Malden Youth Soccer Teams Find Success at Macdonald Stadium

Macdonald Stadium just may be Malden Youth Soccer's lucky field. Malden teams got to play ten of their matches against other Middlesex Youth Soccer League teams in two weekends of play on the new turf. Over the weekends of April 27th and May 10th, MYS teams won nine games and tied one.

Dozens of fans enjoyed the stadium seating, great view of the entire field, and the concessions stand. The games attracted not only family and friends but also local residents, providing a rousing atmosphere for the Malden players. Throughout the season, younger teams play on Saturdays, and older ones on Sundays.

On Saturday, April 27, Malden's Boys U14-3 (under 14 years old), led by Coach Robert Navas, began the successful run with a 4-2 win over Woburn. "We didn't play well the first half, a problem we've had in the past, but the boys turned it around in the second," said Coach Robert. The team beat Medford 2-1 the following weekend, bringing their record to 4-1-1. The Boys U14 team that is coached by Mario Riquelme and Esad Sinanovic continued their romp through MYSL's Division 4 with a 6-0 win over Stoneham. 

The following Saturday, despite cloudy skies, two more MYS U14 teams found brillance on the field. Only one loss away from the top of Division 2A, the Girls U14 team coached by Jose Zayas and Ken Antonucci overpowered Woburn 5-0. Johnny Ospina's Boys U14 team, currently the points leader of the highly competitive Division 2B earned a tough win over Melrose, 3-2, bringing their record to 4-2-1.

Sunday, April 28th, the U16 and U18 teams made their debut. Coaches Roberto Quesada-Diaz, Hugo Ruperti, and Ken Antonucci's Boys U16 team was tightly matched by Woburn, but drew the win, 3-2. The following Sunday, the team had an easier match against Medford, winning 4-1. The Boys U16 game was immediately followed by the eldest MYS team: Boys U18. Carefully prepared by coaches Foster Morales and Jorge Gonzalez, the boys used their fast pace on the ball, agile defending, and well maneuvered positioning to score four goals to Wilmington's one. On the 29th, the team again appeared at Macdonad, and beat Burlington handily, 8-0, keeping them at the top of the Boys U18 league.

The Girls U16 wrapped up the first MYS-at-Macdonald weekend. The team is coached by Jean Dupont, Jovan Sokolivc and Chuck Ioven, with Coach Chris Murphy often joining in. Although the girls weren't able to score, they held Burlington to no goals as well. Coach Murphy commented, "it was a tough game and the girls played hard. We are really satisfied with the tie." 

Malden soccer fans eager for more matches at Malden's fine new facility, will have to wait until next season. Registration for Fall 2013 for kids ages 4-13 is currently open at www.maldenyouthsoccer.org. Early bird rates apply through May 31. Make it your goal: play Malden Youth Soccer!