U12 Boys Soar to GSYSL Championship

The Derry Eagles U12 Boys team earned its first GSYSL title and continued an amazing season run. The Eagles finished 13-0-2 overall, shut out 8 opponents, while scoring an incredible 63 goals and allowing only 5 against.

The Eagles faced two opponents at the GSYSL Fall Playoffs held in Epping, NH on Nov. 7.

The first game was against number 3 seed, Hooksett Select FC. Matt Rizzo opened the scoring by fighting through the defense and bombing a loose ball into the goal to put the Eagles ahead 1-0, it was all Derry would need.

As was the case all year the Derry midfielders Andrew Branchina, Bernard Suwirjo, Trevor Morrison and Matt O’Hara controlled the tempo the entire game. When Hooksett tried to clear the ball the “middies” would steal the ball and with surgical precision passing start another Derry offensive rush.

Hooksett’s offense just could not get into any rhythm as the Eagles “D” was swarming, as it did all season, led by Jason “Bob” Flood, Cody Gadsby and John “The Bull” Durant.

Derry forward Noah Davis scored three goals and assisted on another as the Eagles blanked Hooksett 6-0 to move into the championship game later that evening.

The Eagles squared off against Windham FC who gained entry into the game by beating Londonderry United in their semifinal game.

“We took a poll among several of the parents before the final asking how many championships people had been part of during their lifetime. The answer was very few, if any, so we told the kids to go out there, have fun and enjoy themselves.” said Derry Coach Dave Halpin.

Six minutes into the match Derry’s Davis and Marshall Halpin set up Jonathan Forbes with a beautiful pass that he deposited into Windham goal. Thirteen minutes later Forbes returned the favor to Davis on a crossing pass making it 2-0 — Derry was rolling.

Right before half time Geo Baker gave the fans a highlight goal by dancing through defense leaping in the air and placing the ball in the net with a touch shot.

Physical play by Derry midfielders Sean Muller and Anthony Rivera never let the opponent establish themselves. Muller’s imitating presence forced multiple turnovers which led to Eagle scores.

Shortly after half time Halpin would take advantage of a free kick and fire a rocket into the net from the 18 yard mark.

All game, field general Ryan Forkey lead the Eagle defense turning back a very aggressive Windham offense. As he did all year, once the opponents attack was neutralized Forkey, along with defender Tommy Wood, would start the Derry counter offensive.

Halpin would cap the scoring by capitalizing on an indirect kick just outside the penalty area making it 5-0. The Championship was Derry’s.

Keeper Hayden Pavao ended the game with five saves. His first one came with 12 minutes before half time when a Windham striker got loose and sent a hard shot on goal. Pavao would record his fifth straight shutout in the victory.

“At the beginning of the season we told the kids that with hard work and dedication they could work into a good team. Because of their effort they worked into a great team, they earned this championship, it is all for them,” said Coach Glenn Davis.

With no 11v11 U12 division in the Seacoast league, there were no opponents for the Eagles to play in the NHSA Fall State Tournament.