Consider this however, between the two teams the Green Briar has amassed a staggering total of 91 goals scored. Discounting forfeits and opponent's own goals that helped us along the way, that brings the total down to 82 goals from 27 Green Briar players throughout the season.
To help jog your memory, I have selected a few goals that may or may not be on your list but definitely caught my eye this season.
1. Eamonn McCarney vs Medford Soccer (Apr 10th 2011 Playstead Park, Medford MA)
Trailing 2-1 away from home entering the final minutes of the match McCarney produced some magic. A deep corner from Gary Cassidy was only half cleared to the far side of the box. Eamonn McCarney had pulled off the back post and collected the ball. Taking two touches to settle he exploited the space he was given to rifle a shot across the keeper which sent the net bulging as it went in at the far post.
2. Gary Cassidy vs Celtic FC (May 8th 2011 Columbus Park, Boston MA)
Trailing 1:0 at half time, Gary Cassidy took little time to restore parity. A marauding run by David Lally out of the back saw him cross half way and lift a delightful ball over the defense to Gary Cassidy. The Limerick-man had stolen a march on the defense and yet had the composure to find an exquisitely weighted lob over the keeper to find the net. We are used to seeing Gary come up with special goals, but this one ranks highly even for him, considering the pitch conditions and the game situation.
3. Michael Graham vs Harvard (May 29th 2011 Fillippello Park, Watertown MA)
After 30 minutes of spurned chances the deadlock was finally broken with a beautiful strike from 25 yards. A ball over the top from Paul Glynn on the right wing was mistimed by the Harvard defender and Michael Graham settled the ball to play a neat one-two with Gavin Hall on the edge of the box. After receiving the return ball he found space for a shot from outside the area. His effort looped and dipped into the top left corner over the despairing keeper.
4. Gary Cassidy vs Canon Sportif (June 12th 2011 Danehy Park, Cambridge MA)
Adding to a goal he scored from a free kick earlier in the tie, Gary Cassidy completed his brace in style. Braima Samati was released down the right wing on 62 minutes. With a quick touch and look up he delivered a great cross to the far post to an unmarked Gary Cassidy. Gary took the ball on his chest and struck a volley which he deliberately lobbed over the keeper into the top of the net. It has been said of the great players that the game slows down, especially in the highly contested environment of the final third. Gary's elegant control and finish was completed with such an efficiency of movement that it looked like it was in slow motion. Yet another quality finish to add to his 2011 season's portfolio.
Adding to a goal he scored from a free kick earlier in the tie, Gary Cassidy completed his brace in style. Braima Samati was released down the right wing on 62 minutes. With a quick touch and look up he delivered a great cross to the far post to an unmarked Gary Cassidy. Gary took the ball on his chest and struck a volley which he deliberately lobbed over the keeper into the top of the net. It has been said of the great players that the game slows down, especially in the highly contested environment of the final third. Gary's elegant control and finish was completed with such an efficiency of movement that it looked like it was in slow motion. Yet another quality finish to add to his 2011 season's portfolio.
5. Keith McLoughlin vs Lusitanos (Aug 10th 2011, Veterans Stadium, Lawrence MA)
With 2 minutes remaining in the tie, Keith McLoughlin ensured the Greens would leave Lowell with a point after a heated affair. Fernando DelPieri came out of his goal to take a free kick from inside the Briar half. Most players had advanced to the 18 yard box in an attempt to make something happen. The ball was flighted to the edge of the 18 where Leo O'Connor rose and met the ball to flick it goalwards. Still in the air, Peter Miller dipped low to head it backwards into the path of Keith McLouglin who had found a yard of space at the back post. On the half volley, Keith sidefooted the ball to the right corner of the net leading to rousing celebrations from the visitors.
6. Kevin O'Donnell vs Fernandes (Sept 7th 2011, New Bedford MA)
On a waterlogged pitch Kevin O'Donnell completed a splendid victory for the Greens..... The winner was fashioned from a mistake by the Fernandes defense. A defender lost control of the ball when getting bogged down in one of the numerous puddles. Michael Graham reacted quickest and pushed the ball down the right wing into space. Chasing his own ball, he got there first and played a centering pass into the box. Kevin O'Donnell controlled the ball on the penalty spot and shaped a beautifully curling shot into the right corner of the net, a superb finish, a superb winner.
7. Leo O'Connor vs Peru Sport (Oct 16th 2011, Stoughton MA)
According to the 2010/2011 Laws of the Game as regulated by FIFA, under Law 8 - The Start and Restart of Play (Page 29 of Laws Of The Game) under the heading Definition of kick-off it states: A goal may be scored directly from the kick-off. The Green Briar succeeded in scoring from the kick-off against Peru Sport, although not directly. The Pair that beat the Full House contrived to manufacture a precious assist also. John Hickey played an exquisite 6 inch pass into the path of Leo O'Connor. John also completing the difficult task of making sure the ball went forward from the kick-off. After that all the hard work was done. Leo had the simple task of lobbing the keeper from 50 yards. A great goal showing presence of mind and excellent execution!
8. David Coen vs Peru Sport (Oct 16th 2011, Stoughton MA)
An immediate response to a Peru equalizer was duly supplied by the midfield maestro. Davey Coen sent a long pass to Michael Graham who settled the ball and brought Gavin Hall into the play. Gavin beat a man and played it back to Graham who's squaring pass was drilled into the net by Davey Coen from 20 yards. A terrific finish and a beautifully worked move involving 3 players and spanning 50 yards.
9. Braima Samati vs Lowell United (Oct 16th 2011, East Boston MA)
The completion of a stunning comeback against MSSL cup finalist was capped by a great goal from the striker. The icing on the cake and the rubber stamp of a terrific performance by Tom Caldwell saw him deliver a freekick into the box that was met on the full volley by Braima Samati. The young man making no mistake in timing his run and meeting the delivery perfectly as the ball flashed past the keeper for the Briar's fourth of the tie.
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