see.

I have seen this guy in action and witnessed two Newburyport players leaving a pre-game warmup a few years ago in tears at the age of U12 or U14 because they arrived a few minutes late for an away game and were told they would not play at all in that game. Until U12s can drive, the coach should act as an adult and address this with the parents.

What a shame this guy is still around.

He coaches N-port players on the SF Vikings club team, too. So N-port/Vikings is like Winchester/Sachems -- players play together year-round. The difference is that Winchester coach doesn't coach club.

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Why do you ask? Don't all of N-Port's players come from N-Port?

A few years back the Ipswich coach publicly accused the N-Port coach of recruiting girls and using his club affiliation and school choice as a mechanism to get players into the program. Coach Gonnam catagorically denied the accusations and ultimately the Ipswich coach issued a public apology for the accusations. However, it was true that a few of the players instrumental in the Clippers' multiple state championships had played club for Gonnam and were in the Newburyport system under school choice. But there was absolutely no evidence that any MIAA rules had been violated by their participation for the 'Port!

It probably wouldn't be a great surprise to discover that some of this year's edition are also school choice participants, but again, having already faced accusations about wrong-doing, I'm sure that Gonnam and the Newburyport Athletic Department are careful to make sure everything is done within the MIAA rules. And I guaranty that no parents would admit that soccer played a part in their school choice decisions, just as few who send their kid to a private or parochial would admit to soccer as being a big factor. You have to take them on their word, even if you suspect otherwise.

I think it would be fair to say that the Newburyport program has gotten more press than most other girls programs. Part of that is because they have been so succesful, part is that their coach is sort of "unique". Tonight should be interesting. I wouldn't bet aagainst a Gonnam led team in a big game. He will have his charges ready and has probably more HS big-game experience (and success) than any other coach in the North except Scanlon from Winchester. That, along with the fould weather, will help them a lot tonight.

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Harry, were you at Peabody-OA game last night? If so, any thoughts?

[HS Harry]

I was not at the Peabody vs. OA game. Unfortunately the MIAA's scheduling - especially the upcoming Friday evening finals - conflict with some of my other important duties. I'd be interested to see a little analysis on the game. I read some on-line press reports and it sounded like a very exciting game. Not a lot of possession by either side, but some good chances and excellent individual performances.

It shapes up to be a even final. East Longmeadow beat an excellent Nashoba side to reach the championship game. They also beat a traditionally strong Minnechaug side in the West Final. Of course the 500 lb. gorilla in the room is the decision by the MIAA to schedule this for Friday at 5PM in Worcester. To a certain extent it is equally inconvenient for both sides (maybe an extra 20 minutes of travel for the Tanners). Too bad for parents and extended family who work a regular M-F 9-5 job. Never mind a more casual fan or the school's student bodies.

The scheduling for this year has been poor, leave it at that. Apparently the MIAA has also decided that the finals won't rotate from region to region but all be played in the Central (Worcester State). Blantantly unfair, but at least consistent. Why would they schedule for Friday late afternoon?? Once again a prime example that the two groups that get the least attention in the soccer tourney are the players, and the fans!!

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Games switched. Peab at 730

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We're the MIAA. We don't have to care. ;)

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Harry,
Not sure if OA was the most complete team that Peabody has played, but they were very good. Strong in the back & strong in the middle & they did play a very physical style. Ref did "let them play" & I thought HD did take another beating ( I can feel for LB, having watched same with HD all year). Agree with you that the beatings they take is unfortunate; do not understand ref's reluctance to limit this.
Peabody's D played well, although they tend to just boot it out of zone. They kept OA's scoring chances to a minimum.
Overall thought Peabody hung tough, played scrappy, withstood some early pressure & wore down OA's defense.

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Canton 1 Newburyport 0, '2 Berman. Girls D2 EMass Final

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Canton 1 Newburyport 0, '2 Berman. Girls D2 EMass Final

That's not a final score, right? Game started at 5:30? Post is a little confusing.

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Canton 1 Newburyport 0, '2 Berman. Girls D2 EMass Final

Way too many games in Lynn. No rhyme oe or reason to some of them. Concord borders Wayland and they both have to travel 25 miles to that place?

Then we get to the North/South games and they still use that field. Very inaccessible from the South, you have to go through the city or make a huge loop around.

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2-0 at halftime. Canton dominating