GPS Maine teams compile winning weekend in New England Premiership

(Via GPS Maine) – GPS Maine teams put together a strong overall performance on Mother’s Day, as the U-15 Girls, U-16 Boys, U-17 Boys and U-18 Girls Elite teams earned victories in New England Premiership (NEP) competition.

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U-15 Girls
GPS Maine 4 – 1 FC Stars Central

The game started with FC Stars being the brighter of the two teams with the game being played in GPS Maine’s half and getting themselves five early corners and an early goal. The game started to then turn with GPS Maine starting to take control. GPS Maine eventually got their reward for their fine form with a 30-yard drive from Prezli Piscopo, which soared over the goalkeeper to find the top corner. Emma Forgues then buried a header to give GPS Maine a 2-1 lead going into half time.

The second half started in the same manner the first finished with GPS Maine being on top, the defense stood strong and soaked up anything that FC Stars was putting their way. GPS Maine then started to find success in wide areas with brilliant crosses delivered by Maddy Wold and twice being dispatched by Skylar Renaurd. After the game the girls all kindly each gave their Moms a Mother’s Day rose.

U-16 Boys
GPS Maine 2-0 GPS Vermont Synergy

GPS Maine was up against a very strong GPS VT side that has previously come out with a 5-0 victory. The game started off with GPS VT keeping the ball very well with a side loaded with technically gifted players, and early signs would explain why they have won so many games by such comfortable margins.

GPS Maine dug deep and defended well, not allowing GPS VT much time on the ball as Maine was pressing high up the field. The first half finished without many real chances, with both teams cancelling each other out. The second half started in similar fashion, and the first goal was going to be crucial.

There were a couple of close calls with GPS VT breaking through, however GPS Maine held their line well and kept catching the team offside. The first goal of the game came for GPS Maine with a brilliant pass and move from Iessa Ramadan and Robert Ochan, with Ochan playing a ball in behind and Ramadan finishing into the top right corner. The goal then opened up the game and GPS Maine found themselves back in behind the GPS VT defense, and Ramadan eventually finished after a goal line scramble.

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U-17 Boys
GPS Maine 3-0 Seacoast United Maine Premier

This game got off late on a windy evening in Sanford with a repeat of the game which happened the week before in Topsham. The game started at a good tempo with GPS Maine looking to dominate possession in the middle of the field. Seacoast frustrated Phoenix early on and defended well, with their defense standing strong and staying close to the front three, not allowing any room in behind.

The first real chance came when Phoenix broke through the final line with great movement which resulted in a tough save by the keeper who tipped it onto the post. The follow up by Prince cannoned off the cross bar and went over.

The game was then played in Seacoast’s half and the first goal of the game came when Tahj Garvey found himself the other side of the right back with a nice calm finish.

The second half continued in a familiar fashion, there were a number of chances for GPS in the second half but with a combination of unfortunate bounces, poor finishing and brilliant defensive stops the game stayed at 1-0. The second goal was always going to be crucial and it eventually came Phoenix’s way with around 10 minutes remaining a great build up with a brilliant finish and the third quickly followed. Seacoast then had their best chance of the game when a brilliantly struck shot which looked a goal however it went the wrong side of the post.

U-18 Boys
GPS North Shore 97/98 1 – 2 GPS Maine

GPS Maine U18’s travelled to Northern Massachusetts to play North Shore on Sunday morning. The game got off to a brilliant start with GPS Maine looking to dominate possession and looked very comfortable on the ball. Every time GPS Maine lost the ball they looked to win the ball back as quick as possible and then recycled possession and start building out from the back again.

The movement for Phoenix in the attacking third looked extremely impressive which pleased coach Jay Peake as they had done a session on this during the week. Every time Phoenix broke through they either placed their shot wide or found the in-form goalkeeper.

GPS North Shore took the lead with a brilliant placed shot from a wide position which found the top left corner. Phoenix then went back onto the front foot and finally found the back of the net just before half time with Chessa Hoekstra breaking through and placing the ball past the goalkeeper.

The second half was much closer with North Shore growing in confidence, and Phoenix looking to start playing longer and looking to get in behind faster. GPS Maine added their second goal of the game with around 10 minutes to go when Chessa Hoekstra broke through again after causing a number of problems for the other team with her ability to run at players. A great game and a great performance from GPS Maine who looked strong at the back and looked extremely comfortable in possession and came up against a strong GPS North Shore side.

There were other great performances and results elsewhere with GPS ME U15BE beating Seacoast U15 NPL Side 1-0. For all of the results and standings please click here.