By Liz Torres, Globe Correspondent

Needham's Mac Steeves has been named the Massachusetts 2012-2013 boys' soccer Gatorade Player of the Year, the first-ever athlete to receive the honor for the Rockets' program.

The 6-foot-3 senior led Needham (21-1-3) to a Division 1 state championship, recording 20 goals and 25 assists. The Globe Division 1 Player of the Year and Division 1 tournament MVP totaled a career 67 goals and 51 assists.

Steeves has maintained a 3.06 GPA and volunteered as a youth soccer coach fundraising money for breast cancer research.

He signed a National Letter of Intent to play soccer at Providence College this fall.

Liz Torres can be reached at etorres@globe.com. Follow her on Twitter @etorres446.

By Liz Torres, Globe Correspondent

Governor's Academy senior Siobhan McDonough was named a 2012 All-American by the the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA), the second girls' soccer player with the honor in the program's history.

The Andover native and four-year varsity starter pioneered two consecutive New England Prep School Athletic Conference (NEPSAC) Class B titles and co-captained an undefeated regular season, earning the ISL title and No. 1 seed in the NEPSAC tournament. The ISL offensive MVP and team MVP ended the season with 11 goals and seven assists.

McDonough verbally committed to University of Pittsburgh, which will be entering the Atlantic Coast Conference in the fall of 2013, on a soccer scholarship.

The tri-sport athlete captained Governor's girls' hockey team after earning two NEPSAC Division 2 Championships. The high honors student also ran outdoor track and field and holds the school record (58.41 seconds) in the 400 meter race.

By Craig Forde, Globe Correspondent

There was no doubt that Needham would finish atop the Globe's final Top 20 of the season after capturing the Division 1 state title. They hovered in the Top 5 all season long, but never made it to the top spot until now ... when it matters the most.

The rest of the top five are the same teams as the last two polls leading up to the tourney, with a few minor adjustments. Somerville proved its worth and finished No. 2 overall, having suffered its only defeat of the season to the top-ranked Rockets in the Division 1 EMass final.

Ranked in the top spot for much of the season, Masconomet slips to the fifth spot after catching its only loss of the season in the Div. 1 North semifinals against No. 3 St. John’s Prep, who quite possibly boasted the best defense in the state.

The final Top 20 also includes five teams that were not on the poll heading into the postseason. Of course No. 6 Medway headlines the big movers after the team's spectacular run to a Division 2 EMass title.

No. 13 Dartmouth returned to the Top 20 after slipping off for one week and No. 15 Watertown, No. 16 Holliston and No. 18 Madison Park all debut at the right time.

See the final Boston Globe boys' soccer Top 20.

By Craig Forde, Globe Correspondent

Five EMass soccer talents have been named as All-American’s by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA), which presented their boys and girls award winners Friday in a press release.

A trio of players from the Hockomock League head the list, including Franklin forward Kristi Kirshe, who scored her 100th career goal during a postseason run that culminated in a Division 1 state title.

The two other Hock players are Maryland-bound Lauren Berman who scored over 40 goals as a senior for Canton and Oliver Ames keeper David MacKinnon who had 14 shutouts and a state-best 0.39 goals against average.

Before the season even started, Needham’s Mac Steeves was a front-runner to earn All-American honors, and he more than backed his application with a Div. 1 state title and a school record 45 points in his final season before heading to Providence.

The final EMass player to make the list is a familiar name as Concord-Carlisle’s Andrea O’Brien earned her second straight All-American honor after finishing her career with over 100 goals. She will play for Boston College next season.

Other Massachusetts players to be named to the All-American teams are forwards Riley Hellstein (Agawam), Siobahn McDonough (Governor’s), Zeiko Lewis (Berkshire School) Bernard Yeboah (Worcester Academy) and midfielder Ryan Reynolds (Springfield Cathedral).

By Mike Giesta, Globe Correspondent

The Concord-Carlisle boys' soccer team topped Pentucket, 4-0, Saturday afternoon, in an MIAA Division 2 North semifinal matchup in Woburn.

The match started evenly with both teams trading chances. But as the half progressed the Sachems (16-3-2) struggled to keep the pace.

The Patriots (13-2-2) offense opened up the scoring with Stowe Simonton heading a cross from a corner kick into the net.

“That was just about as solid as we played all year in the first half,” said Patriot coach Ray Pavlik. “I’m pleased, we came out we really moved the ball well today.”

The Patriot offense struck again following a beautifully executed passing play that ended with Wyatt Powell burying a one-timer just inside the box.

The Patriots never let up on the attack. Simonton found the back of the net again following a beautiful pass to send him in alone on the goal keeper.

The first half concluded with another Patriot goal. Leo Fondriest buried a shot from the top of the 18 after a failed Sachems attempt to clear the ball.

“We were able to put a lot of pressure on the midfield,” Pavlik said. “The passing really opened things up well today, we really moved the ball quickly.”

“It was nice win, we finally got a lot of our starting line up back together, and they have had a couple of games to play together, its really clicked,” said Pavlik.

Up next for the Patriots is North Andover in the final.

We’re going to stay and watch,” Pavlik said. “They’re two good teams, and at this time of year every match is huge.” “Whether we play North-Andover or Wilmington, it will take a big effort on our part.”

By Andrew MacDougall Globe Correspondent

It’s not something he worried about during the regular season, but once the Division 2 South tournament started, Wilmington boys’ soccer coach Steve Scanlon knew his team should be practicing their penalty kicks.

If Scanlon and his Wildcats ran into an evenly matched team, a penalty kick could decide if they play another game or go home for the season.

The Wildcats have worked on penalty kicks every practice since they clinched a tournament berth, just in case.

On Tuesday afternoon, the Wildcats met that evenly matched team in Bedford, and thanks to prior preparation, Wilmington emerged victorious. Behind junior Chris Saporito’s first goal of the season, third-seeded Wilmington reached the Division 2 North semifinals by defeating the sixth-seeded Buccaneers, 1-0.

"[Saporito] has been working on [penalty kicks] since the tourney started and he hits them pretty consistently in practice,” said Scanlon. “We went through our top five forwards, then we went in the next group. He was the next up.”

It took a little luck for the Wildcats to get to the shootout. After an evenly matched regulation, both teams took its chances in overtime. In the second overtime, Wilmington midfielder Drew Foley cleared the ball before it crossed the goal line. Then, with two minutes remaining in double overtime, Wilmington midfielder Colin Doherty blasted a shot from 18 yards that hit the post and ricocheted back into play.

Once in the shootout, Wilmington goaltender Luke Foley saved the first shot he faced, but at the end of five shots, Wilmington and Bedford were tied, 4-4.

If tied after five shots of a shootout, the game goes round by round until there is a winner. So in the sixth round, up came Saporito, who was able to find the back of the net to give the Wildcats a 5-4 lead.

Bedford had one last attempt, but Foley made the save.

Wilmington plays North Andover Friday at 5:30 p.m.

By Seth Lakso, Globe Correspondent

PEABODY -- Freshman forward Gabby Diorio's golden goal with 4:50 left in double overtime gave visiting Acton-Boxboro a stunning 1-0 win over reigning Division 1 girls' soccer state champion Peabody Sunday night.

The Tanners (17-2-0), who earlier this year were ranked as the top team in the nation by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America, lost twice to the Colonials (10-6-3) this season.

''Beating [Peabody] once was a great achievement, but to do it a second time in playoffs on a field that they haven't lost at in a long time is absolutely magnificent,'' said Acton-Boxboro coach Lee Billiard.

''I'm bursting with pride for my girls right now. We had a game plan and they executed it well.''

However, the victory wasn't without controversy.

It appeared that a Peabody header in the first overtime crossed the goal line before being saved by goalkeeper Kelsey Bourne, but neither referee signaled for a goal and play continued.

Photo courtesy of Scott Myers and Chris Therrien.

''To us, at our angle, that ball was in,'' said Peabody coach Dennis Desroches. ''That should have been it. However, you know the refs don't make that call and it should have been made, especially with the ref on that side of the field. What are you going to do?

''We could have put it away late, but we were unable to finish. If we take care of that we don't have to worry about [what happened].''

Peabody had a string of 38 games without a loss snapped by Acton-Boxboro on Oct. 20.

Acton-Boxboro dominated possession in the first half, Sunday, but only managed three quality-scoring chances to Peabody's one. The Colonials' best chance in the first half came in the 27th minute, when Gigi Kourepenos ripped a shot off the crossbar.

The Tanners moved Boston College-bound striker Hayley Dowd (27 goals, 13 assists this season) to center midfield in the second half in an effort to better control possession. The tactic paid off, and with 2:10 to play in regulation, a shot from the Tanners' Victoria Digiacomo rebounded to Dowd in front of the A-B net, but her follow sailed just wide.

In the second overtime, the Colonials won the game after a free kick by Catherine Edmonds ricocheted off a Colonials player and then the left goal post before finding the foot of Diorio, who deposited in the back of the net.

''We talk about what we call the second phase -- picking up any rebounds or reacting from the first ball -- and Gabby did that perfectly,'' said Billiard.

''We came in and everyone doubted us and we had no pressure on us to win, but we did it and it's just awesome,'' said Bourne, who didn't believe the header in the first overtime crossed the goal line.

''I barely made the save,'' she said. ''What I saw was that my foot was either right on the line or maybe a little bit over it, but the ball has to be over it to be a goal, and I looked and I saw that I was just inside the post so I was so relieved. It was nerve-racking because the ref could have called it either way.''

Questionable calls aside, both teams played extremely hard for 96 minutes in 40 degree weather, which left coach Billiard very pleased with his girls.

''I think we've proved a lot of people wrong and shown that we can compete with and beat these kinds of teams. I'm absolutely delighted,'' he said.

The Colonials advance to play Westford Academy in the Division 1 North quarterfinals Tuesday at 7 p.m. in Westford.

Somerville's Marcelo Brociner, right, went after the ball while up against Billerica's Jeff Trainor in the Division 1 North boys soccer match. (Dina Rudick / Globe Staff)

By Craig Forde, Globe Correspondent

Despite leading scorer Thayrone Miranda and starting keeper Luis Guerra serving first half suspensions for disciplinary reasons, the Highlanders (17-0-2) rode three straight goals from Felix De Bona to a 6-2 win at Dilboy Stadium on Sunday.

"Felix took it upon himself to carry us in that first half," said Somerville coach George Scarpelli. "The first game is always the toughest."

Starting defenseman Augusto DeOliveira stepped between the pipes for the first time in his career and did an admirable job as he stopped four shots to send Somerville to halftime with a 2-1 lead before Guerra returned in the second.

"He's the heart of the team," said De Bona of DeOliveria. "If I was going to pick anyone to be a goalie today, it would be Augusto."

"As a captain, I felt that I should put the team on my back," said DeOlivera. "That was my first time, it wasn't really good, but I feel I helped my team."

In the second half the Indians (11-7-4) pulled within one, 3-2, when Leo Trindade scored his second goal of the game on a nice give-and-go from Peter Melo. But Billerica found themselves with their hands full when Miranda returned to the lineup to net two second half goals.

Somerville will host Westford Academy in a Division 1 North quarterfinal match on Tuesday.

By Craig Forde, Globe Correspondent

The MIAA has released the pairings for this year’s boys’ soccer tournament and once again we are in for a thrilling couple of weeks of top-notch action on the pitch, crowning three new Eastern Mass champions on the way to the state championships. Below is a glimpse into how things may shake out in each of the six sectionals. Please keep in mind that last year we didn’t even have Division 1 EMass champion Masconomet in our Top 20 poll heading into the tourney, so take it all with a grain of salt and feel free to post your own predictions.

DIVISION 1 NORTH:

This sectional boasts defending EMass champion and current No. 1 Masconomet, and is very top heavy with the likes of No. 2 Somerville, No. 3 St. John’s Prep and No. 6 Acton-Boxborough standing out as favorites here.

Best first round matchup: Framingham at St. John’s Prep - Framingham heads to Danvers on Saturday to face off against No. 3 St. John’s Prep. The Eagles stumbled slightly down the stretch, catching two draws over their last three games. The Flyers are always battle-tested come tourney time thanks to their brutal Bay State schedule and have tied No. 5 Needham, 2-2, early in the season and beat No. 11 Wellesley last week.

Finals prediction: Masconomet and Somerville – The two favorites should make it through for a heavyweight collision into the finals.

Sleeper: Chelsea – They are quick, skilled and underrated and despite not losing all season long they have garnered little-to-no fanfare.

DIVISION 1 SOUTH

This sectional is as loaded as it gets. With 25 teams in the mix, it will be a free-for-all, so expect some big teams to get knocked off early. Fourth-ranked Needham and fifth-ranked Weymouth have been top-five teams all season long, but No. 7 New Bedford, No. 12 BC High and No. 16 Nauset are all on the verge. Then there are the Oliver Ames's of the world who bring with them one of the best goalies around as David MacKinnon brings in an EMass best 0.17 goalies against average.

Best first-round matchup: Wellesley at Nauset – If the Raiders can get by preliminary opponent King Phillip, it would set up a solid first round bout with Nauset and Cody Savonen, a scoring machine looking to make a mark in his final season.

Finals prediction: Needham and Weymouth – The Rockets took the season series 1-0-1, but of course things were only decided by one goal. These Bay State behemoths would provide a must-see class in this final.

Sleeper: Silver Lake – The Patriot League Keenan division champions had an impressive closing stretch against ranked teams where they tied St. John’s Prep and Dartmouth and defeated Hingham.

DIVISION 2 NORTH

Concord-Carlisle will be looking for a stunning fourth straight D2 North crown and they hope it will lead to their third state title in four years. It won’t be easy and of course it never is. Teams primed to knock the Patriots off of their perch include No. 18 Pentucket and No. 8 North Andover.

Best first-round matchup: Salem at Lynn Classic - Although Lynn Classical just took down Salem, 4-1, last Thursday, you can always expect the best when two teams from the same league make it a one-and-done deal. These two Northeastern League Large foes will get Manning Field ready for what is always a very busy postseason.

Finals prediction: Concord-Carlisle and Winchester – A rematch of last year’s D2 North semifinal that saw the Patriots escape with a 2-1 win.

Sleeper: Wilmington – Just like his Division 2 state champion hockey team, coach Steve Scanlon will have his Wildcats ready to execute their game plan.

DIVISION 2 SOUTH

It’s the anti-Division 1 North with regards to the team powers that you we may be used to. But don’t for a second take this division and section lightly. There are plenty of teams in this one who may not have had the regular season success that they are used to, but tougher schedules make these contenders strong. See Canton, Milton, Hingham, Holliston, Norton, and Duxbury.

Best first-round matchup: Medfield at Westwood – The Lis brothers (Olek and Seb) will look to defend home turf for the Warriors, but Tri-Valley rival Medfield tied Westwood, 0-0, early in the season and defeated them, 1-0, on October 23rd.

Finals prediction: Hingham and Holliston – The H’s have it in Division 2 South.

Sleeper: Martha’s Vineyard – Opponents should not dismiss the Vineyarders because of their commute. It gives them more time to hammer out their game plan!

DIVISION 3 NORTH

This sectional is maybe the most up-for-grabs in the North. Matignon is poised to push things past their quarterfinals appearance last year, while St. Mary’s wants to catch at least one more win than a year ago to put themselves in position for a D3 North title. Of course you can never count out the ports, as Newburyport and Rockport are always forces to watch in this region.

Best first-round matchup: Georgetown at Watertown – The defending EMass champion Royals have to make the long trek to Watertown to try to defend their title, which won’t come easy with a scrappy Red Raiders team first on the docket.

Finals prediction: Rockport and Matignon – Two years ago the Warriors didn’t even make the postseason, but over the last two seasons coach Michael Haynes has gotten the best of his bunch and now they are serious contenders. The Vikings boast Cape Ann goal scoring leader Conor Douglass (24) who alongside Shaun Aspesi (18 goals) make a lethal scoring combo.

Sleeper: Bishop Fenwick – They have tied (0-0) and beat (1-0) preliminary round opponent Austin Prep and if they get by them it will set up a first round matchup with St. Mary’s, whom the Crusaders defeated, 2-1, in mid-October.

DIVISION 3 SOUTH
This sectional is filled with all sorts of gems that have yet to be admired. From Seekonk to Bourne to Coyle & Cassidy. This region could find some new blood to represent them in the EMass final. Of course, last year’s sectional finalists Cardinal Spellman and Dover Sherborn lurk in the depths of the low seeds, waiting to strike.

Best first-round matchup: Cardinal Spellman at Mashpee – The Cardinals must first take out Holbrook in the prelims, but if they do, they will post a massive threat for Mashpee in round one.

Finals prediction: Nantucket and Mashpee – The Cape and Island teams are a lot stronger this year than in year’s past and these two teams will prove it.

Sleeper: Bourne – The leadership of 30-goal scorer Jack Canterbury can be enough to carry the Canalmen at times.

Best of luck to all the teams who have made it this far. The road to the hardware will be a tough one, so buckle up and enjoy the ride.

Both Peabody and Lincoln-Sudbury recently lost their first games of the season, paving the way for Franklin to grab the No. 1 spot in this week's girls' soccer Top 20.

Led by Kristi Kirshe (32 goals, nine assists) and the inspirational Grace Conley, the Panthers (16-0-1) finished the regular season unbeaten, rallying from a one-goal deficit with under 10 minutes to play to tie Walpole on Sunday.

Peabody (17-1) remained at No. 2 for the second week in a row, while L-S dropped to No. 3 after a 1-0 loss toWestford (10-4-1) on Tuesday.

The Grey Ghosts' Lauren Steele earned a star of the week nod for her game-winning goal against the Warriors (15-1).

Lauren Berman netted her 40th goal of the season this week for fourth-ranked Canton. Her Bulldogs (14-1-1) were also the subject of this week's notebook, as they look to continue to play well and make another run at a Division 2 state title.

Plymouth North, Amesbury, and Hamilton-Wenham all played their way into the Top 20. The Eagles (11-3-2) had an especially impressive week, toppling No. 17 Marshfield (14-2) on Tuesday and then Dennis-Yarmouth on Thursday to win the Atlantic Coast League.

Hamilton-Wenham (12-1-2) gave up only one goal all season, and Amesbury (14-0-2) hasn't lost a game.

Thanks to Hurricane Sandy, the Boston City Championships have been rescheduled and will be played Tuesday. Here's a preview.

By Craig Forde, Globe Correspondent

For the fourth straight week, and fifth time this season, Masconomet stands atop the Globe’s Top 20 for boys’ soccer. A clean table of 15-0-2 has the Chieftains primed for another run towards a state title. Last year’s Division 1 EMass champions should secure themselves a top seed when the tournament pairings are announced on Wednesday.

The Highlanders of Somerville have been right there with Masco the whole season, posting an identical 15-0-2 mark. It looks as if coach George Scarpelli’s five-year plan is right on target.

Acton-Boxborough makes the biggest jump of the week, up six spots from No. 12 to No. 6 after a strong week that included shutout wins over No. 10 Concord-Carlisle, Newton South and Lincoln-Sudbury. The Colonials seem to be peaking at the right time.

Lauded as one of our last undefeated teams a week ago, Hingham endured a 1-2-1 week that dropped them from No. 9 to No. 17, the biggest dip of the week in the rankings.

Dropping out of the polls this week are Dartmouth, Winchester and Hanover, all of which suffered untimely defeats.

Pentucket returns to the polls at No. 18 after dropping out a week ago, Wilmington makes its first appearance at No. 19 after quietly creeping to an 11-1-3 mark. And coming in at No. 20 are the Falcons of Mashpee.

See the full Globe boys soccer Top 20 here.

Needham senior captain Mac Steeves reached a personal milestone during the Rockets' 8-1 win over Dedham on Thursday night, netting his 100th career point as the fifth-ranked Rockets claimed the Bay State (Carey) title.

Steeves entered the game needing just one point to reach 100, but walked off the field with three.

"He's probably one of the best -- if not the best -- players to come through Needham that I have ever seen," said coach Don Brock, who has been in charge at Needham since 1961. "He's only the second four-year [varsity] starter I've ever had. He's got an unbelievably hard shot, good size, great speed, and a passion for the game."

Steeves, who has 61 goals and 42 assists in his career, became the boys' all-time scoring leader at Needham earlier this season. The previous record holder was Bobby Brock, the coach's son. His mark of 78 (38 goals, 40 assists) stood for 31 years.

Steeves has led the Rockets to a 14-1-3 record this season and plans to play for Providence College next year.

By Seth Lakso, Globe Correspondent

There's a new No. 1 in this week's girls' soccer Top 20 thanks to Acton-Boxboro's 2-1 upset win over top-ranked Peabody last Saturday. The loss by the Tanners (14-1) made room for Lincoln-Sudbury (13-0) to become the second team to hold the No. 1 spot this season.

Arundel Miguelez netted the game-winner for the Colonials (7-5-3), who broke into the Top 20 for the first time this year (checking in at No. 19). For that, Miguelez earned a spot as a star of the week.

The Colonials, who seem to be clicking at just the right time, travel to Lincoln-Sudbury on Thursday at 4 p.m. for what should be the most interesting game this week.

No. 6 Concord-Carlisle (13-2) celebrated Andrea O'Brien's 100th career goal Saturday. Here's a video of O'Brein's goal courtesy of Patriots coach Nancy Slocum.

No. 7 Needham (12-0-3), which was the subject of this week's notebook, turned in an impressive 1-0 win over No. 11 Winchester (11-2-3) Saturday to round out this week's highlights.

At 12-2, Beverly also made its first appearance in the Top 20, thanks in large part to the work of Caitlin Harty whose 46 points (37 goals, 9 assists) are tops in the state.

Watch out for still undefeated Apponequet (10-0-2), Norwell (12-2-2), Danvers (12-2-2), Scituate (13-1-1), and Bishop Feehan, (12-2-2) who all finished just outside this week's Top 20.

By Seth Lakso, Globe Correspondent

Concord-Carlisle's Andrea O'Brien entered Saturday's matchup with Natick with 99 career goals -- she finished the night with 101. Here's a video of No. 100. O'Brien is the Patriots (13-2) all-time leading scorer with 101 goals and 29 assists for 130 career points.

Video courtesy of Concord-Carlisle coach Nancy Slocum.

Three teams dropped from the ranks of the undefeated as Weymouth, Acton-Boxboro and Winchester all got their first taste of defeat this season.

That gives us four remaining teams without a loss, so let us praise them for a second, shall we?

Top-ranked Masconomet (12-0-2) is seemingly getting stronger with each game, which was the way they did things last year en route to a Division 1 EMass title.

No. 2 Somerville (13-0-2) seems to be scoring at will since the arrival of Felix DeBona, as the field has opened up into junior Thayrone Miranda’s playground.

Underrated Hingham (10-0-3) has quietly dispatched of most everyone in its path, save from a few draws along the way, and have forced their way into the top 10, coming in at No. 9 this week.

Lastly, the Red Devils of Chelsea, our first new team in the Top 20 in three weeks, debut at No. 20 with a 11-0-1 mark on the season thanks to an offense that is averaging 4.1 goals per game.

If this were football, "The Bus" would have plenty of seats open.

By Seth Lakso, Globe Correspondent

Nick Mariano scored the game's lone goal in the 27th minute, as the Grey Ghosts (9-2-2) handed the ninth-ranked Colonials (9-1-3) their first loss of the season, 1-0.

The win moved Westford Academy, who lost to the Colonials, 1-0, earlier this season, to just a point behind Acton-Boxboro in the Dual County League (Large) with four games to play.

Sophomore goalkeeper Sam Brewer made seven saves for his eighth shutout this season.

"This win was nice because these two schools have had a long-standing rivalry," said Westford Academy coach Tony DiLeo. "We played very well today -- especially Sam [Brewer], who made a few excellent saves -- and things just fell our way."

By Seth Lakso, Globe Correspondent

There wasn't any movement in the top three of this week's girls top 20, with Peabody (11-0-0), Lincoln-Sudbury (11-0-0) and Franklin (11-0-0) going a combined 8-0.

Franklin joined Peabody (ranked No. 1 nationally) in this week's National Soccer Coaches Association of American (NSCAA) rankings, checking in at No. 19 after being ranked 21st last week.

Central Catholic (10-0-1), which is the subject of this week's notebook, jumped up a spot to No. 4 despite a tie with Chelmsford (4-4-4) on Saturday, where Lions' goaltender Brianna Raymond turned in 22 saves to earn the shutout.

Medfield (11-0-2), which tied 1-1 with Hopkinton (5-5-2) on Friday fell to No. 6, leaving space for Canton (10-1-1) to climb on up for No. 5. The Bulldogs (10-1-1) have won eight-straight and scored at least five goals in all but one of those wins.

Andover (7-3-3) fell from No. 8 to No. 15 after losses to Lincoln-Sudbury and North Andover (8-3-1) last week.

Concord-Carlisle (10-1-0) turned in a solid week of work, defeating Westford Academy (7-3-0) and Acton-Boxboro (6-5-1) to ear the No. 8 spot (from No. 12).

We said goodbye to Bishop Feehan (8-2-2) (after a loss to Brockton (3-5-2) and a tie with Somerset Berkley (5-1-4)) and Shawsheen (13-1-0) (after a 2-0 loss to Billerica(7-5-3)) and welcomed Scituate (10-1-1) and North Quincy (11-2-2) of the Patriot League into the final two spots.

Newton North (9-2-3), Hamilton-Wenham (9-1-1), Wilmington (8-3-2), Belmont (7-3-2) and Danvers (9-2-2) all finished just outside this week's Top 20.

By Zuri Berry, Boston.com Staff

High school football, soccer, volleyball and field hockey teams in Massachusetts are helping raise awareness for breast cancer with more than 30 "Pink" games slated around the state as a part of "Coaches vs. Cancer" charitable drive.

October is breast cancer awareness month and the telltale signs of high school teams acknowledging, as well as fund-raising, for the cause is represented in the flair. Players have been sporting pink cleats, gloves, and streaking patches during this month's games.

It's the second year New England teams have participated in the program, which is sponsored by the American Cancer Society and has partnerships with the NFL and NBA. The region raised $400,000 toward breast cancer research and treatment last year with Massachusetts accounting for more than $100,000 of that total, according to the program's regional coordinator Janice Portlock.

"They made us a priority this year," Portlock said. "This time last year, you had six [pink] games here. Now it's up to 35."

The New England Patriots kicked off pink October with their "Crucial Catch" game last week.

For more information on the American Cancer Society, visit cancer.org. For more information on "Coaches vs. Cancer" in Massachusetts, contact Janice Portlock at janice.portlock@cancer.org.

By Ayoub Kourikchi, Globe correspondent

Senior Andrea O’Brien notched two goals to lift the Concord-Carlisle girls’ soccer team past Dual County League rival Westford Academy, 2-0, and into the postseason Wednesday at Doug White Field in Concord.

The explosive striker leads the Patriots (9-1-0, 8-1-0) with 17 goals to go along with six assists.

“Andrea is very good crossing the ball and has a great long range shot,” said coach Nancy Slocum. “She has got touch around the ball and good possession and dribbling skills, and she makes smart choices in terms of passing.”

O’Brien scored in the 35th minute after the Patriots recovered the ball from a throw-in. Junior midfielder Katie Abbott passed from the right side of the field across to O’Brien who quickly blew by a defender to drill the goal in the righthand corner of the net.

The striker’s second goal came in the 69th minute after O’Brien beat a defender by half a step to lodge the goal in the upper left corner.

“She has a remarkable sense of which way the defender is moving so she can in a split second sense a defender’s momentum and she instinctively moves the other way and she is very subtle about her movement,” said Slocum.

Junior goalkeeper Angela DeBruzzi added another shutout and has allowed only two goals in six games this season.

“Angela plays basketball and softball, where she plays catcher,” said Slocum. “She is a very strong player and controls her six-yard box well, especially on crosses and corners.”

The Patriots also received a boost along their midfield with the return of senior captain Lucy Fell, who has almost completely recovered from an ACL injury she suffered last November, and has played sparingly the past few games.

Peabody remains atop this week's girls' soccer Top 20. The Tanners (8-0) are unbeaten in 31 straight games and recently became the top ranked girls' soccer team in the nation according to the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA).

Lincoln-Sudbury (8-0) remains at No. 2 after wins over Acton-Boxboro and Wayland last week.

Franklin, who was the subject of this weekend's notebook, leapfrogged Medfield (10-0-1) and Central Catholic (9-0) after a three win week highlighted by a convincing 6-1 win over No. 20 Oliver Ames on Friday.

Canton (8-1-1), Needham (8-0-2) and Andover (8-1-2) all moved up thanks to solid weeks and uncharacteristic losses by Westford Academy (to Newton South) and Marshfield (to Notre Dame of Hingham).

Sharon fell from No. 15 to out of the Top 20 after losing to Foxboro and then tying both Bedford and North Attleboro last week. Newton North also fell out of the Top 20 after a 3-2 loss to Dedham on Friday.

This week's newcomers are No. 20 Oliver Ames (8-3-1), who despite the tough looking loss to Franklin is a lot better than people think and No. 19 Shawsheen. The Rams (10-0-0) have destroyed some weak competition in the Commonwealth league, outscoring their opponents 57-2 this season.

Danvers (8-1-2) outscored its opponents 14-2 in three wins last week and just missed out on a spot in the Top 20. East Bridgewater (8-1-1) hasn't lost since the first game of the season and is a team to keep an eye on as well.

After only one week out of the top spot, Masconomet returns to regain their position atop the pole following another two-win week. The Chieftains have hit their stride, outscoring their last six opponents by a whopping 29-1 margin.

Last week’s No. 1 team Concord-Carlisle slips down to the sixth spot after suffering a 2-0 defeat at the hands of the unranked Bedford.

Somerville leapfrogs into the second spot in our poll thanks to the return of Felix DeBona coupled with another Weymouth tie that keeps the Wildcats in check at No. 3.

For the most part, the rest of the field stays in-tact with Hanoverthe only team making their debut on the poll at No. 19 after Archbishop Williams fell off the charts following their first loss of the season.

Some teams that are on the radar and could make a push into the poll, should any teams falter, include Marshfield (7-2-1), Braintree (7-3-2), East Boston (9-1-1), Rockport (8-1), Milford (7-1-4) and Reading (7-3-1).

Check out the latest Globe Top 20 here.

By Seth Lakso, Globe Correspondent

The North Quincy girls' soccer team rallied from a goal down with 10 minutes to play to escape with a 2-1 road win over Pembroke Thursday night. The win brought the Red Raiders' record to 9-2-2 and qualified them for the state tournament for the second consecutive season.

The Titans (1-9) played better than their record would suggest, carrying a 1-0 lead deep into the second half thanks to a goal from senior captain Christine Cahill, before a goal by North Quincy's Shannon McCleary tied the game.

The tying goal, set up by Courtney Campo, was McCleary's fifth of the season and her 18th point (13 assists).

With a minute left to play in regulation, it was Campo's turn to find the back of the net, beating the goalkeeper low and to the near post for her third goal of the season.

North Quincy has quietly hung around with Whitman-Hanson and Duxbury near the top of the Patriot League (Keenan) this season, thanks to a solid core of players and the emergence of freshman Marissa McCue (9 goals).

''She's certainly been a pleasant surprise,'' said Red Raiders coach Paul Bregoli, who has been at the helm at North Quincy for 18 seasons.

''We're a pretty good team, and right now we're still kind of a secret. Whitman-Hanson and Duxbury generally get the headlines, but we're a blue-collar type of team and we can play.''

By Craig Forde, Globe Correspondent

It’s our first crack at shuffling the deck with our boys soccer Top 20 poll, so of course we have taken the liberty of making some moves since our initial poll at the beginning of the season.

A lot has gone down on the pitch, teams are starting to separate themselves from the pack and this week’s poll will show that as thirteen teams check in with zero losses on their fixtures.

The top two teams switch spots as Concord-Carlisle (7-0) takes over the No. 1 ranking in our latest poll, having allowed only one goal over their first seven games.

Masconomet (5-0-2) slides down only spot due to a couple of early ties, but they have gotten back off track and have rattled off 21 goals over their last four games, all wins.

Weymouth (8-0-2) makes a big leap up from the seventh spot to No. 3 and Oliver Ames (7-0-2) is this week’s big mover, jumping up seven spots from No. 19 all the way to No. 12.

Having racked up some big wins to go along with no losses, Pentucket (6-0-1), Dartmouth (8-0-2), Winchester (5-0-2) and Archbishop Williams (8-0) all make their debut on the poll.

Medford (2-1-2), Lexington (3-2-1), Lincoln-Sudbury (3-3-1) and Georgetown (3-2-2) all bow out after slow starts to their seasons, but all are capable of landing back on the Top 20 with a quick turnaround.

See the Globe boys soccer Top 20 here.

By Seth Lakso, Globe Correspondent

Peabody retaining the No. 1 spot in this week’s Girls’ soccer Top 20 shouldn’t surprise anyone. The Tanners (6-0) are unbeaten in their last 30 games and are averaging 4.5 goals per contest.

Lincoln-Sudbury jumps up a spot to No. 2 after its 6-0 start and (former No. 2) Canton’s loss to Franklin. The Warriors are playing well right now thanks in part to senior striker, Cassidy Boegel, who is the subject of this week’s notebook.

Medfield (8-0-1), Central Catholic (8-0) and Franklin (6-0) round out the top five.

The Panthers are tied with Shawsheen (7-0) of the Commonwealth Athletic Conference for the highest scoring average in Eastern Mass at 5.3 goals per game. Kristi Kirshe has continued to be huge this season for the Panthers. She netted four goals in Franklin’s, 5-2, win over Canton.

Nos. 17-19 are newcomers to the Top 20. Cardinal Spellman (8-0) has dominated the Catholic Central (Large) this season, outscoring its opponents, 34-3.

North Andover (5-2-1) checks in at No. 18 and Dedham (9-0-1) at No. 19. The Marauders opened their season with a 1-1 draw and have run off nine-straight wins since.

This Saturday, September 29th, Concord-Carlisle High School will play host to the sixth annual Kicks for Cancer to support cancer research.

Twelve teams will gather for a day-long event filled with superior soccer action, raffles, food and more. The same teams return from last year’s event, all of which were participants in the 2011 MIAA postseason tournament and four of which are currently ranked in the Globe’s Top 20.

Despite dreary conditions last year the event still managed to raise over $27,000 with proceeds benefitting the Dana Farber Cancer Institute and in total Kicks for Cancer has raised over $71,000 as it has grown from a one-game event to six-game extravaganza.

“It says so much about the other schools and their communities,” said Concord-Carlisle head coach Ray Pavlik. “The volunteers and the kids do such an amazing job with this and we couldn’t be more proud of the efforts they make each year.”

The event began back in 2007 to honor the memory of Lois Wells, mother of Concord-Carlisle assistant coach Steve Wells. Each team wears pink or blue jerseys with the name of a loved one who has or is battling this disease emblazoned on their back.

The games will begin at 1:00 p.m. with simultaneous action going off on side-by-side fields behind Concord-Carlisle High School at 500 Walden Street in Concord. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children.

The following is the day's schedule of games:

1:00 p.m., Game One, Turf 1 – Lexington vs. Belmont
1:00 p.m., Game Two, Turf 2 - Stoneham vs. Wakefield

3:30 p.m., Game Three, Turf 1 - Brookline vs. Newton North
3:30 p.m., Game Four, Turf 2 - Reading vs. Woburn

6:00 p.m., Game Five, Turf 1 - Concord - Carlisle vs. Lincoln - Sudbury
6:00 p.m., Game Six, Turf 2 - Acton – Boxborough vs. Wayland

For additional information, including directions to the fields, click here.

For those who are unable to attend the event, but still wish to make a donation to Kicks for Cancer, click here for the Dana Farber donation page.

By Jason Mastrodonato, Globe Correspondent

Nico Calabria, a member of the Concord-Carlisle boys' soccer team, scored a scissor-kick goal off a corner yesterday that would probably be on highlight reels even if he had two legs.

But Calabria, a junior who is also an outstanding wrestler, finishing in third place in the Division 2 106-pound weight class in February, was born with only a left leg. And, wow, is it a good one.

C-C coach Ray Pavlik posted video of the goal from the 9-0 win over Newton South on Wednesday. Check it out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k2FzJVAHtSI

Calabria also plays for the U.S. Amputee National Team.

He and his Concord-Carlisle (4-0) team play next at Boston Latin on Friday.

Jason Mastrodonato can be reached at jasonmastrodonato@yahoo.com. Follow him on Twitter @JMastrodonato.

By Craig Forde, Globe Correspondent

WEYMOUTH – After seventy minutes of scoreless action the Needham and Weymouth boys’ soccer teams exchanged late goals off of penalty kicks as the Bay State Carey powers battled to a 1-1 draw at Mullen Field on Wednesday.

“You knew it was going to be a battle,” said Needham coach Don Brock as two of the top ranked teams in EMass got together for the first of two meetings.

The fourth-ranked Rockets (2-1-2) got on the board first with nine minutes left on the clock as senior captain Mac Steeves unloaded on a free kick from 35-yards out, hooking it into the top right corner for his third goal of the season.

Five minutes later Wildcats senior captain Jack Lynch was hauled down in the box on a throw in, setting up a penalty kick that he buried on the right side of the net, just past the out-stretched arms of goalie Adam Lassman (six saves), evening things up with just four minutes left in the game.

Down three starting midfielders due to injury, the Rockets used the 6-4 Steeves all over the field, utilizing his size in the midfield to clog things up and frustrate the Weymouth offense.

“They came in with a great plan,” said Weymouth coach Bill McEachern of Needham. “They kept Mac back and packed it in and made it difficult for us.”

“We sort of surprised everybody,” said Brock of shifting Steeves, who is one of the premier forwards in the state. “We pulled him back to play midfield to tighten up the defense a little bit. Plus we figured he could do just what he did, which is score from anywhere out there with the shot that he’s got.”

The seventh-ranked Wildcats (5-0-1) got another solid effort out of junior keeper Lucas Rezende-Verge, who came up with 11 stops on the night to keep his team in the game.

“He does a great job at communicating and getting off of his line, making the backs lives easier,” said McEachern of his goalie. “That’s the biggest asset back there.”

By Hannah Becker, Globe Correspondent

With five assists in North Quincy's 7-0 victory over East Boston in girls' soccer action on Tuesday afternoon, senior captain Shannon McCleary set a new single-game assist record for North Quincy High School.

The forward broke the previous record of four assists, set by Emily Malone in a win over Medford in 2006. Malone went on to play Division 1 soccer at Mercer University in Georgia.

McCleary is also North Quincy's fifth all-time leading scorer with 24 goals. Despite the high goal total, Red Raiders coach Paul Bregoli said most of her points come from assists.

"She's a great kid, but soccer-wise she has really dedicated herself to becoming a great player," Bregoli said. "She unselfish. She'll give the ball up and look for someone else to score."

After netting 11 goals last season, McCleary has only scored one this fall, netting a goal in a win over Malden on Monday. She also had an assist in that game.

"She's got great ball skills and she strikes the ball hard," Bergoli said. "She's got great field vision."

The remarkable thing about McCleary's performance this season is that she is coming of an ACL tear less than six months ago. Bergoli said the star player tore her ACL playing for the Scorpions Soccer Club out of Braintree in February. He calls her fast recovery "Wes Welker-ish."

With Division 1 dreams, McCleary was hoping to be showcased last spring, but the injury kept her off the field. Bergoli said whichever schools gets to put her name on their roster will be lucky.

Peabody's Hayley Dowd is expected to have another big season. She's one of the top players in Eastern Massachusetts. (Barry Chin / Globe file)

By Mary Pavlu, Globe Correspondent

Here are some of the top girls soccer players you should be watching this fall from Eastern Massachusetts, by position:

Forwards

- Concord-Carlisle senior Andrea O’Brien won the Dual County League MVP award twice in a row as well as being named a Globe All-Scholastic. She scored 37 goals and added 10 assists for the Patriots last fall and has committed to play for Boston College in 2013.

- Peabody senior Hayley Dowd brought her team to the Division 1 state title, scoring 41 goals. She was named the coaches EMass D-1 Player of the Year as well as Northeastern Conference MVP. She already possesses Peabody’s scoring record of 121 goals and 45 assists. She has committed to play for Boston College in 2013.

- Senior Lauren Berman led the Canton Bulldogs to the Division 2 state finals and was awarded with Hockomock League MVP and All-New England team honors. She also runs track and has committed to play soccer in Maryland.

- Winchester senior Megan Henessey was named a coaches EMas, Middlesex League first-teamer, and to the MIAA all-state team. She scored three goals and had eight assists for the Sachems last season, and plans to play lacrosse for Harvard.

- Weston senior Maddie Linde had 10 goals and 11 assists last season, making her second in the Dual County League in scoring. She was also a first-team all-star in the DCL.

Midfielders

- Stoneham had a great record last season, and senior Morgan Havican is a key part of the team’s success. She was also a 2011 Middlesex League girls soccer all-star.

- Winsor junior Delancey King led her team in scoring last season with 19 goals and 5 assists (as only a sophomore.) She assisted her team in winning the league title and became an Eastern Independent League all-star for the second time. She is also a top swimmer for Winsor.

- Weston senior Sarah Peters was chosen to represent the Lower New England region in girls soccer. Last season, Peters was well known for her speed as well as being one of the best headers. She is also a top player for Weston’s lacrosse team.

- Senior Holly Niemiec played a key role in the success of Wilmington’s soccer team last season winning the Middlesex league crown. This summer she played for the New England Futbol Club Elite, winning the U17 Mass State Campionship in June, and went on to regionals in Lancaster, Pa.

- Stoneham senior Amanda Mohammadi was a leader on the field last season, a key player who often had the ball at her feet. She is also a 2011 Middlesex League Girls Soccer All Star.

Defenders

- Concord-Carlisle's senior Michaela Haller has been cited as a strong defender for the Patriots, and is also a goalie for the Patriots' hockey team.

- Junior Allie Barrett has also been a player to watch on defense, as well as a strong player for Concord-Carlisle’s lacrosse team.

- As only a freshman last season, Olivia Allison was a strong defender for Medford, which helped her become a 2011 All-Star. Now a sophomore, Allison is a player to watch this season.

- Senior Katherine Zavez is a lead defender for Winchester, as well as a 2011 Middlesex League girls soccer all-star. She is captain and has been part of the Division 1 varsity team since her freshman year.

- Thanks to Wilmington junior Kelly Hartsough’s strong foot on defense, the Wildcats' varsity girls soccer team won the Middlesex League Small championship title last season. She is also a top runner on Wilmington’s track team.

Goalies

- Senior Mimi Borkan allowed only nine goals in 21 games last season, providing a .43 goals against average. She led the Medfield Warriors to a 16-1-4 record and won the Tri-Valley League championship. She played for the coaches EMass all-state team and was honored with TVL MVP.

- Katie Sia, senior keeper for Lincoln-Sudbury, had 12 shutouts for the Warriors last season, which helped earn her place on the Dual County League All-Star team. She ended the season with a .48 goals against average, only allowing six goals. She was also part of the coaches EMass all-star team.

- Junior Alissa Duffey was a key factor in Weston’s Division 3 state final win against Sutton last season, only allowing one goal. She was also named a 2011 first-team all-star in the Dual County League.

- While Norwell fell to Dover-Sherborn in the Division 3 South section finals, the Clippers got there with the strong help of senior Bridget Conway. For her senior year, she’s looking for revenge.

- Chelmsford's Brianna Raymond was the Merrimack Valley conference goalkeeper of the year and is entering her senior year.

Mary Pavlu can be reached at mary.pavlu@globe.com. Follow her on Twitter @MaryPavlu.

Masconomet's Chip Sherman is one player you'll
have to watch this season. (Lisa Poole / For the Boston Globe)

By Mary Pavlu, Globe Correspondent

Here's some of the top soccer players to watch in Eastern Massachusetts by position:

Forwards

- Groton-Dustable senior starter Nate Pomeroy is a leading scorer for his team, and has already verbally committed to Brown.

- Masconomet senior Chip Sherman has been a leading scorer for the team and has been chosen as captain for this season. The team won 2-0 in the Eastern Massachusetts championship game against Greater New Bedford last season, where Sherman scored the final goal. He was also selected as a Cape Ann all-League all-star.

- Needham junior Mac Steeves has been a captain since last season, and received Bay State Conference co-MVP honors after scoring 24 goals and recording 15 assists, which helped lead the Rockets to a conference title. He’s been a Bay State Conference all-star three times, EMass all-star twice, and an NSCAA All-New England selection.

- As a senior striker for Mashpee, you can usually find Romeo Grey being double-teamed but still coming out on top. Part of this is due to his blazing speed – he is also a star track runner.

- Nauset senior Cody Savonen is a left forward who became a starter as a sophomore. He scored 23 goals, had 9 assists and was recognized as a Atlantic Coast league all-star and an Eastern Massachustts All-Star during his junior year.

Midfielders

- Waring junior Henry Balf was last season’s MVP of the Mass Bay Independent League. He helped lead Waring to the league title with 15 goals and nine assists. He is also a starter for Waring’s basketball team.

- Weymouth has a strong defense, and that’s partly been due to seior Josh Berg. Once a two-year starter as sweeper, Weymouth moved him to midfield last year and wasn’t disappointed.

- Walpole senior John Lochhead was moved to midfield last year to focus on directing attacks, rather than scoring. He did just that, and handled the ball well last season.

Defenders

- Masconomet has been hailed for it’s soccer team and Demetri Decoulos has pulled through as a starter as just a junior. You can be sure he’ll be bringing his game for senior year.

- Lowell senior Brandon Fahlberg has been captain of the team since his junior year, and a starter since he was a sophomore. In October of 2011, the 6-2, 165 pound defender won the MIAA/NESN Student-Athlete of the Month, given to “outstanding student-athletes for excelling in athletics, academics and community service.” He is also a Merrimack Valley Conference all-star.

- Brimmer & May senior Tony Wright scored six goals and nine assists from the back last season, leading his team to the NEPSAC finals. He earned the MBIL MVP award, and is also captain of the lacrosse team.

- Mashpee had a strong defense last season, particularly having to do with senior Dylan Shute. With strong footwork and intense speed (he is also a track runner,) this senior is one to watch this season.

- Medway is in the Globe Top 20 boys soccer team, and part of that is due to junior Dan Messina’s strong presence in defense. He is also a TVL Boy’s Soccer 2011 All-Star.

Goalies

- Natick senior David Hepp was the school’s first ever captain as a junior. He was a player for the New England Revolution youth team and joined the prestigious US Soccer Development Academy last year.

- John Fisher has been a varsity player since his freshman year, starting off as a forward. Last year the Norwell senior started as goalie and posted a 5-1 record including 3 shut outs.

- Rockland senior Kevin Strobel led his team as co-captain last year. He is also a 2011 South Shore all-star.

Mary Pavlu can be reached at mary.pavlu@globe.com. Follow her on Twitter @MaryPavlu.

Photo courtesy of John Maconga

Lou Bergholz leaps to make a save for the combined PW Global Advisors/Edgework Consulting team during last year's SCORES Cup at Gillette Stadium.

By Justin A. Rice, Globe Correspondent

The eighth annual SCORES Cup corporate charity soccer tournament returns to Gillette Stadium on Saturday.

The 32-team tournament benefits America SCORES Boston, a non-profit organization that uses soccer to inspire literacy and health in Boston public schools.

The seven-on-seven coed tournament provides corporate soccer teams the chance to show off their skills on the Gillette Stadium turf before watching the New England Revolution play the Seattle Sounders FC.

Each team will play a minimum of three 30-minute games.

Participants also receive an Official SCORES Cup Adidas jerseys, their company logos in the game day program as well as post-tournament activities at Patriot Place.

Some of Boston's largest companies will participate in the event that is expected to raise close to $200,000 for SCORES.

For more information contact Alex Maeder at 617-553-4703 or amaeder@americascores.org. Or you can visit www.AmericaSCORESBoston.org/SCORESCup.

Justin A. Rice covers Boston Public school athletics. He can be reached at jrice.globe@gmail.com. Follow him on Twitter @GlobeJustinRice or @BPSspts.

By Bob Holmes, Globe Staff

Monday's inaugural Agganis All-Star women’s and men’s Lacrosse Classics have been postponed due to inclement weather. The games will be played on Wednesday at Manning Field – women at 6 p.m., men at 7:30 p.m.

That means the first competition in Agganis week will be the men's and women's soccer games Tuesday at Manning Field beginning at 5:30 p.m. In addition to lacrosse, Wednesday will have also have baseball and softball at Fraser Field. Thursday is basketball with two games at Lynn Classical. And Friday is the 51st Football Classic at 7 p.m. at Manning Field.

By Craig Forde, Globe Correspondent

Lowell High School athletic director James DeProfio announced the intentions of four Red Raiders student-athletes who have recently committed to playing collegiate sports.

Chris Gentile will attend St. Thomas Aquinas to continue his golf career. A three-time team MVP and Merrimack Valley All-Conference selection, he finished his high school career with a match play record of 45-10. Gentile maintains a 3.6 GPA and is a National Honor Society member.

Haley Clarke will be taking her rowing talents to the Boston College crew program in the fall. A four-year member of Lowell’s varsity crew team, she served as fall and spring captain during her senior year. She was a member of the bronze medal winning US Junior Nationals team as a freshman and the US Rowing Club Nationals last year. Clarke has a 4.4 GPA and is a member of the student council and the National Honor Society.

Clarke’s rowing-mate Kate Keller will take her skills to Bucknell. She was also a four-year member of the crew squad and joined Clarke as team captain this past fall and spring. Keller won a bronze with Clarke on the US Junior Nationals team as freshmen and was also part of the US Rowing Club Nationals last year. She has upheld a 4.3 GPA and is also a National Honor Society member.

Rachel Silk, a three sport standout, will stay in her own backyard and attend UMass-Lowell to play soccer. As captain of the soccer team she was named MVP for this past fall season. She also served as captain on both the indoor and outdoor track teams. Silk has a 3.93 GPA, is a National Honor Society member and is part of the Headmaster’s Advisory.

By Justin A. Rice, Globe Correspondent

This awards ceremony and program are designed to recognize Massachusetts high school student-athletes who have demonstrated excellence in three disciplines: academics, athletics and citizenship. The ceremony will be held from 8:30 a.m. to noon in the Curry Student Center Ballroom at Northeastern University.

The theme of this year’s event is “How Can Student-Athletes Make a Difference in the Community?”

The event, which is being sponsored by Sport in Society at Northeastern University and the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association, is open to schools in Districts A, B, C, D, E and H.

Each school can nominate two male and two female students that merit this recognition and have participated in community service. One faculty member, coach, or parent representative should also be willing to provide transportation and accompany the students.

For more information contact Ted O’Reilly at 617-373-4025 or m.oreilly@neu.edu.

Justin A. Rice can be reached at jrice.globe@gmail.com. Follow him on Twitter @GlobeJustinRice or @BPSspts.

Oliver White of Noble & Greenough was named the Gatorade Massachusetts Boys Soccer Player of the Year. White is the second Gatorade Massachusetts Boys Soccer Player of the Year to be chosen from Noble & Greenough School.

The award, which recognizes not only outstanding athletic excellence, but also high standards of academic achievement and exemplary character demonstrated on and off the field, distinguishes White as Massachusetts’ best high school boys soccer player. Now a finalist for the Gatorade National Boys Soccer Player of the Year award to be announced in May, White joins an elite alumni association of past state award-winners in 12 sports, including Abby Wambach (1997-98, Our Lady of Mercy, N.Y.), Derek Jeter (1991-92, Kalamazoo HS, Mich.), Candace Parker (2001-02, Naperville Central HS, Ill.), Alexi Lalas (1987-88, Cranbrook HS, Mich.), Heather O’Reilly (2001-02, East Brunswick HS, N.J.) and Mark Sanchez (2004-05, Mission Viejo HS, Calif.).

The 5-foot-11, 165-pound senior forward scored 15 goals and passed for six assists this past season, leading the Bulldogs (13-3-1) to the New England Prep School Athletic Council Class A tournament quarterfinals. A two-time Globe All-Scholastic selection, White is a two-time Independent School League Offensive Player of the Year. He concluded his prep soccer career with 41 goals and 16 assists.

White has maintained a B average in the classroom. He has volunteered locally as a mentor to minority students at Nobles, a youth soccer coach and with sled hockey, a sit-down hockey game for people with disabilities.

"Oliver White has been the primary reason that Nobles has won the league over the past two years,” said Paul Sugg, head coach of Roxbury Latin School. “Without him, they don’t come close to scoring as many goals over the course of both seasons. He is not a selfish scorer who doesn’t contribute in other areas. He works hard, he’s physical and athletic, and he’s a presence at all times.”

White will attend Harvard University this fall, where he will play soccer.

White joins recent Gatorade Massachusetts Boys Soccer Players of the Year Cole DeNormandie (2010 – 11, Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School), Leon Brown, (2009-10, The Roxbury Latin School), Charlie Rugg (2008–09 The Rivers School), Jan Trnka-Amrhein (2007-08, Noble and Greenough School), and Ben Slingerland (2006-2007, St. John's Prep School) among the state’s list of former award winners.

By Seth Lakso, Globe Correspondent

Peabody's Hayley Dowd was named the Gatorade Massachusetts Girls Soccer Player of the Year on Thurday.

As a junior, Dowd led the Tanners to a 22-0-2 record and the 2011 Division I state title. The Tanners' striker finished the season with 41 goals and 19 assists. She was also on her game when it mattered most, netting seven goals and three assists in six postseason appearances.

For her work, Dowd, who has verbally commited to play for Boston College in the Fall of 2013, was named an All-American by the National Soccer Coaches Association and the Globe's Division I Girls Soccer Player of the Year.

Dowd, who is now a finalist for the Gatorade National Girls Soccer Player of the Year award (announced in May), owns the Peabody girls' all-time scoring record with 121 goals and 43 assists through three seasons.

By Jason Mastrodonato, Globe Correspondent

Concord-Carlisle junior All-American soccer player Andrea O’Brien has committed to play for Boston College in 2013.

Back-to-back winner of the Dual County League MVP award and a Globe All-Scholastic, O’Brien netted 37 goals and added 10 assists for the Patriots last fall. She said her decision came down to three schools – Boston College, Georgetown and The University of Virginia – but she decided to stay local.

“When you live so close to a school sometimes you don’t really see it much,” O’Brien said. “But going on my overnight visit, I realized I loved the school. I was trying to find a great academic school but also one where there was a really strong soccer program.”

C-C head coach Nancy Slocum, who guided the Patriots to a 14-4 record last fall before getting knocked out by Peabody (the eventual state champion) in the Division 1 North quarterfinals, said Boston College seems like a good fit for the high-scoring forward.

“I hope she has as much success there as she’s had here,” Slocum said. “I think now she’ll be freed up to relax a little bit more and just play soccer to enjoy it and develop.”

But O’Brien, who believes she’ll stay in an attacking role while at B.C., said there is still more work to do while at Concord-Carlisle.

“I’ll have the same mentality as last year,” said O'Brien, who will join Peabody standout Hayley Dowd at B.C. “I want to graduate knowing we won a state tile at the high school. And I think it’s actually a realistic goal.”

O’Brien’s older brother Mikey, a leader on the C-C boys' team with 21 goals during his senior season last fall, will be attending The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania – considered among the top business programs in the country. He said he's unsure if he'll play soccer at the Ivy League school, which produced two 2012 MLS Supplemental Draft picks this year.

Concord-Carlisle's Andrea and Mike O'Brien are All-American soccer players in addition to being Boston Globe All-Scholastics. (Essdras M Suarez / Globe Staff)

By Zuri Berry, Globe Staff

The Boston Globe Fall All-Scholastics are out, available for view on Boston.com. More than 200 high school athletes from nine different sports have been selected as All-Scholastics, marking the end of the fall season.

On this season's cover is Concord-Carlisle brother-sister duo Mike and Andrea O'Brien, who are both All-American soccer players for the school. They highlight the level of talent of the many individuals selected this season.

Take a look at who was recognized in football, boys soccer, girls soccer, volleyball, field hockey, boys cross country, girls cross country, girls swimming and golf.

By Jason Mastrodonato, Globe Correspondent

Concord-Carlisle senior Mikey O’Brien opened the letter last Monday.

He read it through, saw something about being an All-American and immediately passed it off to his sister, Andrea O'Brien.

“I think there was a mistake,” he said.

It must have been for Andrea, a junior on the girls’ soccer team who was No. 2 in the state in scoring this season with 34 goals and nine assists. She looked at it and realized it wasn’t. It was for Mikey, and he still couldn’t believe it.

“Leave it to Mikey,” said C-C boys’ soccer coach Ray Pavlik. “He had it for a day and passed it off as nothing.”

O’Brien is believed to be the first All-American in program history. His 18 goals in 16 games was just a thumbprint of the mark he left on Concord-Carlisle soccer, ranking in the top five for career points and earning the respect of the area’s top coaches. He played a major part in two state titles in previous years and an EMass title in 2011.

Naturally, Andrea received similar notification later that week. She too was an All-American.

Andrea returns next season to try to lift her C-C squad to a better finish than this year, when the Patriots were ousted by Peabody in the Division 1 North quarterfinals.

By Zuri Berry, Globe Staff

It was a long weekend in Massachusetts high school sports. The MIAA awarded championship trophies in soccer, volleyball, cross-country, swimming and field hockey. And a week before that, golf champions were crowned. Here's a roundup of all the games and state championships from the fall. You can also find all of our stories and photos at our Fall 2011 Championships page.

Div. 1 girls soccer

Peabody rides defense to title - Katie Brunelle’s goal with 3:26 remaining in the first half helped the Tanners beat East Longmeadow 1-0.

Div. 2 girls soccer

Canton can't halt Auburn - Alysha Brunelle’s strike was all Auburn would need, as the Rockets capped off an undefeated season and claimed the Division 2 girls’ soccer state title, 1-0, over Canton yesterday at Worcester State.

Div. 3 girls soccer

Dover Sherborn edges Hopedale - After losing in the EMass title game last year, the Dover-Sherborn girls’ soccer team had one goal this season, and that was to finish the job with a state championship. The Raiders completed the mission with a 2-1 victory over Hopedale.

Div. 1 boys soccer

Ludlow beats Masconomet - Kyle Tomas scored two second-half goals to lead Ludlow to its third state title in four years and 17th overall.

Div. 2 boys soccer

Groton-Dunstable derails Concord-Carlisle - Daniel Beyh and Alex Merlino scored in the second half as the Crusaders (20-1-1) won their first championship since 2001 in beating the two-time defending state champs.

Div. 3 boys soccer

Sutton proves too much for Georgetown - Despite late momentum by Georgetown, Sutton prevailed, 3-1.

State Volleyball championships

Barnstable adds No. 14 to dynasty; Marlboro tops Melrose; Frontier bests Case - Barnstable’s dynasty grew by beating Central Catholic, 3-0, in the MIAA Division 1 championship; Marlboro rallied to complete an undefeated 23-game season, finishing off Melrose 3-1; and Frontier capitalized on the power and athleticism of junior Cassidy Stankowski, who drilled 24 kills in the Red Hawks’ victory in a marathon 3-2 match.

Boys X-country championships

Bishop Feehan edges Pembroke in photo finish - Bishop Feehan placed four runners in the top 17, overcoming three Pembroke top-10 finishes, to win the MIAA boys’ Division 2 cross-country state championships.

Girls X-country championships

Whitman Hanson girls pull a fast one - All five of Whitman-Hanson’s scoring runners crossed the finish line in under 20 minutes.

Swimming championships

Andover girls glide to 12th title - The Golden Warriors got off to a rousing start when the 200-yard medley relay team of Maeve Awiszus, Ashlee Korsberg, Rachel Moore, and Emma Cammann cruised to a win in 1 minute 49.76 seconds, nearly five seconds in front of runner-up Framingham.

Div. 1 field hockey

Andover repeats as state champions - Sophomore Julia LeBlanc redirected a pass from Meagan Keefe in the second half as the Golden Warriors (22-0-2) defeated Longmeadow, 1-0, for their second consecutive state title.

Div. 2 field hockey

Watertown sinks Oakmont - Watertown (21-0-1) defeated Oakmont, 3-1, to extend its unbeaten streak to 69 games and lock up its 12th state title since coach Eileen Donahue took over in 1986.

Div. 1 golf

St. John's Pandelena takes crown in playoff - Nick Pandelena of St. John’s Prep won a three-man playoff to take the Division 1 individual competition, and St. John’s (Shrewsbury) won its fourth state championship in six years at Glen Ellen Country Club.

Div. 2 golf

May, Masconomet rule roost - ith all eyes on Charlie May, the Masconomet junior calmly rolled in a 10-foot birdie putt on the first playoff hole to clinch the Division 2 state individual championship.

Div. 3 golf

Westwood gets the drop on Medfield - Pat Frodigh -- Westwood High’s No. 1 golfer -- eagled on a crucial 13th hole to spur his team to victory.

Auburn's Alysha Brunelle scored after settling a loose ball in front of the net with 28 minutes left while Rockets' goalie Jordan Hague made 19 saves as Auburn won the Division 2 state title.

Canton outscored its opponents, 20-1, in the postseason, but lost 1-0 in the state final.

By Zuri Berry, Globe Staff

Kyle Tomas's two second-half goals helped the Ludlow Lions beat Mascnomet 2-1 in the Division 1 state boys soccer championship at Worcester State University. See all the goals in the highlights above.

Riley Steele and Justin Rothermich helped Central Mass' Sutton get off to a fast start with two first half goals, and the Sammies never looked back, beating North representative Georgetown 3-1 for the Division 3 boys state soccer title at Foley Field in Worcester.

Katie Brunelle scored with four minutes left in the first half and the Peabody Tanners held on to beat East Longmeadow 1-0 for the Division 1 girls state soccer title at Worcester State University.

By Zuri Berry, Globe Staff

WORCESTER — Maddie Dunn and Taylor Coutts each scored goals as the Dover-Sherborn girls soccer team beat Hopedale 2-1 at Foley Field for the Divsion 3 state title.

At the 10:14 mark in the first half, Dunn scored after Coutts settled a goal kick and slipped a pass to her before she walked in and buried it in the lower right corner.

Coutts came back with her own goal 10 minutes into the second half for a 2-0 lead.

By Zuri Berry, Globe Staff

WORCESTER — Kyle Tomas scored two second-half goals to spur the Ludlow Lions to a 2-1 win in the Division 1 state boys soccer championship at Worcester State University.

After tying the game in the 65th minute, Tomas scored the go-ahead goal in the 84th minute.

Masconomet's Charles Sherman scored the Chieftains lone goal eight minutes into the second half.

Masconomet's Charles Sherman (6) battled Billerica's Peter Melo in the boys Division 1 North soccer final at Manning Field in Lynn. The Chieftains will have to bring their 'A' game against Ludlow in the state championship tonight. (Winslow Townson / For the Globe)

By Craig Forde, Globe Correspondent

It all comes down to this!

Masconomet (17-3-3) will face off against Ludlow (16-2-4) for the Division 1 boys soccer title tonight.

The game will be 5 p.m. at Worcester State University.

The Chieftains, under first year coach Dave Mitchell, will have a tough task in trying to take down the defending state champion Lions, who are in pursuit of an amazing seventeenth state title.

Captain and Cape Ann MVP Chad Burke has been an offensive motor for the Chieftains, picking up a goal and an assist in the Div. 1 North final versus Billerica and scoring both of his team’s goal in the EMass final against Greater New Bedford. Defensively, Masco is anchored by Wes Shrewsbury with captains Alex Brown and Charlie Behrens playing key roles across the field. Keeper Derek Grammer has allowed only two goals in the tournament, highlighted by a four-save penalty kick performance versus Acton-Boxboro.

This will be Ludlow's fourth straight trip to the final, having captured titles in 2008 and 2010 most recently. Coach Greg Kolodziey boasts a balanced and experienced lineup. Kyle Tomas, who scored a goal in last year’s final, netted the game-winner in the Lions 1-0 win over Worcester North on Tuesday. Goalie Nick Zucco came up with a big shutout in that game and has allowed only two goals over four tournament games.

Masco last made the final in 2008 as a Division 2 team, losing to Mt. Greylock. Their last state title came back in 1996 under the guide of legendary head coach Lenny Emmons who retired after the 2010 season.

Peabody's Hayley Dowd has led the Tanners this season with 44 points. Her team plays East Longmeadow for the Division 1 state soccer championship.(Barry Chin / Globe Staff)

By Seth Lakso, Globe Correspondent

Peabody's girls soccer team takes on East Longmeadow in the Division 1 girls state soccer championship tonight.

The game will be 7:30 p.m. at Worcester State University.

Peabody has yet to be beaten this season at 21-0-2 and is led by junior Hayley Dowd, who is easily one of the top players in the state and has already committed to play at Boston College. Dowd led all of EMass with 44 points this season. Victoria Digiacomo has been stellar all season as well.

The Tanners knocked off a solid Oliver Ames team in overtime, 2-1, in the EMass finals to get here.

Western Massachusetts champion East Longmeadow is 18-2-1 and has outscored its opponents 12-2 thus far in the postseason.

The Spartans last played in the state finals in 2003.

Sarah Waltsak leads the Spartans with 12 goals and six assists this season. Alyssa Balboni has been solid all season, tallying eight goals and seven assists.

By Craig Forde, Globe Correspondent

The Medford boys' soccer teamrode the back of their star forward John Dumbuya as he netted the overtime game-winner for a 2-1 victory over previously unbeaten Lincoln-Sudbury in a Division 1 North quarterfinal gem Wednesday in Sudbury.

Both teams leaned heavily on each other out of the gate in an effort to jockey for momentum, with the Warriors (16-1-2) gaining an early edge that led to Medford coach Michael Petrides calling a timeout just seven minutes in.

"It was a hard fought game," said Lincoln-Sudbury coach Dave Hosford. "Both teams are skilled and both teams have a physical attitude about them."

Following the timeout, the Mustangs put their own physical stamp on things and just 11 minutes later Dumbuya put Medford (13-4-1) on the board first after collecting the ball in the box and juking numerous defenders before letting go with a rocket shot that curved past the reach of Warriors keeper Tyler McCarthy.

"I try to put it in the other side from where I am on the field," said Dumbuya "I shoot with power and accuracy and I practice it everyday with my coach and it pays off in the game."

Timely bounces and defensive stops kept the Mustangs on top 1-0 through halftime, as the Warriors could not buy a break despite numerous direct chances in the box.

"Lincoln-Sudbury is an unbelievable team," Petrides said. "I've been telling the kids the whole year, "You're going to have to play somebody good eventually, and it doesn't matter if you play them early or late."

As the Warriors launched a corner kick at the 17-minute mark of the second half, Medford was whistled for an illegal push to the back in the box, setting up Forest Sisk 12-yards away for a penalty kick that he calmly slipped to his left to tie the game 1-1.

Lincoln-Sudbury wrestled momentum back after the goal, but Medford continued to fight and both teams tightened the reigns defensively, leaving the score tied at one as regulation expired.

With just under five minutes remaining in overtime, Dumbuya controlled possesion on the left side, just past midfield, and put on another dribbling clinic as he crossed over three defenders.

Coming clear on the right side of the field, he reared back and launched a 35-yard shot towards the goal that bent into the back of the net, sparking an emphatic celebration as the Mustangs chased down Dumbuya and launched themselves onto their leader.

"It took a perfect shot to beat us," Hosford said. "That was certainly the perfect shot."

When asked about the game-winner, an emotional Dumbuya replied, "Thank you God."

Petrides added, "It's a great win for Medford High School."

The Mustangs will face Masconomet in a Division 1 North semifinal game 10 a.m. Friday at Manning Field in Lynn.

By Jake Seiner, Globe Correspondent

This time last year, Mashpee coach Ed Furtek considered then-sophomore Romeo Grey one of his most athletic players. The soccer skills, though, were lacking.

“He came out last year with great foot skills and blazing speed,” Furtek said. “But he wasn’t aware of where to be on the field. He worked hard, played in the spring, and the kids really took him under their wing.”

Saturday night, Grey’s refined talents were on full display. The striker tallied both of Mashpee’s goals in a 2-1, double-overtime victory over Coyle & Cassidy in Division 3 South preliminary action.

Grey netted the winner at the end of a scramble around the Warriors’ net. Coyle goalie James Withers turned away a pair of shots in the melee, but allowed rebounds on both attempts. The last give back proved fatal, as Grey punted the loose ball into the cage for his 16th goal of the year.

“He’s been so solid all year,” Furtek said. “Most teams double-team him, and he still manages, like he did tonight.”

Grey scored the game’s first goal in the 27th minute, spoiling a strong start by the Warriors. That lead was short-lived, though, as the Falcons conceded an own-goal minutes later.

Mashpee’s play strengthened in the second half, but the Falcons couldn’t turn their possession advantage into another regulation tally.

Coyle nearly snapped the tie late in the second half, but Mashpee goaltender Spencer Perlmuter denied the point-blank look and dove on the rebound to quash the scoring chance.

“I thought we had a little better run of play, but we couldn’t shake those guys,” Furtek said. “You know how soccer is. You have the run of play, then they break out, and your goalie has to make a great save. Spencer did that.”

Both teams had chances in the first overtime, but the goaltenders were “awesome,” said Furtek.

“It was one of those games,” the coach said, “where you shake the other coach’s hand, and you just say, ‘nobody deserved to lose this game.’ ”

Mashpee will hit the pitch again Monday at 7 p.m. against seventh-seeded Hanover in the Division 3 South first round.

By Seth Lakso, Globe Correspondent

Scott Levy's ninth and 10th goals of the season helped the 14th-ranked Bulldog boys' soccer team capture its second consecutive Hockomock Classic Cup, knocking off Franklin, 2-0, Tuesday night in Canton.

“[Scott] has been brilliant for us,” said Canton coach Dan Erickson. “We moved him from right-back to forward this season when our offense was struggling and he’s really made everything go since then.”

Levy’s first goal came five minutes in on a shot from 12 yards that found its way through a scrum. In the 60th minute he struck again on a partial breakaway set up by a nice pass from Eric Wong.

Levy has been a thorn in the side of Franklin this season, scoring all four of the Bulldog’s goals against the Panthers (5-4-7). The two teams played to a 2-2 tie earlier this season.

Colby Gavigan made three saves in net to record his 12th shutout of the season.

The reigning Division 2 South champions have lofty expectations entering state tournament season, having allowed just five goals in Hockomock League play this season.

“We haven’t had the [offensive] attack we had last year,” said Erickson, who is in his 19th season at Canton. “We have had to work harder for our goals, but we’ve made up for that with our defense and goaltending.”

The Bulldogs have made it at least to the Division 2 South semifinals each of the past five seasons and plan to use that experience to their advantage in the coming weeks.

“This isn’t a new feeling to any of my guys. They’ve all been there before and having that experience is definitely an advantage,” said Erickson.

“We really understand and respect every opponent we get to face in the state tournament. Every team had to play well to get there, so any one of them can beat you if you’re looking ahead. You can’t take any team for granted,” he said.

By Craig Forde, Globe Correspondent

Phillips Exeter boys' soccer captain Brian Hart scored the 45th goal of his career Wednesday against Tilton, breaking the school record which was set just four years ago by Eric Slingerland from Beverly, Mass.

The senior forward added two more in the game as he notched a hat trick in a 3-0 victory for the Big Red.

Remarkably, Hart accomplished this feat in only two seasons of play after the Cumberland, Maine, native transferred to Phillips Exeter from Brewster Academy heading into his junior year.

“Brian is a fantastic player and has been a real pleasure to coach,” said Phillips Exeter head coach A.J. Cosgrove.

“It has been an absolute honor to play alongside Brian these past two seasons,” said teammate Nick Weigel. “When I came to Exeter freshman year, I got to play with Eric Slingerland and never thought I'd see anyone come close to breaking the records he set.”

Hart helped lead his team to a 12-1 record this season and is also a standout in hockey where he is also a captain and was the third-leading scorer in New England last year netting 29 goals to go along with 32 assists for 61 total points.

“With the fear of kids thinking they should specialize on one particular thing, he’s really a throwback,” said Cosgrove.

Slingerland was a Boston Globe All-Scholastic in 2010 and now attends Harvard where he plays both soccer and lacrosse. He also previously held the Phillips Exeter record for goals in a season with 21, but Hart broke that with 22 last year and again bested that mark with 25 goals this season.

“We feel fortunate to have a kid as unselfish as Brian,” said Cosgrove. “He is the most prolific scorer in the New England Prep leagues this year.”

Hart is hoping to follow Slingerland’s footsteps and play for the Crimson. Until then he will continue to captain his team as they look to make a deep run into the New England playoffs.

“As a captain, Brian has been a great leader both on and off the field and is one of the nicest guys I have ever met,” said Weigel. “Athletes like Brian are extremely rare and I speak for everyone involved with Exeter soccer in saying that we all feel extremely grateful to have witnessed and played with such a special talent.”

By Tim Healey, Globe Correspondent

Hayley Dowd has done it again. With a hat trick in the Tanners' 4-0 victory over Salem Wednesday afternoon, the Peabody girls' soccer junior forward set a school points record with 147.

Dowd, who had 144 points coming into the game, netted her second goal -- a penalty kick to the lower right corner in the 24th minute -- to tie her with former teammate Emily Manoogian, who set the mark with 146 points from 2007-10. Dowd's third goal helped lift the Tanners to 14-0-2.

"She can place the ball really where she wants it. She saw where the goalie was leaning towards and she went he opposite way," said Peabody coach Dennis Desroches about the penalty kick.

The record adds to the Boston College recruit's already impressive resume. Earlier this month, Dowd set the school career goals record with 92, and two years ago she set the state freshman goals record with 45. Dowd has also been recognized as an ESPNHS-All American.

With two more regular-season games and the postseason, as well as her entire senior year, Dowd could also break the school assists record of 68, which is within her reach, according to Desroches.

"That would be something nice to see her achieve," Desroches said. "Coming into this year knowing we just lost two of the best assist players Peabody's had [Manoogian and classmate Angela Ellison], Hayley's identified that. She's really looking to distribute the ball more than in the past, because we need to fill that role of play-maker."

In a way, Dowd transitioning to the role of table setter is her returning the favor Manoogian and Ellison did for her.

"There was excellent chemistry between them, especially on the soccer field," Desroches said. "[Dowd would] be the first to give credit to her teammates. That's the kind of person she is."

Dowd's impressive totals, offensive prowess and game awareness of the game didn't come out of nowhere. Desroches said Dowd continually puts in the hours on the field, around the gym and around the classroom.

"The thing with Hayley is her consistent play," Desroches said. "It's very rare that she has a down game and that's because of the work she puts in. What you see in a game is what she puts in during practice. Those records are broken as a result of the work the puts in.

"It's always nice to see the hard work a kid puts in pay off, and it's paid dividends for her."

By Seth Lakso, Globe Correspondent

With 17 years of soccer coaching experience coupled with a professional and semi-professional playing career that spanned more than a decade, Paul Turner has had no shortage of lessons to impart on the Canton High girls’ soccer team.

Interestingly enough, what this year’s team has learned from Turner, more than anything else, hasn’t come from a drill in practice. It has come from watching a coach that genuinely loves the game.

“Coach definitely loves what he does,” said tri-captain Vicky Tondre. “He’s always yelling and screaming for us, and when we score he is the best. [Turner] does these crazy celebrations where he runs up and down the sidelines jumping up and down. They’re funny, but really do help to pump up the team.”

“I think more than anything this year, it’s my passion that has rubbed off,” agreed Turner, who grew up in London with the dream of becoming a professional soccer player.

Before taking over as Canton's coach in 2010, Turner played nine seasons with the Cape Cod Crusaders of the United Soccer League, spending his final season as a player-coach.

“I think they’ve seen how much I enjoy this game," Turner said. "There’s only so much technical stuff you can teach. There has to be a passion for the game. I always knew when I got out of playing that I wanted to stay in the game and coach.”

That passion is paying off for the sixth-ranked Bulldogs (10-0-2), who sit atop the Hockomock League Davenport Division. Twelve games in, Canton is the only remaining undefeated team in both of the Hockomock divisions.

The Bulldogs are just one win away from clinching the Davenport, with two league games remaining.

“It’s not in the bag yet,” Turner said. “We still have some work to do, with two tricky league games left [against Foxboro and Stoughton]. “I’m hoping we take care of things in the first game.”

This season, the Bulldogs split their series with the defending Davenport champs in Oliver Ames, winning 3-0 in late September before tying them last week, 1-1. The two games made an impression on Tigers coach Britt Sellmayer, who referred to Canton as “the most technically sound team I’ve seen all season.”

Sellmayer, who picked up his 300th career win earlier this year, also said he wouldn’t be surprised to see the Bulldogs do some damage in the tournament this year.

After falling behind to Duxbury in an eventual 4-3 win in the first game of the season, Canton hadn’t trailed for a single second of play in 10 consecutive games before falling behind 1-0 to Oliver Ames this past Friday.

“Anytime you fall behind against a good team, it’s important to know that you can still comeback,” Turner said. “I knew we had it in us and a few minutes later we got the equalizer and I got maybe a little over excited celebrating for them on the sideline, but it was a great goal. We probably could have even won that game.”

At 3.8 goals per game, the Bulldogs boast the highest scoring offense in the league, thanks in large part to Lauren Berman (19 goals, 4 assists) and Brianna Duserick (4 goals, 16 assists). However, those two are far from the only players opposing teams needs to watch out for.

“In years past, teams could just focus on shutting down Lauren,” Turner said. “But now, with the talented players we have on this team, if you put all your attention on [Berman] you’re going to be in trouble.

“We play an exciting brand of soccer, which can sometimes leave us susceptible against good teams, but we like to come in guns-a-blazing and give the other team everything we’ve got.”

The defensive play of tri-captin Kensey Waterman has been a major reason Canton has had the freedom to be so aggressive on the attacking end. The Canton offense starts with its outside backs, Megan Barrera and Kim McNally, both of whom spend more time on the attack then they do defending, making Canton difficult to contain and creating more options on offensively.

“We focus on being as technically sound as possible,” said Turner, who often devotes 30 minutes or more of practice to technical drills. “We want our players to feel as comfortable as possible with the ball on their feet and be able to start the attack from anywhere on the field.”

From Berrera and McNally the ball will often find its way to the feet of Megan Lennon, described as the “energizer bunny” of the team by Turner.

“Lennon (who has eight goals and four assists) never stops working hard for us and there’s almost nothing we ask her to do that she can’t accomplish,” Turner said.

The best scoring opportunities are often set up by the Bulldog’s outside mid fielders; Brianna Waterman and Kayla Laughlin, both of whom are excellent crossers of the ball.

“If they’re both on target in the same game, they’re unstoppable,” Turner said.

The solid play up and down the field has expectations soaring in Canton. The Bulldogs were bounced from the tournament in the second round last year by a Medfield team that Turner admits was just better.

But that was last year.

“We’ve made a huge jump from where we were back then," Turner said. "We’re certainly not unbeatable. If a good team comes in and we don’t play our best, we’ll go down. But right now we’re good enough to go a long way come tournament time.”

Turner's tri-captain agreed.

“Were so close as a team and we all have the same goal,” Tondre said. “As we kept winning our confidence has kept growing and growing, and now I think we all believe we can win this.”

It’s that kind of confidence and shared passion for the game that keeps Turner coming back for more.

Games to Watch

No. 2 Lexington at No. 3 Winchester, Mon., 3:45 – The Sachems (6-1-3) still have a shot at the Middlesex League Large title if they can hand Lexington its first loss of the season. The Minutemen (9-0-2) saved their toughest games for last, with Belmont and No. 4 Central Catholic still on the schedule.

No. 10 Whitman-Hanson vs. No. 11 Duxbury, Mon., 5 – After a shorthanded start to the season the Panthers (12-3-1) have come on strong. Since tying Duxbury (10-1-2), 1-1, in early October Whitman-Hanson has outscored its last five opponents, 15-2.This game will likely decide the Patriot League Keenan Division.

No. 5 Lincoln-Sudbury vs. Westford, Wed., 4 – The Warriors (5-0) will do battle with Dual Country League Large rival Westford (5-1-1). L-S got the better of their first matchup, 1-0, in early October. The Warrior’s 3.3 goals per game are tops in the DCL.

No. 6 Bishop Feehan vs. No 7 Canton, Thu., 3:30 – This is the Shamrocks (12-0-1) chance to show they’re for real. They’ve average 6.0 goals per game against a weak Eastern Athletic Conference schedule. Canton (10-0-2) playing much stronger competition in the Hockomock is allowing less than a goal per game (0.80).

No. 14 Shawsheen vs. Billerica, Thu., 3:30 – The undefeated Rams (11-0) will look to finish strong against cross-town rival Billerica. The Indians (5-6-3) are coming off a surprising, 0-0, tie with No. 4 Central Catholic last Tuesday.

Players of the Week

Makisha Germain, Randolph – The junior has now earned back-to-back player of the week awards. Her four goals in The Blue Devil’s, 7-1, win over Southeastern on Tuesday helped Randolph improve to 9-4 for the season and qualify for the state tournament for the first time in school history. Germain now has 27 goals this season.

Morgan Branco, Brockton – The senior notched her 100th career point in Thursday night’s, 10-0, win over Taunton, becoming the first girl in school history to reach the 100-pont plateau in soccer. Branco’s two goals in the game give her 77 for her career.

Jenna Savi, Dedham – The senior captain’s four goals and assist in Tuesday’s, 5-1, win over Brookline gave her the school’s all-time scoring record with 125 points. Savi has 21 goals and 12 assists for the season.

By Craig Forde, Globe Correspondent

A brutal end-of-season schedule has set up the No. 12 Silver Lake boys’ soccer team with some tough opposition that should serve as a solid test for a team with aspirations of going deep into the postseason.

Postponements have lined the Lakers up with a string of games versus ranked opponents, including No. 15 Hingham and No. 8 Canton. Kicking off the stretch was a rematch of last year’s Division 1 South semifinals against No. 9 Weymouth, which the Lakers lost 1-0 on Saturday -- their first defeat of the season.

“It’s a mixed blessing as it gets us ready for the tournament,” said head coach Dan Correia. “These are the types of teams we will have to play in order to advance.”

Silver Lake (8-0-4, 11-1-2) came into the season having lost 13 seniors and 8 starters from a squad that tied for the Patriot League title and made a deep tournament run before losing to Weymouth last year. Yet heading into the season there wasn’t too much cause for concern as a new set of leaders quickly emerged to take the reigns and lead the Lakers towards another successful season.

“You don’t really know what you have coming into a year after losing that many players,” Correia said. “But we always have the talent year in and year out to compete for a league title because our depth up-and-down the levels of the program has always been a strength of ours.”

The Lakers present a host of problems for their opposition with a completely balanced attack on both sides of the ball. The offense has relied on a plethora of scorers to pummel foes, scoring an average of more than four goals per game.

Seniors Andrew Chenard and Charlie Lawson have led the attack with nine goals apiece and forwards Jake Monroe and Paul Beatty have found the back of the net seven times apiece. Senior Brian Bachelder has also added six goals to the cause.

“It’s been a very balanced unit and some teams have had some troubles with our offense because we have so many different scorers,” Correia said. “They are a very unselfish bunch as well.”

Senior captain Kevin Ballerini stands as the lone returning defensive starter and alongside junior centerback Colin Grindle, they form a legitimate lock-down duo that has made things much easier on the team’s goaltenders with a stifling style of defense.

“Kevin and Colin shut things down back there,” Correia said. “Our keeper hasn’t had to face many chances because of how solid the defense has been.”

Outside backs Josh Ventura and Sean Hurlburt have provided additional defensive assurance and have helped to solidify the back unit which has held opponents to only eight goals this season.

“They have been solid in blocking shots and pushing them wide instead of to the middle of the field,” Correia said. “They’ve also shown a lot of improvement with set pieces and clearing those.”

In his first season as a starter, junior keeper Sam Ballerini (Kevin Ballerini's brother) has also come up big when called upon, holding opponents to a 0.57 goals against average in 14 games between the pipes, including seven shutouts.

“Every single game we have a chance to win,” said Correia, now in his fifth season as head coach of Silver Lake.

With tough competition closing out their schedule, the Lakers will look to use these games as a barometer as to where they stand against other top-ranked competition.

No game looms larger than Monday’s Patriot League battle against Hingham, which could ultimately decide the league champion.

“They possess the ball really well,” said Correia of the Harbormen. “They are a very smart team and they change the point of attack.”

The two teams tied 1-1 earlier in the month and Hingham can take the Patriot League title with a win. Silver Lake needs a win on Monday and another on Thursday against North Quincy to shore up their third league title.

“We have a lot of speed up top,” Correia said. “So we’ll look to utilize that against them.”

The Lakers are confident that they can compete with the best teams around and this late season scheduling should help them gear up for whatever the tournament throws at them.

“Weymouth is one of the best teams in the state and we now know we can play with them,” Correia said. “We have a shot to make another deep run in the postseason.”

For now, Silver Lake will look to check off another goal before they can think about the tournament.

“They set smalls goals along the way,” said Correia of his team. “First was to qualify for the postseason, second is to win the Patriot League title, third is to improve our seeding and then we’ll take it from there.”

Games of the Week

No. 12 Silver Lake at No. 15 Hingham, Monday, 3:30 p.m. — The top two teams in the Patriot League’s Keenan Division will get another crack at each other after a 1-1 tie in their first meeting, with heavy league title implications on the line.

No. 3 Winchester at No. 13 Lexington, Monday, 3:45 p.m. — This one is always highly anticipated as Lexington will be looking to avenge their 2-0 September loss to the Sachems and tighten things up in the Middlesex Large.

Brighton at East Boston, Tuesday, 3:30 p.m. — A possible City Championship preview showcases two of the highest scoring offenses in EMass.

No. 1 Lincoln-Sudbury at Westford, Wednesday, 4 p.m. — The top-ranked Warriors will look to remain undefeated in in their last major test of the season.

No. 15 Brookline at No. 17 Framingham, Thursday, 4 p.m. — The Flyers will be looking to position themselves atop the Bay State Carey division, which will not be easy against the disciplined Warriors who are 3-0-2 over their last five games.

Players of the Week

Chris Flight, Dover-Sherborn — The senior scored 4 goals and added two assists as the No. 4 Raiders outscored their opponents 18-0 over three games.

Mark Blahnik, Wayland — The senior captain made the switch to sweeper and has been an instant defensive difference maker as the Warriors have held three straight opponents scoreless since the move was made.

Conner McCormick, Oliver Ames — The senior forward scored 2 goals and had an assist in leading the No. 19 Tigers to two wins and a tie against No. 8 Canton in a crucial Hockomock League battle.

Devin Devoy, Bishop Feehan — The senior forward scored 5 goals on the week, including 4 versus Foxboro, to give him 13 on the season.

Nick Keddie, Cardinal Spellman — In three shutout wins the senior midfielder scored 3 goals and had 5 assists as the No. 7 Cardinals remain undefeated.

By Nicole Iodice, Globe Correspondent

Usually for Latin Academy girls' soccer team, an 8-0 win over West Roxbury would be a huge victory. But Friday's game was especially big for the 4-11 Dragons.

The team dropped their usual black and gold colors, opting to sport pink shoe laces, pink socks and pink wristbands in support of the American Cancer Society.

Latin Academy coach Nick Kamberidis received an email from the society asking for his team to participate in a fundraiser. He immediately agreed.

“Most of the teammates and myself have known someone that has survived cancer or is going through it,” Kamberidis said. “Once I saw [the email], I knew I would love to do it.”

The girls made posters and had their highest turnout for Latin Academy students in the season. The Dragons raised more than $400 for the cause, charging $4 per person and $3 for fans who wore pink.

“Our games usually have three moms, but tonight we had over 50 people,” Kamberidis said.

They also sold waters and snacks that the parents of the players donated.

Kamberidis expressed that the fundraiser brought the team together.

"They loved it,” he said. “[It was] the happiest I’ve ever seen them before or during a game.”

Latin Academy senior forward Georgina Dominique had two goals, and junior forward Virginia McCaughey chipped in two as well in the win.

By Evan Sporer, Globe Correspondent

Canton’s girls soccer team has already traveled to North Easton to beat Oliver Ames 3-0. When the two teams met for the second time Friday in Canton, the Bulldogs managed to remain atop the Hockomock Davenport league, ahead of the defending champion Tigers, with a 1-1 tie. Canton's record currently stands at 9-0-2.

Although Canton did not earn a victory, the tie keeps Canton in first place with only two league games remaining on the schedule.

Oliver Ames struck first. Kendal Andrew scored 10 minutes into the second half and to give the Tigers the lead. It was the first time all season Canton had fallen behind in a game, according to coach Paul Turner.

“I didn’t know how we would respond,” said Turner.

But only five minutes after going down, junior Lauren Berman scored her 19th goal of the season to knot the score at one.

“We looked shell-shocked at first,” Turner said. “But it was great that we responded quickly."

Turner said Canton had many chances at the end of the game to grab the lead, including a couple for Berman, but was unable to net the winning tally. Oliver Ames is now 9-1-2.

With league games remaining against Foxborough and Stoughton, teams that Canton has already defeated this season, the Bulldogs are one win away from clinching the top spot in the Hockomock league.

By Jason Mastrodonato, Globe Correspondent

Brockton senior Morgan Branco notched her 100th career point in Thursday night's 10-0 victory over Taunton, becoming the first girl in school history to reach the 100-point plateau in soccer.

Branco scored two goals Thursday, giving her 77 for her career. Coach Andrea Tassinari, who has known Branco since she was 4 years old, had to remind the modest striker to celebrate a little.

"I told her, ‘This has never been done before, you should be thrilled,' " said Tassinari, who is in her 11th year coaching the Brockton varsity squad. "This is such a special thing, it's a really amazing accomplishment and she's so humble. Tomorrow she'll already be thinking about the next game."

After spending the entirety of her freshman year playing outside back, scoring just three goals in the 2008 season, Branco netted 30 the following year when the coach moved her up top. The 5-foot-7-inch Branco has committed to play at Southern New Hampshire next fall, where she received a full scholarship.

"I try not to be biased, but I think she's going to make an impact there," Tassinari said. "The caliber player she is, her knowledge, skill set, playmaking ability – even if she's not scoring goals, she'll make an impact."

Branco's play and Brockton's 9-1-2 record is giving Tassinari thoughts of advancing further in the state tournament this year than ever before. The Boxers made school history when they made it to the Division 1 South semifinals two years ago. Brockton fell to Dartmouth, 2-0, to end the 2009 season.

"I don't want to get ahead of myself, but this team has as good a chance as any," Tassinari said. "We're on the right track."

By Michelle Fenelon, Globe Correspondent

Junior Makisha Germain scored four goals as Randolph beat Southeastern Tuesday, 7-1, to qualify for the state tournament for the first time in school history.

Although the Blue Devils reached a milestone, they didn’t know how to react to their win.

"We have a very classy team,"” coach Matthew Tavares said. “"They were excited but didn’t want to rub it in."

"[The game] was chippy and rough," Tavares described. "We struggled in the beginning of the game because the girls were exhausted from playing against Brockton yesterday."

Although the score was 3-1 at half, Tavares felt that the game was closer than it should have been.

He rallied his team at half and told the girls "to step up and play good soccer."

The Blue Devils answered the coach’'s call behind Germain’'s three second half goals.

Last week, Germain broke Kayla Whynot’s record set at 20 goals and has 27 in total for the season. She is currently fourth in Eastern Mass in goals and one of the reasons why the Blue Devils have been successful this season.

Tavares, who has been coaching the blue Devils for 16 years, said, "[Germain] brought a winning attitude with her when she moved here a year ago from Atlanta."

After Germain moved to Randolph, the girls immediately rallied behind her and named her captain for this season.

"She's fearless and the team wants to emulate that," Tavares said.

The Blue Devils are currently 9-4 and hope to continue their good play in the tournament.

"I don’t know what to expect for the tournament, but I know we will play good, quality teams," Tavares said.

By Craig Forde, Globe Correspondent

The top ranked Andover girls’ soccer team used sophomore keeper Emily Wilson’s 10th consecutive shutout to guide them to a 3-0 win at Billerica on Monday night.

Hannah LeBlanc, Devon Caveney and Gaby Capello each scored a first half goal to provide all the offense the Golden Warriors (9-0-2) would need on the night.

Wilson stopped three shots en route to the victory. She has allowed only one goal on the season after taking over the goalie duties full-time following a season-ending shoulder surgery to junior Olivia Biles prior to the start of the season.

“I didn’t know what to expect,” said head coach Meghan Matson. “I knew she was a good goalie, but she was young and inexperienced.”

Wilson was the starting goaltender for the junior varsity squad in her freshman year and worked diligently in the offseason to improve her technical game, which paid off when she beat out the competition for the starting role on the varsity team back in August.

Now Wilson has beat her competition with a 0.10 goals against average as the last line of defense for the No. 1 team in EMass.

“She’s made some amazing saves,” Matson said. “It’s been great to watch. She is a game changer.”

The top ranked Golden Warriors play at Chelmsford on Tuesday night before facing off against No. 4 Central Catholic in a highly anticipated matchup on Thursday.

By Alex Prewitt, Globe Correspondent

It may not have been pretty, but it seemed appropriate that Corey Persson's 100th career goal come on a play of pure hustle.

The Danvers senior notched a hat trick in the Falcons' 4-1 win over Marblehead on Thursday, reaching the century mark on her third goal when Persson gathered a cross in the box and punched it into the net.

"It's only fitting that it came on a 100-percent effort goal," Danvers coach Jimmy Hinchion said. "That's just her. She can grind it out in the box among two or three defenders and still find a way to get it in the goal."

Persson became the second Falcon to reach the 100-goal mark after Brittany Russo, who now plays for UMass Lowell, did it last season. Persson is one goal away from tying Russo's all-time goals record at Danvers.

Hinchion didn't tell his captain of the approaching milestone, so the mid-game announcement came as a surprise to the mild-mannered Persson and the Falcons (9-2-1).

"It definitely came as a surprise, even though she probably knew she was in the area," said Hinchion, in his 13th year with Danvers. "We saved the ball and we'll present it to her at the end of the season, and the team gave her a little celebration, but we kept it pretty quiet."

By Seth Lakso, Globe Correspondent

At 25-years-old, Britt Sellmayer was fresh out of college working as an accountant when he began volunteering his time as a youth soccer coach.

"I found myself spending all day waiting to coach that team," Sellmayer said. "I liked it more than anything I was doing at work. I couldn't wait till 5 so i could get out there.

"So I made a change and went back to school to become a teacher and be able to coach soccer."

With a 2-0 win at home over Sharon on Thursday, Sellmayer notched his 300th career win as the Oliver Ames girls' soccer coach. You can tell within minutes of talking with him that he has zero regrets about the decision.

"I feel good, I'm lucky to have been in the same place for 18 years," he said. "When I was first applying for jobs I had two offers, but the choice to come here was easy."

In his tenure as coach, Sellmayer has taken the Tigers to three state championships, but it's not the championships that he remembers most fondly.

"I can't really pick out a favorite memory," he said. "I just remember a lot of great kids and awesome families that have come through. Getting to know all them has been my favorite part of all this."

The Tigers are off to another stellar season at 8-2-1. They're ranked No. 20 in Eastern Massachusetts in the Globe Top 20 for girls soccer.

By Seth Lakso, Globe Correspondent

This list, which is at absolute best a rough draft, is based on coaches I’ve talked to, games I’ve been able to get out too, and our scoring leaders from Boston.com.

I’m sure it’s lacking, especially on the defensive side of the ball. So, vote-a-way and write in your nominations in the comments section below.

Here's some info and links for each girl:

Andrea O'Brien, Concord-Carlisle -- was a player of the week this past week and easily could have been the week before. Her 25 goals are good for tops in EMass according to the stats we've had sent in.

Rachel Blauner, East Bridgewater -- The Vikings captain has been a hat-trick machine this season and has had an effect on more than just the team's offense.

Hayley Dowd, Peabody -- Only a junior, Dowd already has the Peabody record for scoring. She has committed to play for Boston College after her senior season.

Makisha Germain, Randolph -- The junior has been playing hurt this season, but with the numbers she's put up you'd never know. In a little more than a season with the Blue Devils she already has the school record for goals.

Kathryn Hiller, Dartmouth -- The senior has returned with something to prove after missing last season with a torn ACL. She was a player of the week last week.

Delany Lancor, Bishop Feehan -- Lancor's 23 points place her tied for third in EMass. She's leading an undefeated Shamrock (9-0-1) team that might surprise come tournament time.

Emily Wilson, Andover -- The Warrior (8-0-2) keeper hasn't allowed a goal since the first game of the season, enough said.

Felicia Mulholland, Brockton -- Mulholland (12 goals, six assists) has better numbers than teammate (and 2010 All-Scholastic) Morgan Branco, who may also belong on this list.

Julia Leahy, Hingham -- Leahy's ability to balance scoring (10 goals) with creating (nine assists) has helped the Harbormen to a 7-1-2 start.

Katie Sia, Lincoln-Sudbury -- The Warrior keeper boasts an impressive .222 goals against average in a Dual County League that's loaded with talent.

Maddie Linde, Weston -- Considered one of the premier technical players in the state, Linde's 10 goals and 11 assists put her second in the DCL in scoring.

Like the list? Think someone not mentioned belongs? Let us know – you can reach me at SLakso@globe.com

By Seth Lakso, Globe Correspondent

Sisters Nicole and Melissa Gavin are freshman starting on their respective soccer teams, with Nicole at Duxbury High School and Melissa at Yale University. But both have taken up leadership roles on their new teams and are putting up numbers like seasoned veterans.

The sisters honed their soccer skills battling each other in countless backyard soccer games with their two brothers growing up in Duxbury.

Melissa made a name for herself playing for the Dragons for four seasons. She led the Patriot League in scoring (29 goals, 15 assist) and was named an All-American as a senior last season.

But with the exit of one high scoring Gavin from Duxbury, came the addition of another.

"When [Melissa] found out I made Varsity she told me that I shouldn’t be scared and that I better not play like a freshman," said Nicole, who has taken her sister’s advice to heart.

The younger Gavin is leading the 14th ranked Dragons (7-1-2) in scoring and is second in the Patriot League, with 10 goals and eight assists through eight games this season.

"[Nicole and I] have been comparing what it's been like for us as we try to fit into new systems and adapt to playing styles," said Melissa, who makes sure to talk with her sister at least once a week. "Nicole has adopted really well so far, I couldn't be more proud of her," she said.

Melissa, has adapted pretty well to her new team as well, bursting onto the scene at Yale, leading the team with four goals and three assists. Totals that place her tied for fourth in the Ivy League in scoring.

"[Melissa's] just so humble and she doesn’t even know how good she really is," said Nicole, who admits that her older sister is her soccer role model. "I've watched her play and seen all her accomplishments and they help to motivate me to try to do it too," she said.

Both Gavins play with different styles on the pitch. At 5-foot-2, Melissa relies on her experience, speed, and field vision, while at 5-foot-6, Nicole tends to be more athletic and physical with her play.

"[Nicole's] very athletic, she has great foot skills and a wicked shot, but she can also run people off the ball better than I could," said Melissa. "We're five-years apart so we never got to play together except in the yard, but we’ve gotten very competitive and we love to tease each other after a poor play."

Surprisingly, If Melissa had gotten her way growing up we might not be seeing such impressive offensive numbers from Nicole this season.

"I always tried to convince her to be a goalie," admits the older Gavin. "I really wanted someone to shoot on, but as she grew as a player it became pretty obvious that she definitely didn’t want to play in net."

After the Yale soccer season ends, Melissa plans to help out Duxbury as they look to improve on last season where the Dragons made it all the way to the Division 2 South finals.

Games of the Week

Hopkinton at No. 5 Medfield, Tue., 5 - If Medfield’s going to drop a game in the Tri-Valley League this season, Hopkinton (6-4) is as likely a candidate as any to do the job.

Whitman-Hanson at Hingham, Tue., 4 - This Patriot League matchup pits the Panthers (6-1-1), who haven’t lost a Keenan game since mid-September against the Harbormen (6-0-1), who just haven’t lost a game.

No. 19 Concord-Carlisle at No. 6 Lincoln-Sudbury, Wed., 4 - This game will have some major DCL ramifications we’ll get to see if the Warriors stingy defense (2 goals allowed all season) can silence EMass leading scorer Andrea O’Brien.

No. 4 Winchester at No. 2 Central Catholic, Sat., 7:45 - A battle of top five giants, that could easily be an EMass Division 1 championship preview.

Players of the week

Andrea O’Brien, Concord-Carlisle - Eastern Massachusetts’s leading scorer put home all five goals in the Patriots, 5-2, win over Wayland on Tuesday and added two goals and as assist in a, 2-0, shutout of Bedford on Thursday. O’Brien has 25 goals and seven assists on the season.

Greer Gilbert, Falmouth - The senior captain stepped up and scored all three goals for the Clippers in a challenging week. She scored the game winner in a 1-0 win over then-No. 15 Marshfield on Monday. She help Falmouth pull of a, 1-1, tie with ACL leading Plymouth South on Wednesday and scored to lone goal in a, 2-1 loss to undefeated Dartmouth on Friday. Gilbert has nine goals and three assists this season.

Megan Beidleman, Hopkinton - The junior facilitator had her hand in all three goals the Hillers scored this week, tallying the lone goal in a, 1-0 over Ashland and adding a goal and the game winning assist in a 2-1 win over Dover-Sherborn. She has seven goals and two assists this season.

Shannon Conneely, Weymouth - The senior finished the week with three goals and two assists, as the Wildcats cruised past Framingham and Norwood.

Hannah Nolan, Newton Country Day - Nolan made 48 stops over the course of three games this past week, while the team went, 1-1-1. Nolan made 17 or more saves in each game.

By Craig Forde, Globe Correspondent

Look at the Dover-Sherborn boys’ soccer roster this season and one thing stands out immediately; three of their captains are defensemen, and the fourth is their goalie.

That helps explain their EMass best 0.20 goals-against average.

The defending Division 3 state champions came into the season with their priorities firmly entrenched within their defense, which returned four-year starters Brad Mills, Ben Newbert, and Sam Hunter.

“Our preseason goal was to focus on our defense,’’ said coach Joe Grusek. “It’s still a work in progress and we hope to get stronger, but we’ve been playing well so far.’’

Add to that three-year starter in net Brian Hands and the odds are stacked against opposing offenses. Hands has allowed only two goals and has eight clean slates in 10 games.

“I’m very impressed with Brian’s play thus far,’’ said Grusek. “The team D in front of him is really solid, so sometimes he doesn’t get much action back there, but when he does he has made some big saves for us, especially over our last four or five games.’’

But no team can win on defense alone, and the Raiders (9-0-1, 8-0-1 Tri-Valley) have benefited from a balanced offense, with 11 players accounting for the team’s 27 goals.

Sam Jordan (6 goals, 2 assists) and Chris Flight (4 goals, 4 assists) lead the attack, along with four other multiple-goal scorers.

Midfielder Sean Forward, who missed two weeks because of a concussion, has stepped back in and is playing at a level prior to the injury and Jake Grossbaum has had a tremendous year, sparking the offense on the outside.

“They do a very nice job of moving the ball and getting touches,’’ said Grusek. “There is no selfishness in our offense. They all want to score a goal, but at the end of the day it doesn’t matter to them who gets it so long someone does.’’

Another hard-working unit is the center-midfield crew, which consists of seniors Toby Howe and Tucker Cottrell and junior Perry Fitz. Their pressure in the middle of the field and has helped to raise the overall play of the team while leaving their competitors flustered.

“When the three of them are on, we go as they do,’’ said Grusek. “They really carry us.’’

After losing only four players from the team that won a state title a year ago, the Raiders did not come into the season overconfident. Instead, they rededicated themselves to improving their work ethic and team chemistry.

“Our top priority this season was to win the Tri-Valley League title,’’ said Grusek, whose team last won a league title in 1999. “But these guys are so mature that they don’t get ahead of themselves, they just stay focused to win the next game.’’

Ultimately, it all boils down to the defensive core of Mills, Newbert, and Hunter, along with two-year starter Steve Aston who have allowed Dover-Sherborn the ability to be more flexible with its lineup on the field, opening things up for everyone.

“Our balance is amazing,’’ said Grusek. “We have a lot of guys who can play everywhere, which is a luxury.’’

When asked if this was the best defensive unit he has had in his 16 years as coach Grusek said, “If they’re not the best, they are right up there. It’d be a good conversation.’’

For now they will let their play on the field do their talking.

Games of the week

Norwell at Cohasset, Tuesday, 3:30 - A crucial South Shore battle will pit two teams with six league wins looking to knock each other down a peg. Norwell took the first matchup between the teams, 3-1.

Archbishop Williams at No. 8 Cardinal Spellman, Thursday, 5 - One of the hottest offensive players, the Bishops’ Aidan Brown, meets one of the hottest keepers, Cardinal Spellman’s Lenny Paotella.

Woburn at No. 3 Lexington, Thursday, 3:45 - These two familiar foes met Sept. 15 and battled to a 1-1 tie. Expect another tight one as they jostle for position atop the Middlesex Large.

No. 14 St. John’s Prep vs. Catholic Memorial, Thursday, 7 - The Eagles have outscored their Catholic Conference foes, 17-1, this season and they can clinch another league title with a win over the Knights.

Players of the week

Matt Bitchell, Georgetown - The Royals started a three-win week with a huge 2-1 victory over Masconomet and the senior forward accounted for both tallies, including the winner with less than two minutes to play.

Mike Chaput, Holliston - The senior forward tallied seven goals and two assists, including four goals against Ashland, during a three-win week for the Panthers. He has 13 goals and nine assists on the season.

David MacKinnon, Oliver Ames - The junior goaltender stepped up with two wins this week, a 1-0 shutout over North Attleboro and a 2-1 effort against King Philip. MacKinnon has allowed only three goals and has six shutouts.

Chris Kafina, Lincoln-Sudbury - The senior sniper had four goals and two assists in helping the top-ranked Warriors extend their win streak to seven. He has 10 goals and 5 assists this season.

Evan Dudney, North Andover - A hat trick against Manchester-Essex highlighted a five-goal, three-assist week for the junior forward.

By Erika Carle, Globe Correspondent

Randolph ended its season on a not-so-high note last year, finishing 5-13. But so far this season, the team has been improving, something that is being reflected in their 7-3 record after today's 3-2 win over Everett.

Makisha Germain recorded a hat trick in the win, setting Randolph's career record for goals in the process. The junior forward now has 22, breaking Kayla Whynsot's mark of 20.

Germain, a junior, transferred to Randolph during her sophomore year and by the end of the season, her teammates had voted her captain. Makisha is playing through a broken thumb wrapped in a cast.

Germain scored two first-half goals, changing the entire feel of the game for a Randolph team that fell to Everett in their last head-to-head contest. She scored another goal in the second half before Everett finally put one on the board. The Crimson Tide were only able to tally one more score, this with 65 seconds left.

When asked about what is working this season versus what was not working last year, coach Matt Tavares noted that his Blue Devils are playing more competitive teams and they have "strong returning players as well as strong freshmen."

The seven wins are Randolph's most since 1999.

By Mike Giesta, Globe Correspondent

With first place on the line in the Atlantic Coast League, the Nauset boys' soccer team beat top-ranked archrival Sandwich, 2-1, Wednesday night at Nauset High School.

Nauset was the better team early on, controlling the play and striking first off the foot of senior midfielder Jake Moore in the 21st minute.

Sandwich turned a switch and brought great pressure after the goal and continued its strong attack into the second half.

Nauset struck again, however, when senior cocaptain Ben Czuchra sprung fellow cocaptain James McLeod, who went in alone in the 21st minute to give the Warriors a 2-0 lead. The goal was McLeod’s 10th of the year.

“I’m proud of the kids,” said Nauset coach John McCully. “It was a real energy game, and the team matched Sandwich's intensity.”

Nauset had to defend a potent Sandwich offense that had scored 17 goals in its last three games. The Blue Knights' only goal of the game came with 30 seconds remaining in regulation.

“The key to the game was that they’re a high-powered team, and we were committed to defend,” McCully said. “That’s what won it for us.”

Another focal point for Nauset was to stop striker Dallas Donovan, a four-year varsity starter for Sandwich, who has been a thorn in Nauset’s side for years.

“If we could contain Donovan and shut him down, that would help,” said McCully. “The team did and that was huge for us.”

Nauset also got solid goalkeeping from sophomore Bruce Johnson, who had seven saves.

“The win is huge,” McCully said. “We wanted to defend our home field, and get revenge for one of our three losses on the year. With Sandwich ranked No. 1, it goes to show that if we make the tournament we can beat anyone.”

Sandwich starts 10 seniors; Nauset only starts five.

“We are a young team,” McCully said. “It really took a total team effort. Sandwich is that good. Sandwich deserves to be No. 1.”

Nauset is now 7-3 and tied for first in the ACL with Sandwich (8-1), both with 5-1 league records.

“The rivalry is huge,” McCully said. “These two teams have been one and two in the league the last five or six years."

But Nauset isn’t set on sharing first.

“We’re going for the league title,” McCully said.

By Liz Torres, Globe Correspondent

Northeastern Conference leading scorer Hayley Dowd notched two goals Wednesday to break the Peabody girls' soccer career goals record. She now has 92.

Dowd isn't new to the record books -- she scored 45 goals her freshman year for a state record. The junior forward has been recognized as an ESPNHS-All American, totaling 80 goals and 104 points her first two years at Peabody.

Dowd, who has committed to Boston College, scored in the 26th minute to tie the record and in the 38th minute in the second half to make it her own in No. 13 Peabody's 6-0 victory over Salem. Justine Hartigan had held the record.

"She's not the type of player that focuses on records," said Peabody coach Dennis Desroches of Dowd. "The No. 1 thing she's concerned with is the 'W' in the win column."

By Craig Forde, Globe Correspondent

It was a tough week atop the rankings as seven top 10 teams took hits during the week. But despite the losses, some teams had big enough wins to stay firm in place or climb up a notch or two in the Globe's boys soccer Top 20 rankings.

Sandwich and Lincoln-Sudbury came out unscathed and will remain in the top two slots, with Canton getting the bump up to number three after being the only other team to survive the week.

The Bay State Conference teams continue to beat up on each other, leaving a slew of teams strewn across the pack, with Walpole creeping up on the pack and Needham popping in at No. 19.

Concord-Carlisle suffered two defeats during the week, which dropped them down to No. 7, allowing Winchester, Lexington and Medford to vault up even though all three suffered defeats during the week.

Dover-Sherborn and Cardinal Spellman move into the top 10 this week after avoiding the loss bug.

The bottom half of the rankings stay relatively the same with everyone shuffling up one to make room for Needham and this weeks other new entry Westford, which had a huge a win over Concord-Carlisle to help their case.

View the Globe's boys soccer Top 20 rankings here.

Craig Forde can be reached at cforde@globe.com.

By Seth Lakso, Globe Correspondent

Last year’s disappointing season is officially a thing of the past as Andover takes over the No. 1 spot in the Globe's girls soccer Top 20 rankings. They’ve been too constantly good all season long. Anyone who saw them play Central will agree that they looked like the stronger team.

The Merrimack Valley is loaded with Andover (1) Central Catholic (2) and Tewksbury (8).

Rivaling the MVC is the Middlesex League with Winchester (3), Lexington (5), Stoneham (19) and a Belmont team which could easily be on this list.

No. 5 Lexington get’s a nice bump for leading the Middlesex league this far into the season.

No. 16 Oliver Ames has struggled to get long-time coach Britt Sellmeyer closer to his 300th career win.

No. 11 East Bridgewater has looked unstoppable and Rachel Blauner’s been a big reason why, scoring at will as the Vikings cruise through South Coast League play.

View the Globe's Top 20 girls soccer teams here.

Seth Lakso can be reached at slakso@globe.com.

By Evan Sporer, Globe Correspondent

When Pope John of Everett's boys soccer team hosted Austin Prep yesterday, first-year coach Ryan Murphy only had 13 players at his disposal. Both of his senior captains were out due to injuries, and seven other players could not attend the game.

Enter Nick Kelly.

Kelly, who was returning in his first game since suffering a concussion two weeks ago, had 40 saves for the Tigers, as Pope John was able to hold on for a 1-0 victory.

“He put the team on his back,” said Murphy, who called it the best goaltending performance he had ever seen. Murphy said he was a four-year starter in the Central Catholic League himself when he was in high school, and has seen many games, but none like Kelly’s.

Before Pope John's season began, the Tigers’ former goalie approached Murphy and asked him if he could play in the field, leaving the team without a netminder.

In came Kelly.

“He stopped the first five or six shots he saw in practice,” Murphy said. “And he’s been fantastic ever since.”

However, after getting out to a 2-1-1 start while posting one shutout, Kelly suffered a concussion, resulting in two missed weeks while the Tigers went winless in his absence.

In his first game back, the senior shined stopping 22 shots by halftime and finishing out the shutout with 18 second-half saves.

“This was a huge confidence booster,” Murphy said. “Every game he missed, we lost.”

By LaQueena Williams, Globe Correspondent

Senior keeper Lenny Paotella continued his brilliance in net Tuesday for the Cardinal Spellman boys’ soccer team, turning away six shots as the No. 11 Cardinals defeated Catholic Central League (Large) rival Bishop Fenwick 2-0 in Peabody.

In five games this season, Paoletta has yet to allow a goal. Michael Gerrish, who has coached the Cardinals for 17 years, was quick to spread the credit around for Paoletta’s impressive numbers.

“Even though we have Lenny as our goalkeeper, it’s still a team effort,” Gerrish said.

The Cardinals (5-0) have outscored their opponents 17-1 this season, with the lone goal coming with Paoletta sitting out.

A.J. Cave got the scoring started for the Cardinals in the first half when the senior buried a direct kick from 20 yards out.

With five minutes remaining, Nick Keddie took advantage of a Crusaders (3-2-2) team that was forced to press on offense, quickly turning a Fenwick miscue into a scoring opportunity for David Eggitto, whose shot gave the Cardinals some breathing room.

The Cardinals outshot Bishop Fenwick 12-6 but their opponents couldn't capitalize on their own opportunities.

“[Spellman] buried their opportunities, and the ones we had, we didn’t,” Bishop Fenwick coach Andrew Bub said.

By Craig Forde, Globe Correspondent

The fifth annual Kicks for Cancer boys high school soccer festival, which has raised $43,000 toward fighting cancer since its inception, will be held this Saturday at Concord-Carlisle High School.

What began as a one game event in 2007 has now become a six-game affair, doubling in size from a year ago when six teams participated in three games that raised $15,000 for the Dana Farber Cancer Institute last year.

“We wanted to try to grow the event last year, but we only had one field available,” said Concord-Carlisle athletic director Barry Haley. “Now, with the new fields we have the opportunity to do just that.”

This year’s festivities will showcase 12 of the top teams in the region, with two games being played simultaneously on the new side-by-side turf fields at Concord-Carlisle and will feature teams from the Middlesex, Bay State and Dual County leagues.

A hilltop perch at one end of the fields will provide fans with ample views of all of the action while the level ground on the opposite end will draw fans closer to the action.

“It is a loud, lively environment,” said Concord-Carlisle head coach Ray Pavlik. “The intensity around the whole facility picks up.”

Kicks for Cancer was created in memory of Lois Wells, a Concord resident and mother of former Concord-Carlisle goalie and current assistant coach Steve Wells. She passed away in 2007 after battling cancer.

“The event has turned into something special and so many people want to get involved with it,” Pavlik said. “These other teams that are participating have sacrificed their time and have given up a home game just to be a part of it and it’s amazing.”

The players will pay tribute by wearing specialized jerseys stitched with the names of loved ones who have been directly affected by cancer, a tradition in the festival.

“It’s a way for them to say we’re thinking of you and you’re in our minds,” said Pavlik. “These kids take great pride in this event and they know that there is something bigger that they are playing for.”

Spectators can enter drawings at the event to win vacation packages, an electronics bundle, Boston Bruins tickets, dinner-for-four and much more. There will also be plenty of concessions available, including barbecue and a gourmet grilled cheese truck. Some local youth teams will get the chance to participate in a halftime exhibition.

Tickets for a full day of great soccer action are $5 for children and $10 for adults. Donations are being accepted at http://cchsmenssoccer.com/kfc.html and clicking on the “Donate Now!!” tab. All proceeds benefit the Dana Farber Cancer Institute.

Kicks for Cancer has raised $43,000 since its inception and with double the action this year, they hope to raise $30,000 towards advancing cancer research.

“You do feel that at the end of the day that you’ve made a difference,” concluded Pavlik. “It has been the highlight of my season since we started it.”

What: Kicks for Cancer
When: 3 p.m. Lexington vs. Belmont (TURF 1), Brookline vs. Newton North (TURF 2); 5:15 p.m. Reading vs. Woburn (TURF), Stoneham vs. Wakefield (TURF 2); 7:30 p.m. Concord-Carlisle vs. Lincoln Sudbury (TURF 1), Acton-Boxborough vs. Wayland (TURF 2).
Where: Concord-Carlisle High School
Price: $5 for children, $10 for adults
Information: http://cchsmenssoccer.com/kfc.html

By Michelle Fenelon, Globe Correspondent

Bedford coach Dave Wilson earned his 500th victory as the Buccaneers shutout Boston Latin, 2-0, Monday.

Wilson, 65, chose not to notify his team about his potential landmark.

“I didn’t want them to know because it would’ve been all about me, it’s a team sport and I wanted this win to be for them, not me,” he said.

The Buccaneers ended the first half scoreless until senior captain Kristen Baratta scored her eighth goal of the season one minute into the second half.

“Both teams fought. Boston Latin never stopped fighting but we had momentum,” said Wilson.

The Buccaneers overall record is 4-1-1.

Being a coach was not always a goal for Wilson. He started his career in 1972 after having just finished a tour in Vietnam and was offered a co-op job by Northeastern to be a coach.

“It wasn’t a goal and it just happened and this is something I do not regret,” he said.

Besides soccer, Wilson has coached baseball, boys' and girls' basketball, boys' hockey, and softball.

After 39 years, Wilson’s passion and love for coaching has not died. He still takes pride in what he is doing and hopes to keep doing it.

“I didn’t know that I would be doing this but it’s great that I’ve been able to do this for a while and I still enjoy it,” he said.

By Erika Carle, Globe Correspondent

Suffield beat Deerfield, 2-1, in boys' soccer today, its first win against Deerfield since 2005.

Junior Jordan Glassman scored both of the goals for Suffield, and has five goals in only two games. He played left back, center back, and striker today.

"Jordan is the type of player that a coach wants on his team," said Ricky Warren.

Glassman, a New England All Star, has played for the varsity since his freshman year. He is also part of Soccer Plus at the club level in Connecticut, and the Olympic Development Program.

Jamie Johnson and Patrick O'Brien assisted on Glassman's goals.

Jessie Phillips, who came in during the second half, had two big saves for Suffield as Deerfield put on the pressure.

By Seth Lakso, Globe Correspondent

With less than two minutes remaining in the game, freshman Katie Belva scored her first career varsity goal on a header from freshman Kayla Steeves to give the Rockets (4-3) a 2-1 win over Natick.

Needham started the scoring in the first half when sophomore Clara Nowlan picked up her first career varsity goal.

But with just minutes remaining in the first the Red & Blue tied the game, when Taylor Flutie connected on a shot.

In the second half, the game went back-and-forth with Natick’s Lexi Gifford making several nice plays on defense to keep the game even before Belval’s game winner slipped past.

“We’re a very young team,” said Needham coach Carl Tarabelli. “After graduating 12 seniors off last year's team, it’s nice to see us making progress. Being as young as we are I’m very excited for the way this team played.”

By Ayoub Kourikchi, Globe Correspondent

East Boston High School’s head soccer coach Lorenzo Dibenedetto earned his 200th career coaching victory as his Jets thrashed Boston International, 6-3, Thursday at Memorial Stadium in East Boston.

Entering the game, Dibenedetto, 52, chose not to inform his team about the potential milestone.

“This group wasn’t aware of it. I wanted to concentrate on the kids getting the victory and playing well,” said Dibenedetto, a 1977 East Boston High School graduate. “Afterwards we celebrated and it was a special moment to share with my players.”

The Jets led 3-1 after the first half after senior midfielder and captain Carlos Ruiz scored two finesse goals. Ruiz had an encore performance in the second half and scored two goals within 10 minutes of each other.

“Carlos has been playing varsity for four years and is probably one of the top players in the city of Boston,” Dibenedetto said. “He is a multifaceted player and can play forward and midfielder.”

Ruiz, who was named an all-state player last year after scoring a team high 24 points, leads East Boston (2-0) with six goals and four assists after two games this season.

In his day, Dibenedetto was also a standout soccer player for East Boston. The former Jet finished his career as an All-New Englander as well as a city league all-star and enrolled in Middlebury College in Vermont where he was a four year starter.

His passion for soccer eventually took him overseas where he played for Barbarino Al Mugullo, an Italian club team, while he worked on his Master’s degree in Italian Literature at the University of Florence in 1982.

He began coaching in 1997 at Madison Park and after eight years began his head coaching career at East Boston where he has lead the Jets to three Boston City League Championships and five finals appearances.

“We have a very successful program at East Boston High,” Dibenedetto said. “It has been great to go back to East Boston high and earn this accomplishment.”

Ultimately, Dibenedetto does not want to dwell on his milestone, instead preferring to focus on coaching because this year’s team features an inexperienced lineup, after 13 seniors graduated including seven starters.

“We have a lot of new and young players,” Dibenedetto said. “It’s going to be a long road and it has been nice to get off on the right foot.”

By Tim Healey, Globe Correspondent

Wednesday night, as the clock wound down during the Case-Wareham girls' soccer game, Case coach Rob Harvey's heart started to beat a little faster, and with reason: His team was about to win its first game in more than two years.

"I kept looking at my watch and waiting for that whistle," said Harvey, a second-year coach who collected his first win.

The 3-0 victory was thanks in large part to a pair of upperclassmen, senior forward Ava Tower and senior midfielder Victoria Souza, a captain. Tower found the back of the net twice for the team’s first and third goals of the game, sandwiching a goal from Souza.

“She’s our go-to and we rely on her to score goals and sometimes put the team on her shoulders,” Harvey said of Tower. “She’s quick and very dangerous in the box.”

Sophomore Kelsey Pacheco – a defender who transitioned to the net this season for the keeper-less Cardinals – posted the shutout, a continuation of her impressive work.

“She’s been nothing but awesome,” Harvey said. “She’s been a huge asset to the team.”

While Harvey was anxious to get that elusive first win, Tower and Souza were part of a group of upperclassmen that might have been even more relieved.

He said senior defender Alexa Prendergast, another captain, in particular was emotional.

“I saw a lot more smiles from my upperclassmen because it means a lot more for them,” Harvey said. “That win meant a lot to my senior captains.”

Harvey has high hopes for the rest of the season, and said the team is far from what he eventually wants it to be.

"I’m happy for the win, but I don’t want it to be our last," Harvey said. "Hopefully we can make this a more common thing."

By Seth Lakso, Globe Correspondent

It was the Rebecca Robey show for Westford Academy. The junior striker tallied two goals, including the game winner with 16-minutes remaining to give the Grey Ghosts their first regular season win over Acton-Boxboro since 2002.

"It's a big monkey off our back," said Westford head coach Tracy Capone. "Today is a good day for Westford."

Robey got the scoring started, picking up the scraps, when the Colonials' (2-2) keeper couldn't handle a cross into the box from Caitlyn Paltsios.

A-B's Kayleigh Sye tied the match at two early in the second after executing a perfect give-and-go then burying a shot from the 18-yard mark.

The combination of Robey and Paltsios worked once more for Westford (3-0) in the second half when Paltsios's cross again found Robey for the game winner.

"The game could have gone either way," Capone said. "We were just able to finish and they weren't. It seems like every game we play is a one-goal game. Not beating them in the regular season since 2002, this one is nice."

By Bridget Shannon, Globe Correspondent

Senior Rachel Blauner of East Bridgewater started out her second year in a row with multiple hat tricks for the girls soccer team. She recorded her first hat trick on Monday against Hull, which the Vikings won 6-0. In the three games East Bridgewater has played this season, Blauner has scored eight goals.

This isn’t out of the ordinary for Blauner who had three hat tricks at the start of last year. Blauner has been a captain for two years and has made an impact on and off the field.

“She is a humble and wonderful person,” said coach Pam Ross. “You would be hard pressed to find someone, other than an opponent, that would say a bad word about her.”

By Zuri Berry, Boston.com Staff

Games at Georgetown high school today were called off after a cluster of mosquitoes tested positive for West Nile Virus, said athletic director Guy Prescott.

"We're shutting the whole school down," Prescott said.

Seven games were affected, including four soccer games and two field hockey games today. Saturday's varsity football game, which was scheduled to be hosted at the North Shore school, has been moved to West Bridgewater at noon.

Prescott said the board of health alerted Georgetown's school district at 2:15 p.m. of its findings. It's especially disturbing, said Prescott, because of the stream that surrounds the school "like a moat."

By Michael Giesta, Globe Correspondent

While it was important to start off his 15th season with a victory, it was also a milestone win Wednesday for Dedham girls' soccer coach Don Savi - his 200th.

When reflecting on the 3-2 triumph over Needham, Savi was quick to note that he's had a lot of talented teams over the years.

“It feels good, wish we did it nine months in the semis against Duxbury, but it’s good to get a win against a quality team like Needham,” said Savi.

The Marauders' Sarah Warjas contributed a goal and an assist and Jenna Savi two assists.

By Zuri Berry, Boston.com Staff

Fall is upon us. Last Monday, high schools around the state began their first practices for the upcoming football season. On Thursday, they put the pads on while other sports began their first practices of the year. With schools getting back in the groove of things, it's only right that we ramp up ourselves.

This fall, you can count on a new group of correspondents for your high school football coverage on Boston.com and in the Globe. Here's our list of football correspondents and their assigned beats:

Division 1 and 1A - Anthony Gulizia
D2 and 2A - Ryan Mooney
D3 and 3A - Patrick McHugh
D4 - Juan Rivera
D4A and 5 - Lorenzo Recupero

Our beloved correspondents Mike Carraggi and Mike Grossi are now busied with other endeavors (including moving on with life), but I doubt we've seen the last of them. You can also be sure that I'll fill in wherever else is needed.

For volleyball, you can expect to see stories again from Liz Torres, and for soccer you can expect coverage from both Craig Forde (boys) and Seth Lakso (girls). We'll have a host of people chip in elsewhere.

As always, you can contact the entire group via e-mail at hssports@globe.com. You can also follow their work via our Twitter account, @GlobeSchools.

If you have story ideas for us, please pass them along. We're always open for any ideas. Questions? Comments? Suggestions? We'll take those too.

I'm looking forward to another great season while bringing you some great coverage throughout the year. Vacation is now officially over.

By Mike Grossi, Globe Correspondent

Three Massachusetts members of the New England Revolution's under-18 team have made their commitment to college soccer programs, according to a press release from the Revolution.

All-American Cole Denormandie (Lincoln-Sudbury) signed a national letter of intent to play at Cincinnati while fellow All-American Matt Keys (King Philip) committed to UMass-Amherst.

Dover-Sherborn's Cameron Bielski signed a national letter to play at UNH.

Three other New Englanders in the Revolution's youth program also made their commitments.

Yannick Kabala (Manchester, N.H., Central) signed a national letter of intent to play at Southern New Hampshire.

Sean MacDonald (Manchester, N.H., Central) will join Kabala at Southern New Hamphire and junior Mitchell Taintor (Storrs, Conn.) committed to play at Rutgers.

By Zuri Berry, Boston.com Staff

Add another accolade to Samantha Mewis' stellar prep career. Mewis was named the Gatorade Massachusetts girls soccer player of the year after being named the Globe's Division 1 player of the year.

She was also the 2009-10 Gatorade Massachusetts player of the year.

This year, Mewis was the Patriot League MVP, scoring 30 goals and adding eight assists. The senior finished with 78 goals in her prep career. Next year, she'll play for UCLA.

Lexington girls’ soccer standout Nandi Mehta has verbally committed to play her college ball at Northwestern in 2012.

" Nandi is a tremendous soccer player who makes her teammates better,” said Lexington coach Frank Pagliuca in an email to the Globe. “She has a tremendous soccer IQ and possesses all of the necessary qualities to succeed at the collegiate level."

By Liz Torres, Globe Correspondent

With unlimited accolades under his belt and choices to ponder, Lincoln-Sudbury senior Cole DeNormandie has committed to play soccer at the University of Cincinnati.

“Cincinnati works for me, whether I wanted to play soccer or not," said DeNormandie, the Globe Division 1 player of the year. "They’re in the upswing and I want to be apart of that.”

The 6-foot forward is a three-time All-New England selection and a two-time All-American, a goal he had when he began his soccer career. His father was also an All-American.

“Not a lot of people get this opportunity," DeNormandie said. "It’s a testament to the coaches I’ve had and the people I’ve worked with."

Although the Eastern Massachusetts All-Star believes the story has been overdone, it was DeNormandie being cut from two academy teams that set his plan in motion to “prove everyone wrong."

"And I did,” he said.

DeNormandie's season ended with Lincoln-Sudbury's Division 1 North quarterfinal loss. He finished with 17 goals and six assists his senior year.

Stowe Simonton connected on a mid-air volley in the second half, scoring his first point of the season, as Concord-Carlisle defeated Nipmuc, 2-1, in the Division 2 state championship today at Foley Stadium in Worcester.

Mikey O’Brien also scored for the Patriots, who collected their second consecutive state title and have won three of the last five.

“Luckily it came at the right time I guess to win the states,” said Simonton on finally collecting his first point on Concord’s 73rd goal of the year. “It was an awesome feeling. Luckily it just came right to my feet and I was able to put it away. You have to make sure you get those on goal; it’s mental focus.”

The Globe’s No. 1-ranked team, the Patriots finished the season at 21-1-1 and have gone 22-2 during postseason play over the past five years.

Jill Lane scored an amazing goal for Central Catholic as the Raiders beat Shrewsbury 2-1 for the girls soccer Division 1 state championship Friday at Worcester State University.

Chris Pereira and the Ludlow offense was too much for New Bedford to handle in Friday night’s Division 1 state championship game at Worcester State College. Pereira scored twice and added an assist while teammate Alex Goncalves tallied one of each as the Lions took home a 4-1 victory and their second state title in the last three years.

“Me and Alex have great chemistry,” Pereira said. “Tonight we just knew we had to connect and we had that chemistry. And we were able to find each other a couple times and got the job done.“

Kyle Tomas also scored the Lions, who finished the season 16-2-5. New Bedford ended at 19-2-3.

“I’m very proud of what we accomplished this year,” said New Bedford coach John Macaroco. “I just wish the outcome was different.”

By Phillip Shore, Globe Correspondent

Central Catholic bested Shrewbury 2-1 in the girls' Division 1 State championship game, thanks to a goal from senior captain Jill Lane with 8:11 remaining in the second half.

"This is all we worked for," Lane said. "I have my best friends on this team and it feels great doing it with them. The team has just been great this year. We've had the best chemistry and that's probably the reason we won ... It's great to end the season like this."

The girls soccer Division 3 state final between Weston and Sutton has been moved to Saturday (Nov. 20) at Worcester State College at 5:30 p.m.

Also, the boys soccer Division 2 state final between Concord-Carlisle and Nipmuc will also be played Saturday (Nov. 20). But the game will be played at 11 a.m. at Foley Stadium in Worcester.

For updated soccer brackets, with all game times and locations listed, go to the MIAA's tournament website.

The times and locations were changed yesterday for a couple of games in the MIAA state semifinals for Division 3 boys and girls soccer. Each game is occurring today.

Here are the games:

- Wednesday, November 17, Boys Division 3
Rockport vs. Dover-Sherborn at Weymouth High school, 5:30 PM

- Wednesday, November 17, Girls Division 3
Weston vs. Dover-Sherborn at Weymouth High school, 7:30 PM

No word yet on any changes due to weather. According to Weather.com, rain is expected today but tonight it's just supposed to be windy with a 20 percent chance precipitation.

Needham hosted Brockton in a Division 1 South girl's soccer tournament matchup Tuesday following the suspension of five team players over an alledged hazing incident. (Jim Davis/Globe Staff)

By Zuri Berry, Boston.com Staff

"Typical high schoolers," I keep hearing. "They’re just teenagers," is another. Or, "they did no real harm to themselves or others."

True, true and true again. But rules have been broken and there’s no denying that.

On Tuesday, when it was reported that five players on the girls’ soccer team at Needham high school were being suspended amid allegations of hazing, there were ready-made acknowledgments of wrongdoing -- and full-blown denials of malice. But lost in the hoopla of all this Needham acrimony is the standard response of the parents of these wrongdoers. (And in some cases, their grandparents.)

When Todd D. White, a lawyer and parent of one of the girls on the soccer team, filed a restraining order with Norfolk Superior Court against Jonathan D. Pizzi, Needham High’s principal, and Micah Hauben, athletic director at the school, it struck me that these type of situations fall in very simple patterns.

In 2008, there was an incident in which a high school girls' basketball team in Grass Valley, Calif., had its season curtailed after 10 of its 11 members were at an off-campus party in which underage drinking had occurred. Parents of the players argued that the students shouldn’t be punished because it was off campus. They argued that 30 days, which was the duration for suspensions for alcohol-related incidents, was too severe. The parents didn’t want to have any punishment kill their kids’ season.

No one denied wrongdoing. And no one denied their presence at the party, save for the lone soul who couldn’t go. But lo and behold, despite an athletic contract that forbade alcohol consumption in season and first-hand accounts (MySpace pictures, no less) of the activity, the parents of the players banded together to “save their season.” A petition was filed with the school district’s superintendent. A lawsuit was also discussed.

These things usually aren’t so cut and dried. There are parents that are for the punishment, in this case suspensions, and there are parents that are wholly against it. I see no reason to besmirch that kind of disagreement. But in every case that I’ve encountered while researching the issue, there is never any acceptance of punishment without petition. And it’s always the doings of the parents who claim they’re going to bat for their children.

Why?

There is no athletic director or power-crazy principal in the world, let alone in sports-crazed Massachusetts, that is out to ruin the lives of these children. As these things typically go, the athletic director does everything in his or her power to make sure the students are getting a fair shake. One can only imagine the choices Hauben and Pizzi were given after the evidence of alleged hazing, true or not, was provided to them. In that sense, there’s no denying that action needed to be taken either.

For the parents, this is more of an issue of singling out their children while watching third-party parenting get meted out. It’s not comfortable. But it’s something that should be accepted for the benefit of the kids.

As parochial as it may sound, lessons need to be learned and statements need to be made. Having a freshman soccer player blindfolded and walk around in a dog leash isn’t practice for adulthood. Trying to explain its usefulness isn’t very adult-like either.

Trying to defend it, whether on the basis of its actual punishment or the act in itself as some parents have done, is not above reproach. As sample, unscientific poll on Boston.com has shown readers overwhelmingly agree that the punishment these Needham girls received was appropriate.

One administrator said it best when speaking to the Globe yesterday.

"These events have to be handled firmly and directly,’’ said Tom Scott, executive director of the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents. “It’s not just the students directly involved; it’s the whole culture of the school. Everyone is watching how the adults are going to respond, and if the adults don’t send a message with some degree of severity, it’s as if they’re condoning it.’’

One could argue that these student-athletes would more likely, or more easily, understand the basis of the rules against hazing, and any derivative thereof, if both parents and administrators could agree upon them. But I’m hard-pressed to believe that the parents in Needham and the student-athletes weren’t made aware of any rules or regulations as far as personal conduct prior to the season. Surely they were given a rule book? A waiver to sign?

As far as I know, the rules have never changed mid-game. And neither have the punishments. Even if they’re typical high schoolers. Or typical parents.

In today's Big Story, the Globe's regional editor David Dahl speaks about the reaction from parents to the suspensions of five Needham girls soccer players who allegedly hazed freshmen on the team.

The first weekend of MIAA soccer tournament action yielded a couple bizarre games with controversial endings.

On Saturday, the Tewksbury High girls traveled to Saugus where they won, 3-2, in penalty kicks after Saugus had already celebrated a false victory. Twice.

Following four rounds of penalty kicks with Saugus leading, the referees blew the whistle for the end of the game. Once the coaches helped them realize there are actually five rounds of penalty kicks, the game continued.

The Saugus goalkeeper drilled her shot in the net, seemingly winning the game again. But after a short debate, the refs disallowed the goal, saying that the goalie wasn’t on the list of eligible players to take the penalty kicks.

In the seventh round, Tewksbury goalie Rebecca Davies stopped a shot that would win the game for the Redmen, but the refs ruled the Saugus kicker had taken the shot before the whistle was blown. Davies made another shot to finally win it for Tewksbury and put an end to the bizarre string of events.

In Melrose, the Burke boys’ soccer team had to forfeit with 35 minutes left of a 1-1 game after its coach received a red card.

Burke head coach Gus Martins ran onto the field to argue a penalty kick issued to Melrose and was using “abusive language,” according to the Melrose Patch.

Via MIAA rule, if any coach receives a red card, his or her team must instantly forfeit the game. Martins told the Patch, “I've seen the incompetence in high school refereeing for years. You can deal with a certain amount of that. What you can't deal with is a lack of integrity. And if they don't have integrity, they can't be out here, stealing the dream of 18-year-old kids. We dream just like they (Melrose) did. We wanted to play just like they did.”

Martins also said he didn’t regret his actions, and noted that there was a pattern of bad calls seemingly benefiting the Melrose side.

"If there was a card, it should have been issued against the Melrose player for diving,” he said.

Weekend review in boys’ soccer action

Division 1

It didn’t take long for a No. 1 seed to get ousted, as No. 17 Somerville took care of top-seeded Madison Park, the BCL champs, and ended Madison’s undefeated season with a 3-1 victory. Lincoln-Sudbury needed a goal with 12 seconds left in regulation to send its first-round game into overtime against No. 21 Andover, eventually winning, 3-2. No. 23 Framingham and No. 19 Newton North showed upset bids from the low seeds and could make some noise on Tuesday night.
In the South bracket, No. 20 Mansfield ended No. 4 Nauset’s strong season with a 3-1 upset in the first round.

Prediction time -- Lexington finds a way to contain Cole DeNormandie and Lincoln-Sudbury to capture the North title. And Weymouth is my upset special of the tournament, with a game-changer in Robbie Lynch and a strong defense that doesn’t give up many goals. B.C. High is peaking at the right time, and of course New Bedford and Brockton will be in there, but my feeling is the Wildcats take home the crown in the South.

Division 2

Evan Boudreau carried No. 6 North Andover to a 1-0 victory over No. 11 Wayland in the North, while Arlington ousted No. 4 Pentucket, 5-2, to advance to the quarterfinals. It’s all set up for No. 1 Winchester and No. 2 Concord-Carlisle to face off in the championship next week.

Hockomock League-mates No. 2 Canton and No. 7 Hopkinton will battle in the quarters of the South, but No. 1 Sandwich and its high-powered offense looms on the other side of the bracket. No. 5 Medfield could make a run.

Prediction time -- It’s hard to predict a winner between Winchester and Concord-Carlisle in the North, but the Sachems seem to be riding some magic with the return of Ryan Connolly. I don’t think Canton or Sandwich will be stopped in the South, and the Bulldogs could pull off the upset.

Division 3

In the North, No. 1 Trinity Catholic is out of the mix already, losing a first round game to St. Mary’s of Lynn, 2-1. No. 13 North Reading knocked off No. 4 Hamilton-Wenham in penalty kicks.

Look out for No. 7 Dover-Sherborn and Cam Bielski, who will fight No. 2 Nantucket to get to the semis in the South on Tuesday. No. 1 Cardinal Spellman is the favorite on the other side of the bracket.

Prediction time -- Spellman has been too good all year, and while Bielski can make D-S a dark horse, it will tough to stop the Cardinals in the South. In the North, I think Renato Capobianco will have Weston ready to make another magical tournament run.

Madison Park got an early goal from freshman Frank Villanueva as the Cardinals went on to beat East Boston 1-0 for the Boston City boys soccer championship.

In girls soccer action, O'Bryant won its second shootout in a row, a 1-0 victory over Brighton, for the city championship. O'Bryant outscored Brighton 2-1 in penalty kicks.

By Craig Forde, Globe Correspondent

The Atlantic Coast League Boys soccer championship has been owned by Sandwich High School for the last four years. And Thursday, in Falmouth, the school maintained its monopoly in 4-0 win over the Clippers for its fifth straight title.

Despite being down two starters on defense, the third-ranked Blue Knights played like a well-oiled machine and pushed a tight, 1-0 halftime lead, into a dominant victory.

“They stayed with us in the first half,” said Sandwich head coach Ted Tedeschi. “But we passed the ball well and that allowed us to dominate in the second.”

Sandwich’s offense was led by their two-headed attack of juniors Peter Alvarenga (hat trick, assist) and Dallas Donovan (goal). Both players have tallied 16 goals apiece on the season.

“They are like partners-in-crime out there,” stated Tedeschi. “They’ve been starting together since their freshman year and they just keep getting better. It’s amazing to think that we will have them around for one more year.”

Keeper Kyle Van Cleef notched his second shutout in as many games after returning from an injury that kept him out for three weeks. It was Van Cleef’s eighth shutout on the season.

“He played a great game back there,” said Tedeschi, “Kyle had a good positional game in net, much like he did against Nauset on Tuesday.”

The Blue Knights’ defense also had a solid outing with standout performances by James Doleman, Austin Haygood, Robbie Walker and Ben Herndon, said Tedeschi.

Thursday’s win helped Sandwich clinch its seventh ACL crown in the last nine seasons.

“At the start of the season I had a feeling that this team could be even stronger than last year’s squad,” said Tedeschi. “We were more explosive this year and we passed the ball much crisper and more efficiently. It truly is our forte.”

The Blue Knights have outscored their last four opponents by an astonishing 23-2 margin and they improved to 12-0-2 on the season with three regular season games let on the docket.

By Jake Seiner, Globe Correspondent

Soccer isn’t exactly America’s game, so it’s only fitting that when North Reading needed a boost against Cape Ann Division 3 champion Rockport last night, the Hornets looked to a source from across the pond.

NR junior midfielder and German exchange student Julius Begenhardt netted the game-winner as the Hornets handed the Vikings just their second loss this year, 1-0, last night in Cape Ann League action.

The win puts NR to 5-5-3 (4-5-3 Cape Ann) a point away from clinching a Division 2 playoff berth with two games left on the season.

“That’s a huge win for us,” Hornets coach Mark Bisognono said. “With this game and a tough game coming Friday against Lynnfield, we were looking at those games just trying to scrap out points as quickly as possible. Getting two points is huge for us.”

Begenhardt was the hero, netting the game-winner in the 56th minute as Rockport failed to fully clear a NR corner kick out of the attacking area.

“The ball wasn’t won cleanly in the box, and it came out on a partial clear to senior captain Chris Kavanaugh,” Bisognono said. “He was able to find Julius at about the top of the [18 yard-line], and he crushed it right-footed into the right side of the net.”

Begenhardt hasn’t done much goal-scoring for NR, but has facilitated a lot of the Hornets’ offense –– evidenced by his five assists on the season.

The left-footed German has been in North Reading since August, and will only be in the states for five or six months. But his overseas soccer education has been a big help to Bisognono and the Hornets’ players.

“He certainly understands the game coming from a European background,” Bisognono said. “He’s been great with our kids trying to teach them the game from the way he learned it in Germany, which is a little different than here.”

Lincoln-Sudbury soccer phenom Cole DeNormandie could be on his way to Chapel Hill. After visiting the University of North Carolina campus this past weekend, the senior striker liked what he saw.

He’s waiting for word on two possible international recruits to see if the Tar Heels will have room on their squad.

“I really liked it down there,” he said. “It’s a beautiful campus.”

UNC, 11-2-1 this season, is ranked No. 3 in the most recent National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) poll.

“I think if they made the offer he’d take it,” L-S coach David Hosford said. “Who wouldn’t? They haven’t seen him play yet so that may be one thing that’s stopping them. But they’ve been pursuing him for a while.”

A two-time Globe All-Scholastic, DeNormandie has scored 15 goals in 14 games this season. If things fall through at UNC, he said he’s strongly considering George Mason. The Virginia school is currently fifth in the Colonial Athletic Association with a 3-3-2 league record, 7-5-2 overall.

“He’s in a tough position because a lot of guys in his status have been in the club ranks for three or four years and he only joined the [New England Revolution youth team] last year," Hosford said. "So he got on the radar screen fairly late. He’s perhaps feeling the repercussions of that a little bit, where a lot of his teammates have signed early, and he’s still waiting.”

By Liz Cohen, Globe Correspondent

Long-time girls South Shore League soccer rivals East Bridgewater and No. 15 Norwell clashed Thursday as East Bridgewater edged its host, 3-2.

Senior Kelsey Purcell scored her 12th and 13th goals of the season off a corner kick and a 40-yarder assisted by junior Rachel Blauner for the Vikings. With 12 minutes remaining, Blauner added her 21st goal of the season in the win.

“I was very proud of the way the girls are playing offensively when playing such a tough team,” said coach Pam Ross.

Both the Vikings (7-2) and the Clippers (5-3-1) are battling for the South Shore League title. The Vikings lead the league with a 7-1 record.

“Our goal is to win the league this year and I think this win gave us momentum,” said Ross.

Russell Gregorian's tap-in provided the only goal as Hamilton-Wenham defeated Georgetown 1-0.

Three Georgetown defenders surrounded Max Montanari as he carried the ball about 25 yards from the Georgetown goal. Montanari slipped away from them, beat another couple defenders 18 yards out, and aimed a pass for Sam Martinez from the right side of the goal. Martinez collided with Georgetown's goalkeeper, and the ball appeared out of the scuffle in the direction of Gregorian, a freshman, who was tapped it in from the left goal post.

Hamilton-Wenham goalie Luke Besse has only allowed three goals this season. Hamilton-Wenham (6-0-2) is undefeated and leads the Cape-Ann League small division.

High school coaches do their best to keep their players focused on just one game at a time. Sometimes, it's impossible, especially when defending Tri-Valley League champion and the Globe’s No. 11 ranked Hopkinton is looming on the schedule.

The boys on the Dover-Sherborn soccer team were so eager for their game against the Hillers on Monday night that they failed to execute in a 1-1 tie against Westwood on Saturday.

But when the time finally arrived for the Hopkinton game, the Raiders used their heads, literally.

They scored two goals off headers to defeat Hopkinton (5-2 league, 6-2 overall), 2-0.

“Saturday was a good wake-up for us,” said D-S coach Joe Gruseck. “Some of the guys were looking past that game. Hopkinton won last year and everyone knew they’d be good again this year, so the kids had their calendars marked.”

While Gruseck acknowledged that his team was out-possessed in the first half, the Raiders were able to take the lead with 2:20 remaining off a header from sophomore midfielder Perry Fitz.

Junior forward Sam Jordan scored the same way in the second half to secure the win. Senior Cam Bielski assisted on both goals.

With just four seniors on the roster, the Raiders have utilized a strong core of underclassmen and found a chemistry that has impressed their coach.

“We’re keeping it realistic and the kids are working hard to make sure they leave it all on field,” Gruseck said. “We have 19 field players and they’re all very capable of playing at any time.”

In other action from the top 20 on Monday night, No. 8 Canton tied King Philip, 2-2. It was the first time in eight games that the Bulldogs didn’t come out victorious.

No. 10 Cardinal Spellman ripped off five goals to pull away from Marian, 5-1. Junior forwards Chris Conrad and Ryan Walsh each had two goals and an assist for the Cardinals, now 7-0.

No. 3 New Bedford moved to 6-0 with a 4-1 win over Fairhaven.

By Craig Forde, Globe Correspondent

The battle for Atlantic Coast League boys' soccer supremacy came to a head on Saturday when Sandwich hosted Nauset in a battle of undefeated teams.

The sixth-ranked Blue Knights made sure that their homecoming crowd went home happy as they kept up their torrid scoring pace, winning by a final of 4-0. They have now netted 22 goals over their last 4 games.

Senior captain Nick Cotter led the attack, scoring two goals and playing a stellar offensive-center all game long.

Coming off of an easy 9-3 win over Dennis- Yarmouth earlier in the week, Sandwich was expecting tougher opposition from the 6-0-1 Warriors.

“We were a bit surprised by the final score,” said Sandwich coach Ted Tedeschi. “However, we weren’t surprised to score like we did.”

“We got better as the game went on,” added Tedeschi, “and our second half attack was much stronger than the first half.”

Junior keeper Kyle Van Cleef was once again solid between the pipes, posting his second shutout over his last three games and his sixth of the season.

Nauset (6-1-1) will try to get back on track against Dennis-Yarmouth on Monday while Sandwich (8-0-1) looks to keep their all-around balanced attack rolling against Falmouth.

By Seth Lakso, Globe Correspondent

With 90 seconds remaining in a game with the potential to make or break the Haverhill girls soccer season, senior co-captain Shannen Styrczula broke free for a 50 yard break-a-way that culminated in the game tying goal at Billerica. The Hillies, who went on to salvage a much needed point (1-1 tie in overtime) now sit at 2-3-2 at the mid-way point of the season, needing 8 points in their remaining 8 games to qualify for the tournament.

“Every point matters”, said coach Fred Tarbox.“We really needed to win this game, but we couldn't lose it.”

Last years Merrimack Valley (Small) champions have been hit hard by injuries this season, losing all-star goal keeper Meghan Gulbransen for three games to a sprained ankle and senior co-captain Molly Fitzgerald to an ankle injury as well.

Compounding things has been a bit of bad luck, as evidenced by Shannon Styrczula finding the post five times this year, including a ball early on Thursday night that whizzed by Billerica goal keeper Shannon Haye's (12 saves) head only to find the crossbar. As well as a tough bounce midway through the first half that led to the Indian's lone goal of the game. when sophomore Brittany Lomanno collided with Gulbrensen (10 saves) on a 50/50 ball that somehow found it's way slowly to the back of the Haverhill net.

Thursday night's tie, coupled with a Dracut loss, helps move the Hillies (currently in third place) closer to their goal of repeating as Merrimack Valley (Small) champs.

“We have the ability to beat every team we step on the field with,” Tarbox said. “Our goal is to win the league and make the tournament, if we beat Lowell (this upcoming Tuesday at 6 p.m.) we will be right back in it.”

Danvers High junior striker Corey Persson has verbally committed to attend Penn State University on a soccer scholarship for the 2012 fall season.

Persson earned Globe All-Scholastic honors last season as a sophomore, when she collected 42 goals and 13 assists for Danvers.

"She’s amazingly talented at the striker position," Danvers coach Jim Hinchion told the Globe's Doug Saffir. "She's earned this opportunity. Her hard work has really paid off at the club and high school level, and when she does get there in couple years she’ll do great things.”

The 5-foot-4 Persson will join one of her club teammates in Happy Valley, former Globe All-Scholastic forward Hayley Brock of Acton-Boxborough, who is a freshman forward this season with the Nittany Lions (3-6-1 overall).

Persson has 74 goals and 101 career points in 47 games for the Falcons.

By Juan Rivera

On a sloppy and wet field, Weymouth, which is aiming for a deep playoff run, handed Brookline its first loss.

“We have a good group of players this season,” said coach Bill McEachern “we felt like this was a big game. We can’t peak this early and expect to win, but we’re playing good soccer right now.”

Weymouth is led by senior captains Robbie Lynch, a
two-time Bay State Conference first-team all-star, Zak Stuart, a Bay State Conference all-star goalie, and Matt Wallace. But Butler, a junior, shined.

“He made some moves early to score his first two goals,” said McEachern, “but his third goal was the biggie.”

With 13 minutes left and the score 2-2, Lynch dribbled down the sideline and sent a cross toward the net. Butler cut in front of his defender and punched the ball in for the hat trick.

“Robbie Lynch did a good job with the ball,” said McEachern. “He delivered a great pass and TJ delivered with the finish.”

After losing their season opener to Natick 1-0 and playing a scoreless tie against Framingham, Weymouth has gone 5-0-1 since.

Wayland kept its undefeated record intact with a 5-0 stomping of Waltham on Monday night.

Junior Nico Pascual-Leone scored twice for the Warriors, his fourth goal in their past three games. Leone has been a bright spot for Wayland this season, which is surpassing expectations with a 5-0-1 and start. He netted the game-winner in a 2-1 win over defending Division 3 state champion Weston last week and also scored in a 3-3 tie with Acton-Boxborough.

Lone, along with captains Griffin McGrail and Ian Stack, have given the Warriors some new hope for 2010. They squeaked into the Globe’s Top 20 at No. 20 this week and, with two more victories, can match their win total from a year ago.

Wayland will head to Arlington on Wednesday at 4 p.m. looking to remain undefeated.

Looking for a fun way to spend your Saturday night? Want to watch some of the best high school soccer Massachusetts has to offer and support the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute?

Concord-Carlisle High School is hosting its fourth annual Kicks for Cancer fund raiser on Saturday night, where the Patriots (3-0-1), ranked No. 6 in the Top 20, will host No. 2 Lincoln Sudbury (2-1-0) at 5 p.m. Acton-Boxborough (3-0-1) will also take on Wayland (4-0) in the battle of the unbeatens.

Admission to the event is $10 for adults and $5 for children and tickets will be sold at the gate. In addition to soccer, there will also be drawings for prizes that include Red Sox/Yankees tickets, Celtics seats, and tickets to the Boston College-Notre Dame football game.

All proceeds from the event will be donated to support cancer research at Dana-Farber. Kicks for Cancer has raised a total of $28,000 in three years, and last year's game raised almost $10,000.

“It’s always a really great event and CC does a great job of putting it together,” said L-S coach Dan Hosford. “I think CC is the best team in the state right now, so it should be a good game.”

This fall the Globe’s high school standings will be based entirely on game results and not on Sunday phone calls or emails from league representatives. It’s actually something we started in January with winter sports. And even with a few speed bumps, it was incredibly successful. We think the change has been a huge benefit to school fans looking to see where their team stands every day of the week, not just on the one day standings are updated.

How does it work?
When coaches call in their games scores during the week, our database will compile the standings and they will be available 24/7 on Boston.com/schools. This is what we’ve done the past three years for football, then began with winter and spring sports this past year. We’re now expanding that system to include all sports. But we still need league representatives. The only information we need, however, are the league’s leading performers, whether hitters, pitchers, goal scorers/assists, goalies, or runners.

What are the benefits of doing this?
Under the old system, standings we took on Sunday afternoons were only accurate until a team played its next game. This meant that after a big Tuesday of soccer, fans had to wait until the following Monday’s paper to see the league standings. Now, after you watch your team beat its cross-town rival and your coach calls in the score, you can go home, click on Boston.com and see the league standings.

What are the drawbacks?
If your school doesn’t call in the scores, then your record will be 0-0 all year (unless an opposing coach calls in the game against your team). Even if a league representative insists your team is 10-0, the only way we can make the standings agree is to get the scores of the 10 games.

How do we get you any missing scores?
Scores can be emailed to us at hssports@globe.com. Be sure to designate the home and away teams and the date of the game.

As with any new system there will be an adjustment period. But we hope you agree, accurate standings seven days a week are better than just one.

By Craig Forde, Globe Correspondent

Despite soaring to a Division 2 North title last season and returning some of its top talent, the Danvers girls soccer team refuses to get ahead of themselves.

“Our expectations moving into the heart of the season are to treat each game like we are playing the best team on our schedule,” stated head coach Jimmy Hinchion. “We are only looking at one game at a time, so at this point we're out to win our next game.”

This task is made easier by the 1-2 scoring punch of senior Brittany Russo and junior Corey Persson. Both strikers notched hat tricks on Thursday in an 8-0 win over Salem and in the process Persson picked up her 100th career point only four games into her third season. Russo also hit the 100 point mark in her junior season last year.

“To reach 100 points is an amazing feat. To do it during your junior year is incredible,” lauds Hinchion. “You don't see that often.

“It's a pleasure to get to coach these girls each and every day,” added Hinchion. “Any coach would die for even one striker with their ability. I'm fortunate to have them both.”

The Falcons are off to a 3-0-1 start thanks to their scorers, but it has been an overall team effort that keeps the Falcons in flight. Coach Hinchion points to his team’s experienced players as a driving force behind the team’s success and unity.

“Our whole team is quite close this year on and off the field and they really seem to enjoy being around one another,” Hinchion said. “I think the younger girls are starting to get comfortable with the pace of the varsity game and that bodes well for the entire team.”

Senior goalie Allison Tivnan has been a three-year starter for the Falcons and had 13 shutouts in her junior season. Senior midfielder Becky Landers serves as one of the team’s captains and her resume includes a league MVP as a sophomore and two All-State selections. Senior Kellie MacDonald is another of the team’s captains and a solid defender that has started all four seasons for the Falcons and has an Eastern Mass. All-Star nod to her credit. Senior sweeper and captain Gabby Vega adds more all-star talent to the roster and serves as the “glue in the back” thanks in large part to her “super speed.”

A squad with this much talent is sure to give any opponent fits, but they remain a humble bunch and their coach keeps them grounded with his "one game at a time" mantra.

“We're hoping to continue to compete for our league's title as well as qualify and hopefully make a deep run in the state tournament,” concluded Hinchion.

High school soccer is about two weeks into the 2010 season and we’re already getting signs that this year might be unpredictable.

With the first round of standings set to be posted on Sunday (and with it a fresh Top 20), there are few things worth talking about before then.

I don’t think Catholic Memorial coach John Finn is too surprised, but the defending Division 1 state champs are struggling. The Knights had to settle with a tie against Billerica and St. John’s Prep, and fell victim to an emerging BC High squad in a 1-0 loss.

I thought knocking them down to No. 5 in the first set of rankings was low enough, but sadly for Finn and his team, the loss of five Division 1 college athletes might be too much to replace. The season is still early though, and anything can happen in the playoffs, as they proved last year.

Lexington was nothing but dominant in its first three games, scoring 13 goals. Alex Herbert had seven of them. And while the Minutemen tied Winchester, 2-2, in a recent Middlesex League matchup, that might be more of a testament to the Sachems’ strength than anything else. Winchester has also beaten Reading and Stoneham and might give Lexington a run for the league title.

Lincoln-Sudbury might struggle a little bit more than anticipated without the majority of the defensive unit and the goalkeeper from last year’s squad. The offensive shouldn’t have trouble, but the Warriors might have a hard time posting any clean sheets. They dropped a 1-0 game to last year’s D3 champs, Weston last week.

Masconomet has maintained a perfect record after two dramatic come-from-behind wins within two days of each other. The Chieftains fought back against Danvers last Wednesday to win 2-1 and then barely escaped North Andover, 3-2, on Friday.

Framingham appears to be struggling in a big way. The Flyers were expected to see a regression after graduating a core of last year’s 16-2-3 squad, but I don’t think anyone saw this coming. They are 0-1-3 after their first four games and have scored just once.

Be sure to check back on Monday as a new Top 20 will be posted as well as a weekly notebook. And feel free to send me feedback or story ideas at jmastrodonato@globe.com.

With the leading goal-scorer sidelined with a hamstring injury, Duxbury needed contributions from three girls named Emily in a 3-0 victory over North Quincy on Monday.

Emily Gallagher, a senior captain, scored twice for the Green Dragons, freshman forward Emily Wiemer scored and added an assist, and senior goalie Emily Brooke earned her second shutout in four games.

Duxbury coach Emerson Coleman said his team came out flat for the beginning of the game, still emotionally wiped out after an exhausting 1-0 loss to defending Division 1 South champion Whitman Hanson on Friday night.

“They put everything out there Friday and kids are kids,” Coleman said. “But they came back and played well today and we’ll have to keep it going.”

Senior captain and goal-scorer extraordinaire Melissa Gavin was banged up after the game on Friday. She collected 20 goals and 28 assists last season, but Coleman opted to rest his star forward as a safety precaution. She’s expected to be back in action on Wednesday.

“Sometimes you send someone out there and the next thing you know they’re out two weeks instead of one game,” the coach said. “We held her out now, hoping its better in the future.”

Off to a 3-1 start to the season, the Green Dragons have given their coach a lot of hope. Brooke has allowed just two goals all year, one via penalty shot. The defensive unit has been as consistent as they come, with junior sweeper Madi Lawson anchoring the back. And the two freshmen, Wiemer and Gaby Davis, have pleasantly surprised.

With the close loss to Whitman Hanson the only blemish on their schedule, Oct. 20 is already circled as they look forward to the rematch in Duxbury.

“There’s upside and the downside being in the same league,” Coleman said. “It allows us the chance to play them again. We were right there. We had our chances. We’ll just prepare to do better.”

Gallagher has committed to play at Holy Cross next year, while Gavin will suit up for Yale.

By Craig Forde, Globe Correspondent

As the ship sets sail on another season for the East Bridgewater High girl's soccer team, junior captain Rachel Blauner is leading the Vikings on what they hope will be a deep playoff voyage.

Blauner has been honing her skills with the Massachusetts Olympic Development program for the last five years and was recently selected to the Region 1 squad, which will play in Florida and Brazil over the coming year. She has also been starting for the Vikings since her freshman year.

This experience has allowed coach Pam Ross to be flexible with her young lineup.

"Depending on our match up, we can play Rachel at center-forward or center-mid," said Ross. "But she is skilled enough to just roam around the field as we look to get her the ball."

Blauner made good on her coach's sentiment as she notched her second hat trick of the week Thursday in helping the Vikings to an 8-0 win over Carver, improving East Bridgewater's record to 2-1 on the season. She has already scored seven goals and has three helpers on the young season.

After last season's 13-4 mark, the team is hopeful that they can go a long way this season and Blauner will certainly be a factor.

"It's a long season and there is a tough road ahead of us," Ross said. "We have to play the likes of Norwell, Cardinal Spellman and Hanover. But we are gelling and we are confident that we can get over the second place hump this season."

By Jason Mastrodonato, Globe Correspondent

Sandwich junior soccer player Peter Alvarenga, the reigning Atlantic Coast League scoring champion after netting 19 goals in 2009, began rehab Monday in effort to repair his injured quadriceps muscle.

Alvarenga played soccer all summer but has been nursing the sore quad and has missed the Blue Knights’ first three games this season.

“He’s obviously a great player,” said coach Ted Tedeschi. “We’ll find a way to pull through.”

Sandwich, ranked No. 8 in the Globe Top 20, is 3-0 without Alvarenga, including a 2-0 win over Plymouth South on Monday night. The Blue Knights return 14 players from last year’s 18-1-3 squad and are looking to make it five years in a row as the Atlantic Coast League champions.

Tedeschi is expecting Alvarenga back some time next week.

“We’re hoping to get him back soon, but it’s a long season,” the coach said.

By Jason Mastrodonato, Globe Correspondent

With most eyes focused on high school football during the past week, soccer might have slipped to the back of the priority list. But this year, we’re dedicated to giving high school soccer the attention it deserves.

Last season we saw Massachusetts produce several Division 1 players and a plethora of memorable moments. And with super-star athletes like Cole DeNormandie (Lincoln-Sudbury) and Thomas Ballenthin (Lexington) back in action, this fall will surely present us with some flashy highlights.

We’ll be around Eastern Mass. throughout the season checking out the action, and please drop us a note regarding big games or interesting story ideas at jmastrodonato@globe.com.

Without further ado, the much-anticipated Globe Top 20 is here. And possibly to your surprise, it isn’t the defending Division 1 champion Catholic Memorial holding the top spot.

1. Lexington (19-1-3 in 2009) – Many coaches thought Lexington was the best team in the state last year, but the Minutemen lost a hard-nosed overtime game to CM in the EMass title game. They return 13 players off last year’s squad and will be the favorites in Division 1.

2. Lincoln-Sudbury (15-3-3) – LS played Lexington wire-to-wire before losing in penalty kicks in the D1 North finals, but DeNormandie is back for his senior season and might be the best player in the state.

3. Brockton (16-4-2) – The Boxers will have to replace Admilson Timas (13 goals, 14 assists), but they should have enough talent to fill in the holes.

4. New Bedford (17-1-1) – The only loss came at the hands of Brockton and many coaches believe New Bedford might make the next step this season.

5. Catholic Memorial (18-3-3) - They are the returning champions, but some were surprised by their postseason run last year and replacing five Division 1 athletes, including their top goal-scorer and keeper, will be difficult.

6. Concord Carlisle (17-3-3) – The favorites in Division 2, the Patriots will go for two in a row.

7. Framingham (16-2-3) – The Flyers were among the best in 2009 but will have to replace a large portion of their starting roster.

8. Sandwich (18-1-3) - The Blue Knights are trying to make it five straight years as the Atlantic Coast League champs.

9. Somerville (13-4-3) - There’s a lot of optimism surrounding the Highlanders this season, after falling just short to LS in an overtime thriller during the D1 semis.

10. Brookline (14-4-2) - Brookline had a quiet, yet successful season last year and returns a core group of talented players.

11. Masconomet (15-3-2) – The Chieftains gave CC a good scrimmage in the preseason and should compete for the Cape Ann League title.

12. Weston (15-2-6) – The pressure is on to repeat as D3 champs.

13. Cardinal Spellman (24-1-0) - No team could compete with the Cardinals until Weston shocked them in a four-goal victory for the EMass championship last year.

14. North Andover (17-2-2) - The loss of Jay Marchand (20 goals) to BB&N and the graduation of Gareth Dudney (19 goals) will be hard to replace, but the Scarlet Knights have skilled youngsters who could surprise.

15. Wilmington (18-1-3) - The Wildcats looked great last season but lost a lot of seniors to graduation.

16. King Philip (13-6-3) – Without Hockomock MVP Matt Heagney, the Warriors will still contend for the league title.

17. Falmouth (14-2-2) - Falmouth made a nice comeback against Westport to open the season with a 3-2 win.

18. Hopkinton (15-3-4) – The Hillers are always competitive and will look to avenge their overtime loss to Sandwich in the D2 South finals.

19. Canton (14-2-4) – Canton couldn’t sneak by Hopkinton in the D2 South last year but will make things interesting in the Hockomock.

20. Winchester (12-4-4) - Could be the sleeper pick of 2010; the Sachems will try to contend with Lexington in the Middlesex League.

We've got a number of correspondents ready to rock 'n' roll for this fall coverage of football, soccer, volleyball and everything else. As usual, we've split up the divisions in football for correspondents and have passed on entire sports to others. Field hockey and golf will not have dedicated correspondents. Here's the list of folks providing coverage and some contact e-mails. You should see these names aplenty in the upcoming months.

Football

• Division 1 - Mike Carraggi, mcarraggi@globe.com
• Division 1A - Emily Wright, ewright@globe.com
• Division 2 and 2A - Mike Grossi, mgrossi@globe.com
• Division 3 and 3A - Jake Seiner
• Division 4 and 4A - Lorenzo Recupero

Soccer

• Boys - Jason Mastrodonato, jmastrodonato@globe.com
• Girls - Phillip Shore, pshore@globe.com

Cross Country

• Braden Campbell, bcampbell@globe.com

Volleyball

• Liz Torres, etorres@globe.com

Marlborough High school is looking for a number of head coaches to fill vacancies for Fall 2010.

Among the coaching openings are:

- Varsity Cheerleading Coach
- Varsity Boys Cross-Country Coach
- Varsity Girls Cross-Country Coach
- Varsity Football Coach
- Varsity Field Hockey Coach
- Varsity Golf Coach
- Varsity Boys Soccer Coach
- Varsity Girls Soccer Coach
- Varsity Girls Volleyball Coach

Interested applicants are being asked to apply online at Marlborough.schoolfusion.us.

Roxbury Latin’s Leon Brown was named the 2009-10 Gatorade Massachusetts Boys Soccer Player of the Year. Brown is the first Gatorade Massachusetts Boys Soccer Player of the Year to be chosen from The Roxbury Latin School.

The award, which recognizes not only outstanding athletic excellence, but also high standards of academic achievement and exemplary character demonstrated on and off the field, distinguishes Brown as Massachusetts’ best high school boys soccer player. Brown is now a finalist for the Gatorade National Boys Soccer Player of the Year award to be announced in May.

The 5-foot-10 senior forward recorded 19 goals and eight assists this past season, leading the Foxes (16-1-3) to the New England Prep School Athletic Council Class B semifinals. A Boston Globe All-Scholastic and a three-time First Team All-Independent School League selection, Brown led the ISL in scoring as a senior and concluded his high school career with 55 goals and 23 assists.

Brown has maintained a sound level of achievement in the classroom and scored an 1820 (out of 2400) on the SAT. He has volunteered locally as a youth soccer instructor and on behalf of both a food bank and a homeless shelter.

“Leon Brown’s a special player,” said Bob Pipe, coach of rival Rivers School. “Brown’s got the speed and the athleticism that put him in another category. His team came in second in the ISL and it was 100 percent on him. You could put Leon Brown on any team in the league and they win the league; he’s that special striker that does it all.”

Here's the list we have so far of commitments on National Signing day. The majority are going to play football. For those not playing football, refer to the key below:

Key: a - for wrestling; b - for baseball; c - for lacrosse; d - for softball; e - for soccer; f - for field hockey; g - for crew; h - basketball

Make sure to read Mike Carraggi's story on BB&N leading the pack with a stable of recruits. And if you're zoned in on College Football, Mark Blaudschun has the rundown on Boston College's recruiting class.

If you have any more, let us know either in the comments or by contacting us via e-mail and we'll get it up. Thanks for all of your help.

By Nick French
Globe Correspondent

WORCESTER -- It seemed like just a matter of time before the Concord-Carlisle soccer team would break through and score a goal.

Finally, after 69 minutes of peppering the net, a fortunate bounce and the opportunism of Will Toczylowski, the Patriots captured the goal they needed to win the Division 2 soccer state championship 1-0 over Palmer.

"It was a scramble and I just dove for it and luckily it went in," Toczylowski said. "This is the greatest feeling of my life."

The Patriots came right out of the gate attacking and putting pressure on the Palmer defense. Junior Alex Puchrik controlled the ball in the middle and either found teammates for scoring chances or rifled a shot of his own, but the Patriots had nothing to show for it and frustration was settling in.

"The message at halftime was relax, have patience and believe its going to come," said C-C head coach Ray Pavlik. "The irony is you can shoot and shoot and it's some scrappy goal at the end that gets it."

Palmer packed its defense into the box, but the play of goalkeeper Steve Swiatlowski was keeping the Panthers in the game. The senior had 15 shutouts coming into the game and practically stood on his head in the second half.

A header by C-C's Ben Droz was stopped by a diving Swiatlowski (13 saves) and another point blank shot by Toczylowsky was stoned.

But as is often the case in these games it was a scramble in the box that netted the lone goal.

By Nick French
Globe Correspondent

WORCESTER — It seemed like just a matter of time before the Concord-Carlisle soccer team would break through and score a goal.

Finally, after 69 minutes of peppering the net, a fortunate bounce and the opportunism of Will Toczylowski, the Patriots captured the goal they needed to win the Division 2 soccer state championship 1-0 over Palmer.

"It was a scramble and I just dove for it and luckily it went in," Toczylowski said. "This is the greatest feeling of my life."

The Patriots came right out of the gate attacking and putting pressure on the Palmer defense. Junior Alex Puchrik controlled the ball in the middle and either found teammates for scoring chances or rifled a shot of his own, but the Patriots had nothing to show for it and frustration was settling in.

"The message at halftime was relax, have patience and believe its going to come," said C-C head coach Ray Pavlik. "The irony is you can shoot and shoot and it's some scrappy goal at the end that gets it."

Palmer packed its defense into the box, but the play of goalkeeper Steve Swiatlowski was keeping the Panthers in the game. The senior had 15 shutouts coming into the game and practically stood on his head in the second half.

A header by C-C's Ben Droz was stopped by a diving Swiatlowski (13 saves) and another point blank shot by Toczylowsky was stoned.

But as is often the case in these games it was a scramble in the box that netted the lone goal.

By Charlie Peters
Globe Correspondent

WORCESTER -- Algonquin had seen firsthand what powerhouse Acton-Boxboro was capable of in a 3-0 loss in September, succumbing to the Colonial offensive attack.

This time, the Tomahawks applied the pressure, upsetting the nationally-ranked Colonials 1-0 at Worcester State College.

"I told them we can't be afraid and we have to go right at them," Algonquin coach Kim Miller said. "We need to put as much pressure on them as we can, and not get overwhelmed by their reputation."

The Tomahawks pressure led to a goal in the 15th minute, when Algonquin’s Alex Hayes' pass from 10 yards out found Samantha Friday, who was left uncovered by the Colonial defense. Friday headed the ball and beat keeper Jessie Wiggins, giving Acton-Boxboro their first deficit of the postseason.

"They took an opportunity when they had it," Colonial coach Lee Billiard said of the goal, only the fifth Acton-Boxboro allowed on the season. "And it managed to knock us off our game."

TAUNTON — Whitman-Hanson beat Dartmouth 4-0 Tuesday evening to win the girls Division 1 South title.

Whitman-Hanson will face off against Acton-Boxboro in the state semi-finals 5 p.m. Thursday at Weymouth High school.

Here's Whitman-Hanson coach David Floeck on the win:

From the Globe's Robert Hohler:

For the first time in five years, soccer players in the Boston public schools are scheduled to play an all-star game tonight at White Stadium as part of the city's quest to boost pride, participation, and a competitive edge in interscholastic sports. The city revived the game with help from the Boston Scholar Athlete program, which Mayor Thomas M. Menino created in August with a $1 million grant from Suffolk Construction Co.'s Red & Blue Foundation to address serious inadequacies in the city's high school sports system.

Soccer was the first sport to benefit from the project, with teams receiving new uniforms as well as equipment they lacked, including goals at several practice fields. Intramural programs were formed at schools without interscholastic soccer, and players at every level were coached to place a greater emphasis on academic achievement.

The girls game is scheduled for 6 p.m., the boys play at 7:30 p.m.

From Globe Correspondent Ryan Thomas:

One day after the boy's Boston City League Championship soccer game between Madison Park and East Boston was called in the 75th minute due to a skirmish stemming from a controversial call that decided the game, Madison Park has decided to withdraw from the MIAA State Tournament.

The decision was made during a team meeting Thursday that involved school headmaster Charles McAfee and coach Joao Gomes.  All parties agreed that it was in the school's best interest to end the season, Gomes said.

The controversial call was a handball against the Cardinals that referee Savas Trellopoulos deemed inside the 18-yard box, which led to a penalty shot by East Boston midfielder Carlos Andres Ruiz who buried the goal for the 1-0 win. 

"I was disappointed with the call; it was outside the 18 [yard box]," Gomes said of the season-ending handball.  "But (the players) can't take it out with anger.  We always preach self responsibility and respect.  Hopefully this will send a message."

After shouts and gestures cascaded from the Madison Park sideline disagreeing with the call, Venude Depina allegedly threw the ball off of Trellopoulos's head. 

"They had every right and reason to be upset with the call, but you can't justify a wrong with another wrong," Gomes added.

Depina, who had not been carded all season, will have his actions reviewed further by Madison Park, with possible disciplinary action to follow.

The 10-seed Cardinals were scheduled to face No. 7 seed Peabody in the Division 1 North tournament Sunday, Nov. 8.

From the YourTown Newton blog:

The 33-year-old boys' varsity soccer coach at Newton North High School died over the weekend, after he collapsed while playing soccer.

Ucal McKenzie, who previously coached at Cambridge Rindge and Latin School, died after playing soccer at Joe Moakley Park in South Boston, friends said. He was praised Monday by school officials and fellow players.

"Ucal was a huge presence in this school. He was a doer and an unsung hero who took up any task that was put before him,'' Newton North principal Jennifer Price said in a statement.

McKenzie was the third current or former faculty member of Newton North to die in the last month.

Read more HERE.

BB&N football recruits Austin Capaviella, Philippe Panico, Xander Frantz, Steve Grassa, and Mike DiChaira

A couple of scenes from today's Signing Day. BB&N football recruits (above) pose for a group photo, while Natick standouts (below) put their names on the dotted line.

Natick athletes Shannon Foley (Elon, soccer), Rebecca White (Quinnipiac, track), Tim and Tom Brandt (UMass, football)

Minnechaug topped A-B, 1-0. (David Kamerman / Globe Staff)

Check out our two highlight videos from the Division 1 state soccer championships in Westborough below. For photos from four of yesterday's title games, check out this gallery.

For all of today's final scores, check out our scoreboard.

D1 Girls: Minnechaug 1, A-B 0

D1 Boys: Ludlow 1, Framingham 0

WESTBOROUGH -- Western Mass. swept the Division 1 soccer finals Saturday at Mewhiney Field.

The Minnechaug girls defeated Acton-Boxboro, 1-0, before the Ludlow boys topped Framingham by the same score.

Stick with us for complete recaps from all the state finals today. Check out a replay of our live blog below for in-game updates and analysis, and check back later for video highlights.

A number of area senior student-athletes are making their college commitments official this week, with the early non-football signing period now in play (Nov. 12-19).

Correspondent Brendan Hall checks in with an updated list of commitments:

Baseball
Sahil Bloom, Weston (Stanford)
Kevin Brown, Algonquin (Bryant)
Peter Castaldi, St. John's Prep (Northeastern)
Jon Leroux, Auburn (Northeastern)
Derek Lowe, Lincoln-Sudbury (William & Mary)
John McKenna, Algonquin (UMass-Amherst)
Justin Quinn, Lincoln-Sudbury (Rollins College)
Fran Whitten, Westborough (Maine)

Basketball
Antoine Allen, Notre Dame Prep (Providence)
Russ Braithwaite, St. Mark’s (Babson)
Jamal Coombs-McDaniel, Tilton/Boston (UConn)
Courtney Finn, Winthrop (Bentley)
Dave Johnson, St. Mark’s (Quinnipiac)
Erik Murphy, St. Mark’s (Florida)
Alex Oriakhi, Tilton/Lowell (UConn)
Dartaye Ruffin, Stoughton (Drexel)
James Southerland, Notre Dame Prep (Syracuse)

Field hockey
Kara Mackintire, Shrewsbury (Boston College)

Golf
Brittany Altomare, Shrewsbury (Virginia)

Lacrosse
Quinn Cully, Duxbury (Notre Dame)
Hakeem Lecky, Duxbury (Syracuse)
Colin O'Rourke, St. John's Shrewsbury (Wagner)
Alex Papoojian, St. John's Shrewsbury (VMI)
Chris Pellichero, King Philip (Providence)
Kristen Scopetski, Algonquin (UMass-Amherst)

Soccer
CC Jensen, Acton-Boxborough (Elon)
AJ Millet, Westford (Harvard)
Sarah Wooley, Duxbury (Siena)

Softball
Nicole D’Argento, Ashland (Boston College)
Jessie Bryant, Marlborough (Providence)

Soccer standings and leaders have been posted online. Hop over to High School Sports Central and scroll down to the soccer section to check out these, as well as the latest soccer top 20s.

A note on how our standings work: Unlike our football database, which is fueled by the box scores reported by coaches, the soccer standings display the information reported by league representatives each Sunday.

What's the difference? You'll see a team like Lexington listed with a record of 8-0-0. But if you click on the team name to view the Minutemen's results page, you'll only find the five games reported to the Globe during the season.

Much like Lexington, each team page has a helpful email link to send the Globe updated game data. If your favorite school is missing game data, please ask a coach or athletic director to submit that information to us.

To avoid gaps in the data, coaches are reminded to please call the Globe with game scores after each contest. When we enter a score into our daily scoreboard, it automatically populates these team pages.

Leagues with incomplete standings are ones that failed to report full standings to the Globe. We encourage coaches to contact their league representative to ensure they call each Sunday with updated information.

He was all over the place.

Manning three positions throughout the game -- outside midfielder, center midfielder, and forward -- Weymouth’s Robbie Lynch was in the thick of a highly intense soccer match with Framingham last week.

And he was there at nearly every turn, it seemed. Deflecting the oncoming barrage of shots and passes by the Flyers, and working intently with the rest of the crew up front, the Weymouth utility man helped the Wildcats buttress an attack of their own. While Lynch didn’t personally deliver any nets in resplendent fashion, his small-ball manner, his uninterrupted rhythm, was just as critical as Weymouth emerged with a 2-2 tie.

Lynch assisted on the second Weymouth goal and aided countless other plays, sustained by his fiery tempo.

“I just like to keep going hard, keep moving”, Lynch said of his on-field energy. His mindset is as simple as that, with the magnified results coming almost naturally through years of repetition.

Asked how long he had been dribbling around the black-and-white sphere, Lynch had to think for a moment. “Since I was about 3, I think”, he finally surmised, the date perhaps marking the moment he could actually break out in a run.

The enthusiasm that has come to characterize his game from that first day is fairly evident by merely watching him. But if one sought any reinforcement of that theory, they would only need to speak for a moment with his coach.

“His passion for the game … his work rate is just unbelievable,” said Weymouth coach Bill McEachern, “He’s very committed, and [on the field] it’s just crazy [to watch]. We try to keep him as involved as possible.”

When one first notices Lynch, they are not immediately struck by an intimidating sight. Standing slighter than many of his peers, the young Weymouth player is neither tall, nor stodgy, but what he lacks in size he makes up for in speed and agility. Intimidating with his skill, and the scrappy capability to stick to his opponent, one learns to watch out for Lynch. The sight of him scrambling across the pitch spurs an unorthodox concept of an imposing frame.

Despite his incredible play commitment, even Lynch admits he suffers from mental blunders and momentary breaks in concentration at times. In regards to the Framingham game, Lynch said, “We just had some mental lapses at the end. We stopped thinking for a second, got caught off guard, and they capitalized.”

He acknowledged that hard work and focus should help to avoid similar situations in the future.

If Lynch seems mature in his words, then it’s not in the traditional sense of age. The forward/midfielder/defender is only a sophomore this year. After starting every game as a freshman in 2007, the Wildcats are looking for Lynch to take on a bigger role this season, a feat that he already seems to be tackling.

It’s scary to think of Lynch’s potential, with nearly three full years to pulse his game along Wildcat Way. The beat is starting quietly, a less-than-flashy melody. But with diligence and time, with passion and instinct, this soccer musician could really get into a rhythm.

As the 2008 fall season goes into full swing, we've invited a handful of local standouts to write about their seasons on our Player Diaries blog.

I'll allow our contributors to introduce themselves:

Abbie Brown, Westwood, Field hockey

So, two years ago, Westwood field hockey wasn't the best team in the state, nor are we now, but we are working our way to tournament again. Last season, we went to the tournament for the first time in nine years which was a big accomplishment for the us. This year we hope to do the same thing and get further than last year. As of right now, the Westwood Wolverines field hockey team is 2-0 from beating Stoughton and Scituate in two nonleague matchups. We still have a long way to go until we make the tourney, but our team is willing to do whatever it is to make it again.

I play field hockey and lacrosse, and run winter track. This past spring my team was the 2008 Division 1 girls' lacrosse state champions.

Mike Savery, Hingham, soccer

My name is Mike Savery and I play midfield for the Hingham boys' soccer team. We were 6-6-6 last year, making the playoffs for the ninth straight time under our coach Ken Carlin. However, our worst season under coach Carlin ended just as horribly, losing to Oliver Ames in the play-in round, 1-0. This year, however, will be much different. We are returning eight starters, and have 15 senior players, myself included. I will be looking to split some time this year on the right side, as we have yet to figure out the winning formation. Along with playing on the soccer team, I am a four year varsity skier, two of those years as captain.

Kara Dunford, Notre Dame Academy, cross country

I'm at senior at Notre Dame Academy in Hingham. I'm running cross country in the fall for the first time. Besides cross country, I am one of the captains of the indoor and outdoor
track teams. I am also editor-in-chief of the school newspaper and I am interested in pursuing a career in Journalism in the future.

Check back on our Player Diaries page for much more from this trio as the season goes on. If you're interested in writing for us, drop us an email with your name, school, sport, and a quick note on why you'd like to contribute.

We're dusting off our Player Diaries blog for the fall season and we're looking for athletes who might be interested in chronicling their seasons on Boston.com.

Last fall, Mansfield football standout Mike McPherson and Ursuline volleyball All-Scholastic Caitlin Burchill kept us updated on their exciting seasons. Now we want you to tell us all about your fall season.

Interested? Drop us an email with your name, sport you play, and a brief bio about yourself. Remember, you don't have to be the team superstar. Heck, if you're the stats keeper and you want to tell the world about how your team is doing, we want you, too.

We'll pick a handful of our favorites to handle the Player Diaries this fall. Hey, it doesn't look bad on a college resume, either.

Here's the schedule for the 2008 Agganis All-Star Classics:

• Awards ceremony -- Sun. July 13, 10 a.m. -- Fraser Field, Lynn
• 11th Softball Classic -- Sun. July 13, noon -- Fraser Field
• 14th Baseball Classic -- Sun. July 13, 2 p.m. -- Fraser Field
• 4th Women’s Basketball -- Mon. July 14, 6 p.m. -- Lynn English
• 4th Men’s Basketball -- Mon. July 14, 7:30 p.m. -- Lynn English
• 13th Men’s Soccer -- Tues. July 15, 5:30 p.m. -- Manning Field, Lynn
• 13th Women’s Soccer -- Tue. July 15, 7:30 p.m. -- Manning Field
• 48th Football Classic -- Wed July 16, 7 p.m. -- Manning Field

After the jump you'll find all the rosters that we've been provided for the event.