Mat-Ab Warriors season wrap-up The Courier,July 17 Posted:07/21/08
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The inaugural season for the U8 Aberdeen-Matawan Warriors has come to an end and what a season it was. From the first games in the Piscataway Ice Breakers tournament playing on frozen fields and in bitingly cold weather to their last game on their home field against Highland Park, it was exciting, it was fun and more importantly, it was a season of growth and development for the players.
The development started during the preseason indoor practices and training. It grew with their outdoor practices, scrimmages, travel and tournament games. By year's end, Coach Frank McStravick, along with Assistant Coach Patrick Mills, had a hand in creating what will be a battled tested U9 team with talented players with dynamic personalities.
The young Warriors showed their skills with an undefeated travel season where the Warriors compiled a 10-0-0 record against some of the best and more experienced teams in central New Jersey.
The Warriors offense was headlined by Declan McStravick, Deni Radoncic, Christopher Festa, Griffin Hayward and Ryan Cavanagh. The defense's hustle, discipline and gutsy play helped keep many opposing teams frustrated and off the scoreboard. The defense was led by Bobby Kakoleski, Sophia Murillo, Jared Mills, Griffin Hayward and Steven Johnson. There were key contributions on both sides of the ball from forward TJ Boatote and midfielder Mike Devino.. The team's main goalie, Miguel Crespo, Ryan Cavanagh and Matt Weisburg held the line and turned back some really good teams with guts and guile.
The end of the season, with their impressive all-around win against Highland Park and the games played during the Brick Memorial Weekend tournament, stood out as extra special, among some incredible and special moments during the season.
The 6-2 victory against Highland Park, a tough, skilled and well-coached team, capped off a great season with Chris Festa netting yet another hat trick, Deni Radoncic scoring two and Declan Mcstravick coming out of his strong midfield position to score one. The team again played hard and determined defense, made some great passes and Matt Weisburg stood tall in goal.
But prior to that game the Warriors truly came together as a team at the May 24 and 25 Brick Memorial Weekend tournament. Over two days the young Warriors proved all the hard work and dedication does pay off. The Warriors played their best soccer with spectacular wins in three games against some really good teams, Marlboro Galaxy Gold, Brick Bulldogs and Berkeley Rein and one hard-fought tie with the Patriots from Toms River. The games were highlighted by some great individual performances on both sides of the ball. Also on display was great team play with key contributions coming from every player.
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