Green Briar FC Social & Awards Night

Green Briar F.C. would like to thank the Green Briar Pub Management and Staff for sponsoring us this season, making us welcome and hosting all of our events.

The most recent of which was the Awards night on Friday night which was expertly MC'ed by John Hickey and DJ'ed by Dan Hallissey. The Kinvara Room was decorated beautifully by Deirdre Hickey and Arianne O'Connor, and all who attended made it a fun night. The winners included...

MSSL Player of the Year: Tom Caldwell
MSSL Golden Boot: Braima Samati
MSSL Silver Boot: Tom Caldwell
MSSL Most Improved Player: Gary Hennessy

OTH Player of the Year: Jason Sullo
OTH Golden Boot: Eamonn Kearney
OTH Silver Boot: Leo O'Connor
OTH Most Improved Player: Kevin Higgins

Club Man of the Year: Brian McGuinness

Horse's Ass Award: Tom McElwain
OGOTS: Conor Hannick

Video Footage from the night.

Green Briar FC End of Season Social/Awards

To all players, alumni and friends of the club,

You and your significant other are invited to get your tickets for the Green Briar FC Social Night and Awards Ceremony. The night will include an open bar, DJ and the presentation of the coveted awards. It will be a night to celebrate with team mates and friends of the club. Since it will be so close to the holidays, holiday attire is suggested. The event will be held in the Kinvara Room (left hand side room) of the Green Briar Pub.

What: Green Briar FC Social / Awards Ceremony

Where: Green Briar Pub (Kinvara Room)

When: Friday 14th December

Time: 8:00PM

Cost: $50 Per Ticket

Includes: Open Bar, DJ, Awards (& finger food/appetizers)

Tickets purchased in advance really help the Committee plan for numbers and budget for drinks. Tickets are available from a few club members, Leo, Conor, Gary Keane. Please contact any of those club members or call John Hickey (617-201-9391) or Michael Graham (781-249-7299).

Looking forward to seeing you there. As a reminder, here is the post from last year's awards.

D3 Playoff Title belongs to Briar

Green Briar O30 1:0 Southborough

What a way to finish your managerial career. Gary Keane rides off into the sunset with his D3 playoff trophy under his arm and thus brings to an end a Guardiola-esque tenure at the helm of the Green Briar Over 30's. Although not all plain sailing, Keane succeeding in guiding his men to three playoff finals out of four seasons, two promotions and two playoff titles. His record reads an impressive...

Played 46 Won 27 Draw 9 Lost 10 GF 118 GA 66 GD +52

So what next for the Waterford man? Well rumors are he's on the come back trail as a player and was seen leaving the Briar and jogging through the streets of Brighton in the early hours of Sunday morning last. I guess it's never too early to start the off-season training regimen.

Gary Keane

John Hickey was absent on the field during the final due to a severe injury, but he joined Keane on the line to urge the team forward. The 2012 Captain led by example on and off the field throughout the season and it was only fitting that he lifted the trophy triumphantly after the nail biting conclusion to the match.

John Hickey

The Green Briar defense is often overlooked when it comes to the write ups. The unsung heroes are never seen to be jostling for the accolades that are bandied about over a disputed goal or deflection that may affect the Golden boot race. They simply get the job done. It may not always be pretty, but the facts don't lie. Green Briar had the best defensive record in D3 for the Fall season and conceded a mere 1 goal in the last there games of the season, recording two clean sheets.

Kevin Higgins and Jason Sullo

Jason Sullo, Conor Hannick, Kevin Higgins, Davey Coen and Tom "The Assist" McElwain are just a few of the rear guard that helped set a foundation for the title winning effort.

Tom The Assist celebrates at the Briar

The match itself was a nail biter. The Briar struggled to find their feet in the game but persevered, slowly growing into the contest and competing against a Southborough team that were fluid and dangerous in attack.

The Briar's best chances came early in the second half, in particular a terrific free kick from Dave Coen that dropped on the six yard box caused panic with Leo O'Connor just failing to get the decisive touch.

The spoils

Southborough imposed themselves on the game as the second half wore on unluckily striking the crossbar from distance after earlier flashing a crisp shot just wide of the mark.

As time was expiring and it looked as if penalty kicks were on the cards, Tom McElwain found some inspiration. Struggling with cramp from a tireless shift at right full back, McElwain shook off the effects for one final burst of energy. Breaking up a Southborough attack he sent a searching ball up field straight into the path of Leo O'Connor. Not a man to make predictions, O'Connor guaranteed a victory while in buoyant mood a few days before the match. And so it was left to Big Leo to fulfill his own prophesy.

Better than Miss Cleo, the Club Clairvoyant Big Leo O'Connor

Fighting off his defender he gained perfect position before nudging the ball forward to give himself room for a strike. Thinking it was too easy to shoot with his right, he risked it all and took the shot with his left peg, and what a strike it was. The low drilled ball left the keeper flailing and nestled snuggly into the side netting as all in a Green jersey celebrated and collectively sighed in relief. The Briar had nicked it at the death.

A terrific day for the Green Briar Football Club and now all eyes turn to the Green Briar Pub on December 14th for the second annual Green Briar FC social.

Playoff Champions

Line Up: Sullo, Nolan, Hannick, Coen, Higgins, Glynn, Hall, McGuinness, Balekian, Java, O'Connor, Neto, Leahy, Graham, McElwain, O'Brien

 Michael Graham and Conor Hannick

 Diran Balekian

John O'Brien

Brian McGuinness

Photos courtesy of D. Apovian

Caption this? Answers on a postcard please.

Over 30's reach another final

Somerville FC 1:5 Green Briar O30

A crisp morning at Medford HS proved the perfect setting for a game of football last Sunday, with a Division 3 Playoff final berth on offer. Green Briar, the second placed team in the South crossed over to play the North champions Somerville FC.

At this late stage of the season getting quality numbers to the field can be a problem with the usual attrition due to injuries hurting every side. The Green Briar was no different in this regard. Yusuf Ribadu was lost to a thigh strain early-on in the last match of the regular season midweek and a freak accident during the semi final saw the Briar lose another one of its talismanic figures, John Hickey.

While pouncing on a ball spilled by the keeper in the box, Hickey's right footed shot hooked the ball over his left shoulder and beyond the despairing dive to the far corner of the net. The price Hickey paid in getting the Briar on the board in this crucial match was a dear one however. Sufferring a fracture of his fibula in his planted leg, John had no choice but be helped to the sideline as his day's action came to a close prematurely (albeit on a bittersweet note).

The cause and the freak nature of this injury could be explained by the unusual excesses of centripetal force and centripetal obesity that happened to coincide on the play. Some might say that a man carrying that much weight in his midrift has no business swivelling on a sixpence in such a violent manner and it is no wonder the leg gave way under such stress. In an exclusive interview with the GB Blog, Hickey believed his injury came as a direct result of the unnatural power that he was gifted with in his right leg.

All joking aside, any bone break or injury sustained while playing amateur football, especially one that affects one's livelihood and ability work is serious. Many players on Green Briar have first hand experience of this and we wish John a very speedy recovery. We'll have to postone the GB Dance-off between Hickey and Keane scheduled for the 2012 Social for another year.

The Green Briar began the game in the ascendancy and were passing the ball well in the early stages. A couple of half chances failed to be converted before a quick counter-attack saw the Greens fall behind against the run of play. A ball over the top found a Somerville attacker (suspiciously offside I might add) and he made no mistake with his control and shot to the corner of the net.

The disappointment of conceding in such a manner caused some to vent frustrations but luckily for those involved and the team as a whole everyone set about the task of getting back into the tie. Just when we needed it, Hickey came up with the goods. Tom McElwain sent a deep cross into the mixer only to see the keeper come for it and spill it into the path of Hickey. His shot on the half volley was superb, and it looped over everyone and into the net from 15 yards. Unfortunately John sustained the aforementioned injury and had to retire from the match.

Playing with a renewed vigour the Greens were rewarded with a spot kick on the stroke of half time. Graham sent Neto down the left wing and his attempted cross was handled in the area. Brian McGuinness stepped up to slot home his 12th of the O30 campaign.

Holding the lead into the second half the Green Briar looked to keep things ticking over but it was Somerville who were unlucky not to equalize as the second half progressed. Jay Sullo somehow managed to claw a ball away and the resultant rebound was cleared behind for a corner. That was a close call, but finding the 3rd goal soon after all but ended the contest. Carlos Neto added his second of four assists on the day from a corner, dropping the ball to the near post where Leo O'Connor and Davey Coen were battling for position. O'Connor got the glancing touch as the Briar secured their lead.

Playing at a comfortable clip at this stage Carlos Neto added a couple more assists to complete the scoring. Firstly Diran Balekian turned the ball home from very close range following a mazy run and cross from the right side of the area by Neto. Late-on in the match Java finally added to his personal tally on the season, collecting his club leading 14th goal of the campaign. A through ball from Neto fell nicely for Java to turn the ball home.

Gavin Hall was tremendous on the day for the Briar. His typically tenacious style in the tackle and seemingly endless reserves of energy translate to a dominance in midfield that sets the tone for the team and sets a platform for his midfield partners to create. The 2011 O30 player of the year certainly rekindled the fire and form by producing a terrific display that helped the side to victory.

One match left in the season, and another bite of the cherry against Division rivals Southborough. A good performance in the semi can now be built upon as it all comes down to the season finale.

Line Up: Sullo, Glynn, Coen, Hannick, Higgins, Hickey, Hall, O'Connor, McGuinness, Java, Neto, Balekian, Leahy, Graham, McElwain

Briar do what they needed to do

Green Briar O30 4:0 Fernandes

The Green Briar were in a precarious position. No longer masters of their own destiny in Div 3 South, they needed to travel to Taunton to pick up the necessary 3 points to put themselves in playoff contention and hope for help in other fixtures.

Their opponents on the night, Fernandes, have historically proven difficult opposition for the Greens, but a solid defensive performance coupled with the forwards finding their range in front of goal resulted in an emphatic 4:0 victory. With that job done, it is now a waiting game to see how Delta Services do against Southborough in the final regular season match on Friday at Forekicks in Marlboro. Any result but a Delta win will see the Briar through to the playoffs.

Early dominance in the match could not be converted to goals on the score board. Brian McGuinness twice found good positions in front of goal, but twice was foiled by the Fernandes keeper. The deadlock was finally broken just minutes before the break. Davey Coen delivered a free kick to the bottom corner from over 20 yards out.

The insurance goal was added soon into the second half. Diran Balekian was sprung down the left wing and his cross found Leo O'Connor who composed himself before finishing with aplomb. Later on O'Connor found himself squaring the ball from the left channel for Java to meet 1st time and side foot home. The scoring was rounded off by O'Connor who found space in the right channel and dispatched a great strike to the lower left hand corner of the net.

The clean sheet was threatened late in the game from a corner kick. A Fernandes attacker sent a header goal wards, but the ball was cleared off the line by Michael Graham who was manning the post.

A good result to cap off a terrific regular season that may not be enough for the playoffs, as it will all depend on Friday's result.

Line Up: Sullo, Nolan, Hannick, Glynn, McElwain, McGuinness, Hall, Coen, Hickey, O'Connor, Java, O'Brien, Balekian, Graham

Another costly draw

United International 1:1 Green Briar O30

Goal: Java Assist: L O'Connor

Southborough 3:1 Green Briar O30
Goal: L. O'Connor Assist: unassisted

Season coming down to the wire

Green Briar O30 6:1 Delta Services
Goal: McGuinness Assist: O'Connor
Goal: Ribadu Assist:O'Leahy
Goal O'Leahy Assist: McGuinness
Goal: McGuinness(PK) Assist: Ribadu
Goal: Coen Assist: Ribadu
Goal: Java Assist: O'Connor

Frustrating result puts league title in the balance

Southborough 3:1 Green Briar O30
Goal: L. O'Connor Assist: unassisted

The dubious goals/assists panel

When is an assist awarded (and not awarded)? The following are the guidelines that have been followed up to now.

1. A person making the last pass before a goal is scored earns an assist.
2. A person fouled for a subsequently converted penalty earns an assist.
3. A person who took a shot that was parried/saved into the path of a goal scorer earns an assist.
4. If a defensive intervention significantly alters the path of an intended pass then no assist is awarded.
5. If a defensive intervention results in an own goal, an assist is awarded.
6. A person fouled for a subsequently converted direct free kick does not earn an assist.

A day of hatricks for the Briar

New England International 3:7 Green Briar O30

Making the turn with a scoreline of 1:1, Gary Keane must have been pleased with the team talk that led to the final result, seeing his side dominate the second half to run out easy winners in the end.

A hatrick of headers in the 7 goal scoreline along with a hatrick of assists for John Hickey and a hatrick of goals for John O'Brien provided a nice symmetry to the performance.

The Briar scored early with O'Brien nodding home at the back post from a deep Hickey cross. Paul Glynn hit the bar with a shot later on in the half, but was unable to convert.

NE International equalized before the break. A mix up at the back resulted in a squaring ball to an unmarked player at the back post to tap in the easy finish.

Two quick goals at the start of the second half all but set the Briar on their way to victory. John Hickey was once again the provider as he dropped a ball onto the head of John O'Brien to finish powerfully from 6 yards. Moments later, Hickey was in the midst of a text book training ground corner routine, turning a ball goalwards to Leo O'Conner to finish from close range.

The hatrick of assists was complete. Hickey, who'd earlier mentioned that he'd all but given up retaining the Silver boot this season now sits a-top the Silver boot table and his second assists title in succession is within his grasp.

John O'Brien went one better soon after by rounding off his hatrick of goals in terrific style. A barreling run and powerful shot off of the post secured the personal milestone and the Briar's fourth.

The remainder of the game saw the teams trade goals. Brian McGuinness, Java and a lovely headed finish from Diran Balekian rounded off the Briar scoring. The second half of the season has begun on a very upbeat note and sets the Greens up for the run in.

Line Up: Sullo, Glynn, Hannick, Nolan, Higgins, Hickey, Hall, O'Connor, McGuinness, Neto, O'Brien, Balekian, Concagh, Graham, O'Leahy, Java, Coen

Another stalemate for the O30's

Green Briar O30 0:0 United International

The Briar rounded off the 1st half of the fall season with a second draw on the trot when they renewed acquaintances with old D5 foe United International.

Victory Field was yet again the venue for the Greens, a lovely venue that boasts fresh turf and full sized field dimensions. The weather was something of a travesty however with a consistent heavy rain teaming down throughout the match.

The opening half was a tight affair. The Briar went close on a couple of occasions. Firstly Joe Nolan sent a great strike whistling wide of the post from 25 yards after he latched onto a clearance from a corner. Later on, Java was unable to get on the end of a dangerous delivery into the box as the centre half flicked a header away to safety.

United International were also creating dangerous openings, the closest they got was a strike that deflected onto the right hand post and was eventually cleared to safety.

The second half saw the Briar grow into the game and earn more of the play and possession in the midfield area. United were always dangerous on the break and from set pieces (Jason Sullo making a couple outstanding saves), but the Briar were also applying pressure and creating chances.

Terrence O'Leahy was unlucky when he sent a flush strike on the half volley wide of the mark, and later in the half DKS sent in a nice cross, only for Balekian to miss the header at the back post.

As time expired the pace of play became frantic. Carlos Neto looked dangerous in possession at the edge of the box, but there was still time for United to mount a counter attack. A cross to the back post looked like it was about to fall onto the head of an attacker but a tremendous last ditch flicked header from Tom McElwain averted the danger when it looked like a sure goal.

Half way home and the Briar are still within striking distance of the top of the table. Five games left to make a run at the title and the card points still in reasonable check should be pleasing for the Greens.

Line Up: Sullo, Nolan, Hannick, Goin, Higgins, McElwain, Hall, O'Connor, McGuinness, Java, O'Brien, Balekian, Concagh, Graham, O'Leahy, DKS, Hickey, Neto

Tough defeat to Lowell United

Lowell United 4:2 Green Briar FC

The Briar's title challenge had stuttered in recent weeks and suffered another blow at Cawley Stadium after a tough defeat to Lowell United. The run of four games undefeated was lost in a poor opening 15 minutes.

Lowell raced into a comfortable 3-0 lead following a nice direct free kick from the edge of the box, a break down the left that sprung the offside trap and finally from a sloppy back pass that was gleefully collected and converted.

Following that woeful start the players did very well in steadying the ship and playing the football they know they are capable of. Reaching half time at the same score was enough to spark somewhat of a comeback in the second half.

The Briar had much more endeavour and serious attacking threats early in the second half. The reward came in the form of a penalty kick. Brian McGuinness got the Briar on the board at the second attempt following an initial save.

The Briar pressure was beginning to tell as the Lowell players were picking up some silly bookings for dissent and delays of game. The cards eventually mounted and resulted in Lowell being reduced to 9 men.

At that stage, with a two man advantage on the field and a two goal deficit on the score board the Briar felt if was only right to push men forward to make a decent attempt at a comeback. Moving to a 3-5-2 the Briar pushed on.

Chance after chance was created, but ultimately wasted as a number of players were off the mark with their shots, or at the more basic level, their first touch under pressure. A little improvement in the clinical nature of our play in the final third and we'll add to the excellent build up and midfield play the club already has in abundance.

Lowell scored a break away goal which is always a bitter disappointment while holding the numerical advantage, but they are a very good side and punish mistakes with goals, not near misses.

Two weeks left in the season and an improvement on the 5th place finish from the 2011 campaign should be the goal, as the Briar look to build the strength and depth of the club after its second season in existance.

Line Up: Mullane, Roux, Hennessy, Altidore, Clarke, Samati, Caldwell, Treacy, McGuinness, Coen, Sexton, McLoughlin, Claus

Flat performance returns solitary point

Delta Services FC 1:1 Green Briar O30

An extra early start and one hour journey obviously didn't suit the Green Briar this week. The Greens performance was a little lack lustre and they deserved no more than a point on the day.

An early strike from Brian McGuinness who buried a rebound after good build up play by Carlos Neto on the right byline seemed to settle the Green Briar side. The Greens were good value for the lead at that stage of the match.

The remainder of the half was somewhat disjointed from a Briar point of view. Delta Services were making a lot more clear cut chances and were unlucky not to equalize and take the lead but for some solid goalkeeping.

Joe Nolan and Conor Hannick's partnership in recent weeks has been solid, but they got away with a few lax moments in the first half. But for some great saves behind them the game could have slipped away from the Green Briar. Capping a poor 15 to 20 minute spell for the team, Joe Nolan was late on a challenge in the box and the spot kick was awarded. Delta spurned the chance to equalize going into half time following a great save from the PK. The Briar, although playing poorly maintained the lead.

The Briar were genuinely unlucky not to double the lead early in the second half when Brian McGuinness and Carlos Neto hit the woodwork. It was not to be, Delta equalized soon after. Delta had been trying a long throw-in towards the danger area for most of the game. Finally one paid off for them. The dropping ball at the edge of the 6 yard box wasn't dealt with, with a few players having a chance to clear before a Delta forward poked home from close range. The teams were all square.

With serious questions being asked of the Briar they stepped up the intensity again for the final minutes. They put Delta under serious pressure but were not as sharp as they could have been in the final third. A late penalty shout following a hand ball in the box was not given when it looked blatantly obvious to all in a green jersey.

After securing an away point and with other interesting results around the league that means the Briar are still within touching distance of the lead. It is all to play for in the coming weeks.

Line Up: Fallon, McElwain, Hannick, Nolan, Glynn, O'Leahy, Hall, O'Connor, McGuinness, Neto, Graham, Balekian, Concagh, O'Brien, Goin, Higgins

Great win against challenger for D3 title

Green Briar O30 3:1 Southborough

In this day and age, with Reality TV ruling the airwaves, Twitter and Facebook blowing up our phones and news outlets and the wider blogesphere providing instant access to information, it has become necessary to coin a new phrase or two, even if it only makes it to the Urban Dictionary. I present to you one such phrase....

	Media Whore
	1. A person who has a psychological need to get into TV, Film, Radio or the Green Briar Blog 2. A person who becomes aroused almost sexually by seeing or hearing themselves or about themselves on the Green Briar Blog.

Gavin Hall, John Hickey and Leo O'Connor for some reason always come to mind when I sit down to write a match report. Not so much their performances, but how to feed the beast that is the Ego of a Media Whore. Some weeks it's easy for me, but other weeks when none of them have covered themselves in glory, I really need to dig deep into the repertoire of superlatives to keep them off my back.

A picture of Hickey's thumb while reading this blog 

(yes, you can count this as one more mention of your name)

So now that I've at least given them a mention, I can get on with the match report. After all you know what they say, there's no such thing as bad publicity, or as the famous Irish playwright Oscar Wilde so eloquently put it, "The only thing worse than being talked about, is not being talked about".

Filippello Park was the venue for the visiting Southborough team, a team who was all too familiar to Carlos Neto. Carlos' former club visiting Watertown was all the motivation he needed to put in a Man of the Match performance.

Playing like a man possessed, he was involved in most that was good from the Briar. The scoring was opened in the 1st half when Brian McGuinness set Carlos away down the left. He took his man on 1 on 1 in the box and was fouled unceremoniously. The penalty was awarded and McGuinness converted with his usual confidence. Java did well to stay out of the box while he was taking it.

Southborough had also come to play however. Jason Sullo needed to be on his toes to save a dangerous long distance shot later in the first half but the Briar were also posing questions.

Paul Glynn delivered a dangerous free kick into the box which Carlos flicked on for Java, but his shot was high. Good signs for the Greens.

The second half saw the Briar add a pair of unanswered goals. Firstly, John Hickey found the head of Joe Nolan from a corner and his towering header found Java at the back post for the simplest of finishes. Minutes later Carlos was running at his man again. Beating him to the byline he squared a tantalizing ball to Java to bag his brace in similarly comfortable fashion.

Holding a three goal advantage the Briar were always going to invite pressure from the visitors. The clean sheet was lost when a corner was defended well but the second ball into the box was headed home by an unmarked player on the six yard box.

The Briar's rear guard was up to the remaining challenges and comfortably saw out the remainder of the match with two goals to spare. A good result from the Greens who bounce back from last week's defeat and keep up their challenge for the Division 3 title.

Line Up: Sullo, McElwain, Hannick, Nolan, Glynn, Hickey, Hall, O'Connor, McGuinness, Java, Neto, DKS, Graham, Balekian, Concagh, O'Brien, Goin

Latest Results

Green Briar O30 3:1 Southborough
Goal: McGuinness (pen) Assist: Neto
Goal: Java Assist: Nolan
Goal: Java Assist: Neto

Line Up: Sullo, McElwain, Hannick, Nolan, Glynn, Hickey, Hall, O'Connor, McGuinness, Java, Neto, DKS, Graham, Balekian, Concagh, O'Brien, Goin

Green Briar FC 1:1 Suchi FC
Goal: Mickey Sexton Assist: unassisted

Line Up: Mullane, Roux, Altidore, Miller, Clarke, Treacy, T Caldwell, McGuinness, McLoughlin, O'Malley, Sexton, Bourke, Claus, Jones, Hannick

Points dropped by the Briar 1st team

Mass Utd Lynn 1:1 Green Briar FC

The Briar failed to keep their winning run going this week but earned a hard fought draw versus Mass Utd Lynn played under the lights at Manning Field.

After helping the Briar dominate the early stages, Gary Hennessy continued his fine season with a towering header into the net from a Keith McLoughlin corner on 11 minutes.

Mass Utd grew into the game as the half progressed and were the better side for long periods, without actually creating any clear cut chances however.

At half time, upping the individual work rate on and off the ball was identified as something that could be improved upon but it also took a quick equalizer from Mass Utd on 48 minutes to really get a reaction from the Briar players.

The introduction of Dean Bourke definitely brought some energy and pace up front for the Briar but the rub of the green eluded everyone in a Briar shirt. Plenty of half chances and good positions were created with nothing falling right for the players in front of goal.

Mass Utd always posed a threat on the break as the Briar pushed to regain the lead. From the last kick of the game, Ken Mullane pulled off a terrific save that salvaged a point and kept the Briar ticking over at the top end of the table.

Other results were favorable this week, so it is still all to play for in the last month of the season.

Line Up: Mullane, Claus, Hennessy, Roux, Clarke, McLoughlin, Treacy, Caldwell, McGuinness, Coen, Hardy, Bourke, Hannick

Away loss for O30's in New Bedford

Fernandes FC 2:1 Green Briar O30

The Briar's opening game of the 2011 fall season was a match-up against Fernandes FC down in New Bedford. The team was successful in taking the 3 points in a memorable 3-2 victory in the rain. Since that match however, the Briar have failed to record a victory against Fernandes in five additional attempts. A 2-2 draw, 3-3 draw, 1-0 defeat, defeat in the play-off final on PK's and now today, suffering a 2-1 defeat in New Bedford yet again. In recent times, they've proved to have our number.

Today's effort was good from the Briar perspective, and perhaps deserved more. Leo O'Connor put in a stalwart performance, being involved in virtually everything good the Greens did on the day. Gavin Hall was also impressive in the middle of the park.

The Briar thought they had opened the scoring when O'Connor rode a heavy challenge before dispatching a terrific shot to the corner of the net. But for a hasty whistle from the referee to call the foul, the goal would have stood, but had to be ruled out on the technicality.

Kevin Higgins making his clearance while under pressure

Later, Leo also had a long distance shot deflected toward the top corner, but the Fernandes keeper was equal to it, tipping over to avert the danger.

Fernandes responded with a break down the left wing that resulted in a low cross into the mixer. A goal mouth scramble ensued with Kevin Higgins eventually called for a hand ball. The Fernandes keeper came up from the back and crushed the ball into the top corner for the lead.

Video Footage courtesy of Sky

In the second half the Briar equalized after some concerted pressure. A long free kick into the box was broken to the feet of a Fernandes defender. Dwelling too long on the ball, he was dispossessed by Graham. McGuinness picked up the loose ball and played O'Connor down the right hand side. His cross was turned in very well by Java.

Fernandes responded with some pressure of their own. Jason Sullo turned a long distance shot off the bar and away to safety. His replacement, Paul Fallon got into the action straight away with another terrific save.

The Gaffer leaves his technical area to relay some critical information

A sloppy piece of play lead to the winner for Fernandes. Following a clearance from a corner, the ball was inadvertently played backwards through a combination of Java and Graham, both of whom failed to clear their lines. A deflection fell into the path of two Fernandes attackers who were slow to get out of the box. Played on-side by the defensive touch, the ball was squared and sent to the roof of the net with authority.

Leo O'Connor nearly salvaged a point for the Briar when he crashed a free kick off of the bar, but it was not meant to be. Another tough result at the hands of Fernandes, which will make the return fixture that more important.

Line Up: Sullo, McElwain, Nolan, Hannick, Higgins, McGuinness, O'Connor, Hall, Hickey, Neto, Kearney, Balekian, Graham, Fallon

Latest Results

Green Briar O30 4:2 NE International
Scorer: Java Assist: C Hannick
Scorer: C. Neto Assist: J. O'Brien
Scorer: L O'Connor Assist: P. Glynn
Scorer: J. O'Brien Assist: C. Neto

A terrific start to the fall season as Gary Keane's men recorded the win in their debut match of Division 3. With sights set securely on automatic promotion, an opening day win in comfortable fashion is just what the doctor ordered.

Green Briar 5:0 West Africans United
Scorer: K. O'Malley Assist: T. Caldwell
Scorer: K. O'Malley Assist: T. Caldwell
Scorer :K. McLoughlin Assist: K. O'Malley
Scorer: D. Coen Assist: K. O'Malley
Scorer: C. Treacy Assist: Unassisted

A delayed kick-off was not enough to knock the Green Briar out of its rhythm as they recorded a comfortable 5:0 over West Africans United. A mix up in refereeing assignments for the Celtic v Lowell Utd match meant close to an hour delay in both matches. West Africans took exception to the delay and played the match under protest. The protest is being looked into by the league and the standings will be updated hopefully by week's end.

Keith O'Malley put in a great performance with a brace of goals and assists. David Coen scored the pick of the goals however. A square ball from O'Malley on the right wing found Coen free at the edge of the box. He hit the ball first time and caressed a stupendous lob over the stranded keeper into an unguarded net. Terrific touch from the big man who is in a rich vein of form recently.

Briar back on track

SC Canon Sportif 0:2 Green Briar FC

A strange weekend in the MSSL top flight. News that Green Briar and Albania United both had won coupled with the Lowell teams playing out a draw against each other was good for the race for the title. But the shocker of the round was the 3:2 victory of West Africans United over Boston Olympiakos. What was even more newsworthy was an official protect by Olympiakos to have the games forfeited due to West Africans fielding a player that was not registered by the Monday night deadline. Due process needs to be completed on that protest, but if over-turned it will be a let off for Olympiakos and a disappointment for the other teams at the top of the league who would have benefited.

Against Canon Sportif, David Coen and Ronan Caldwell continued their goal scoring form. Midfield dynamo Tom Caldwell was the architect of both, as he stretches his lead in the quest for the silver boot this season.

The Briar were unlucky not to have more. David Coen hit the post with a powerful header from 12 yards following a good cross from Brian McGuinness.

Substitutes Mike Hardy and Brian Claus also impressed. Mike was unlucky not the get on the score sheet after a neat move between Darrell Jones, Brian Claus and Keith McLoughlin saw a ball dropped into his path as he crashed the net. His first time strike was powerful but wayward, as it flew over the bar.

Brian Claus also had an effort worthy of a goal, only to see it denied by a goal mouth clearance. A long ball cleared from the Briar defense found Brian in a one on one race for possession. As the keeper advanced outside his box, Claus managed to poke the ball towards goal from 30 yards between the defender and keeper. The ball was headed in but didn't have enough pace, allowing a defender to get back and clear in the nick of time.

Keeping pace at the top end of the table but a difficult, no doubt physical challenge comes next week with the visit of West Africans United to Moakley Stadium.

Line Up: Mullane, Roux, Altidore, Miller, Clarke, C Treacy, McGuinness, T Caldwell, R Caldwell, Coen, Samati, McLoughlin, Jones, Hardy, Hannick, Claus

Green Briar 1:1 MPS (4:2 PK's), TSL Final

Congratulations to Paul Glynn and his Green Briar charges for winning the Twilight Summer League 030/40 2012. Paul was instrumental in setting up the team, coordinating fixtures and managing from the pitch and sideline. With all the other work Paul does we have an early nominee for Clubman of the year.

The match itself was decided on penalty kicks as a 90 minute 1-1 stalemate was played out at Woburn High School. The standard of play from the Green Briar and MPS was worthy of a final and 90 minutes couldn't separate the teams.

After an earlier miss from Michael Graham, MPS took the lead from the spot. Colin Goin mis-timed a challenge in the box and Jason Sullo was unlucky not to save, getting two hands on the ball but pushing it into the side netting.

Immediately from the restart, Hairstyle dropped a 5 yard pass to Davey Coen who hit the ball 1st time all of 55 yards and into the net, as he caught the MPS goalkeeper napping. The ball was hit with such authority that the keeper was left scrambling goal ward and ended up in a heap in the net himself. Goal of the season contender.

The second half was an end-to-end affair with many half chances created but nothing clear cut. That is, until Brian McGuinness put a superb ball onto the "ceann" of Hairstyle only for his header to fly over.

So onto PK's. The Briar were flawless with their 4 takers, McGuinness, Coen, O'Connor and Janak Altidore with the winner. The cause was helped with a great save, low to his left from captain Jason Sullo, while the other MPS kick that was missed cannoned off the bottom of Sullo's right hand post.

Once again, great work from the team and Paul Glynn.

Captain Jason Sullo

2012 TSL O30/40 Champions

Where do you ply your trade? Division 3!

The news came through this morning that the Over 30 side would be promoted to Division 3 of the OTH League, effective immediately. That reward is no less than the Briar deserved after a topsy turvy spring campaign came good down the stretch.

Let's not forget the work of the Committee and specifically Paul Glynn, who represented the club tremendously with the OTH board in overturning the F.F.C. result and earning us a replay that the players grasped with two hands.

The 4:0 victory in the rematch over F.F.C. proved the catalyst for a good run in the play-offs where the Briar narrowly missed out on the title.

Since taking over the team in Spring of 2011, Gary Keane has led his team to two promotions in three campaigns. An excellent record as manager from a talented player who has struggled with injuries in recent years. With Gary on the come back trail again, further advancement of this team is a tangible possibility, as the Briar go from strength to strength.

Same opponent, similar result

Boston Olympiakos 3:0 Green Briar FC

A much better performance from the Green Briar against a talented Olympiakos side but the result was no better than that in the Cup a few days earlier. A 3:0 scoreline does not tell the whole tale of the game however, as the Briar enjoyed much more of the play on this occasion but once again self-inflicted mistakes proved costly.

Davey Coen and Braima Samati had the ball in the Olympiakos net on three occasions between them, only for some tight, if not questionable offside decisions to go against them. Other opportunities of note included a pair of rasping shots from distance either side of half time from Colin Roux and from Tom Caldwell. A stone wall penalty shout from Ronan Caldwell also came to nought as an ill-advised advantage call from the referee robbed the Briar of the spot kick with the score at 2:0.

Maintaining a balance and shape is always difficult against the Olympiakos outfit, as simple lapses in concentration or wayward passes or on set pieces tend to be capitalized upon with clinical precision. Olympiakos' first goal came from a Briar free kick. Having commited men forward, Janak Altidore didn't get enough purchase on his delivery allowing Olympiakos to break at speed down the right and square to an unmarked Carlos Diniz for the easy tap-in. Promising early play was undone with one simple error.

Minutes into the second half, a give away in the middle by Davey Coen developed into a clear shooting opportunity for Edson Miranda, from inside the area he dispatched a ruthless strike to the top right hand corner of the net. A strike with unbelievable power and precision.

Although Olympiakos were capitalizing on mistakes, the Briar were still well in the contest. Enjoying more of the play on this occasion, there were plenty of chances created and spurned as the second half progressed. A little bit of luck was lacking on the day for the Briar players.

The poor result was capped off with a sloppy third goal when Dupuis was caught between two unmarked Olympiakos attackers in the box, and once again the Olympiakos goal seemed all too easy.

Yet again the Briar team puts in an excellent shift against Olympiakos, working tirelessly and competing for every ball. Unfortunately it was the slight lack of quality in the final third and untimely turnovers in possession that were the difference. Creating more chances than their illustrious opponents was of little consolation to a team that simply didn't get the reward they deserved on the day.

Line Up: Dupuis, Roux, Altidore, Miller, Clarke, McLoughlin, McGuinness, T Caldwell, R Caldwell, Coen, Samati, O'Malley, Treacy, Jones, Hardy, Hannick, Claus

Briar crash out to holders in the MSSL Cup

Boston Olympiakos 3:1 Green Briar FC

Having taken the lead early in the second half from a Brian McGuinness penalty kick, the Briar were unable to hang on and bowed out of the 2012 installment of the MSSL Cup.

In fairness, the Briar were out-played for much of the first half but managed to keep their goal in tact while also crafting two excellent chances on the counter attack. Ronan Caldwell was unable to capitalize on shooting opportunites at the beginning and end of the first half with the Olympiakos keeper saving well on both occasions.

Five minutes into the second half Tom Caldwell was up-ended in the box for the spot kick. Brian McGuinness converted well and the Briar has something to hang onto.

As the half progressed the Briar sat back more and more, inviting pressure from their dangerous opponents. From a free kick on the edge of the box Olympiakos danger man Admilson Miranda produced a bit of magic, sending the ball perfectly over the wall and into the net off the angle of crossbar and post. An excellent strike.

Miranda proved to be the Briar killer yet again as he netted the go-ahead goal. Following a run from midfield that was not closed down with sufficient urgency, too much respect and space was shown to the Olympiakos man as the defenders continued to back off. Having found himself inside the box, a clinical side foot shot to the corner capped off a terrific run. Even though Miranda exploited the opportunity afforded him, the Briar should do better in coming to meet runners from midfield.

While pushing for the equalizer, Olympiakos put the game out of reach when John Bavota squared to an unmarked Queivon Correia Adilson at the back post who made no mistake.

A disappointing performance and result as the Briar know they can play better. With Olympiakos up once again in the league this Sunday a quick turn around in fortunes will be sought by everyone in a white jersey.

Line-Up: Dupuis, Roux, Miller, Hennessy, Clarke, Treacy, T Caldwell, O'Malley, McGuinness, Coen, R Caldwell, Samati, McLoughlin, Jones, Altidore

TSL Final awaits O30's

Green Briar O30 2:2 North Shore Utd. (4:2 pens)

The Over 30 side led by Paul Glynn, marched into the TSL final with a dramatic win on penalty kicks in Boxford this past Wednesday night. Having just 12 players at their disposal and suffering a red card in the match only further highlights the great achievement.

Paul Glynn led by example with the opening goal for the Briar, and the assist on the equalizer which was scored with the last meaningful touch of the match. Diran Balekian who has been in a rich vein of form succeeded in getting his head on a corner in the dying moments.

Jason Sullo stepped up during the PK's with 3 saves from 5. While the Briar themselves were not perfect from the spot they did enoughto earn the final berth.

Tom McElwain scoring the winning kick to raptourous applause from his team mates. (source needs to be independently verified for this)

Briar Climb the MSSL Table

Green Briar FC 4:0 Albania United

The Briar kicked off the 2nd half of the season in impressive style with a comprehensive 4:0 victory over Albania United. The match was the first in a series of three tough matches in a week for the Briar and hopefully will set the tone for the pair of meetings with Olympiakos.

As is typical with matches versus Albania the midfield was hotly contested, with quick yellow cards being brandished to the Briar midfield duo of Conor Treacy and Tom Caldwell.

Davey Coen had threatened the goal early on with a header that flashed across goal, but made no mistake with the second chance that fell his way. A deep ball from Janak Altidore tempted the Albania keeper off his line. Ronan Caldwell challenged the high ball and provided enough of a distraction for the keeper to spill the ball into the path of Coen, who slotted home the opener.

Keith O'Malley had a good opportunity to score when he latched onto a clipped cross from Brian McGuinness on the full volley. Unfortunately the effort was dragged across goal and didn't test the keeper.

Following an injury to Janak Altidore, Peter Miller was sharp on the restart, springing Ronan Caldwell in behind the Albania defense where he showed great composure to slot home to the keepers left hand side. A terrific way to end the half.

With the breeze at their backs and a comfortable lead, the Briar were sure to continue the intensity in the second half. Jason Sullo in goal let a huge punt fly over the Albania defense. Ronan Caldwell was his usual tenacious self as he put pressure on the retreating defender and ultimately dispossessed him. Standing at the corner of the 6 yard box he laid off a teasing ball to a team mate bombing into the box at untold speed, who buried the ball into the Albanian net. Slow motion relpay identified the scorer as a resurgient Davey Coen, who knew a man of his stature could move so fast.

Ronan Caldwell capped off a great day for himself and the Briar by completing his brace from a free kick. His effort from 25 yards clipped the wall and fortuitously landed into the unguarded corner of the net. On another day it would have flashed wide, but things would fall right for the Briar all day helped in no small part by the determined shift put in be all 13 players used.

Proceedings soured somewhat towards the end as two Albanian players were given their marching orders. One for a late and hard challenge on Ronan Caldwell and the other to a player who showed disrespect by bombarding the referee with such abuse that he had no choice but to take action.

A comprehensive victory overall that left the Albania United team crying foul and walking off the field in disbelief. Coming off of a tie and a win against the league leaders, a loss to the Briar shifts the dynamic at the top of the table yet again as Albania slip to fourth place and the Briar leap frog into third. With Olympiakos next up for the Briar, the challenges are coming thick and fast, but entering the match the Briar players should have confidence in building on their great position.

Line-Up: Sullo, Roux, Miller, Hennessy, Altidore, O'Malley, T Caldwell, Treacy, McGuinness, Coen, R Caldwell, McLoughlin, Clarke

Upcoming Games

For games, please be at the venue no later that 30 minutes in advance of kick-off.

TSL: Wed Aug 8th: Green Briar O30 vs North Shore Utd, 6:30PM (Masconomet HS)
MSSL Cup: Wed Aug 8th: Boston Olympiakos vs Green Briar FC, 7:00PM (Rotch Playground)
MSSL League: Sun Aug 12th: Boston Olympiakos vs Green Briar FC, 2:00PM (Madison Park HS)

Banshee Invitational

Green Briar 4:2 Banshee Celtic

The Briar relinquished their hold on the Banshee Celtic Invitational Cup this past Wednesday with a narrow loss to Paddy Barry's. The second match of the competition was a consolation match versus the Banshee Celtic.

Played under scorching conditions at Moakley turf, the teams nonetheless put forth an entertaining spectacle. The Briar fell behind on two occasions, but managed to reply and add a couple more to run out 4:2 winners.

Tom Caldwell was sharp in taking a quick free kick to Carlos to find the first equalizer. A spilled cross from the right was spilled into the path of Colin Goin for the second equalizer.

As the conditions took their toll, the Briar managed to add a couple of late goals to secure the victory. Carlos collected his brace when he finished on the rebound following a shot off the cross bar. Not to be outdone, Colin Goin also got his brace with a typically barreling run and finish as time expired.

Line Up: Mullane, Glynn, McElwain, George, Hannick, Caldwell, McGuinness, Graham, O'Leahy, O'Brien, Balekian

Briar sign Hulk from FC Porto

Briar lose Banshee Invitational

Green Briar 0:1 Paddy Barry's

The Green Briar fell at the first hurdle in their defense of the Banshee Celtic Invitational Cup, losing by a solitary goal to Paddy Barry's at Moakley Stadium on a showery Wednesday evening.

The Briar were unlucky to remain scoreless on the night. Ronan Caldwell hit the woodwork early on and with almost his first touch Dean Burke was robbed of an opener as he lobbed the keeper from distance only to see it hit the upright.

The chances continued to be created in the second half. Braima Samati whistled a shot wide from his right wing position. Later, Davey Coen hit over from 15 yards out after being setup from the bi-line by Dean Burke.

Paddy Barry's broke the deadlock when a sweeping move from the right caught the Briar defense a little unbalanced. The attacker turned the corner onto his left foot at the left edge of the box and sent a strong shot towards goal. Although the shot was in a central location and Ken Mullane in goal seemed set to gobble it up, it somehow squirted through the five hole and a second attacker crashing the net finished the gifted chance.

 The Briar responded with plenty of pressure on the Barry's goal. Late on Ronan Caldwell sent a glancing header just wide of the post following an inswinger from Conor Treacy. The final chance fell to Ronan again. Picking the ball up at the right hand side of the area, from a tight angle Caldwell screwed his shot wide off the outside of his right boot when perhaps a low shot across the keeper could have led to something more promising.

Little to cheer about for the Briar in this one as a consolation match versus Banshee Celtic awaits on Saturday. In fairness, the team has one eye on the big match versus Albania United on Sunday as the second half of the MSSL league kicks off at the same venue.

Line Up: Mullane, Hardy, Miller, Hennessy, Clarke, Treacy, McGuinness, T Caldwell, B Samati, R Caldwell, D Williams, D Burke, K McLoughlin, D Coen

Unclaimed Goals and Assists

There wasn't the best record keeping done while I was away, so after a bit of inquiry and scrutiny, this is what I have. (I'm not so worried about goals/assists matching up, just the quantity and player involved). The golden and silver boot tables are up to date based on these matches listed below.

Also, for those of you wishing to claim goals and assists listed as unclaimed, text me (and/or slip me a tenner).

OTL
Green Briar O30 8:1 Azurri FC
Goal: Java Assist: Hickey
Goal: Java Assist: Hickey
Goal: Java Assist: O'Connor
Goal: Balekian Assist: Hickey
Goal: Balekian Assist: Java
Goal: Kilber-Stearns Assist: Hairstyle
Goal: McGuinness Assist: Hairstyle
Goal: Coen Assist: <unclaimed>

Green Briar O30 4:0 F.F.C.
Goal: O'Connor Assist: Hickey
Goal: O'Connor Assist: Coen
Goal: Hickey Assist: Goin
Goal: Hickey Assist: McElwain


Green Briar O30 2:0 Ipswich
Goal: McGuinness Assist: McGuinness
Goal: McGuinness Assist: Coen


Green Briar O30 1:2 Fernandes
Goal: McGuinness Assist: O'Connor

Twilight
Green Briar O30 4:1 Hopkinton
Goal: Hairstyle Assist: <unclaimed>
Goal: Hairstyle Assist: <unclaimed>
Goal: <unclaimed> Assist: <unclaimed>
Goal: Glynn Assist: <unclaimed>

Green Briar O30 2:4 MPS
Goal: <unclaimed> Assist: <unclaimed>
Goal: <unclaimed> Assist: <unclaimed>

Green Briar O30 3:0 Weston
Goal: O'Connor Assist: Graham
Goal: O'Leahy Assist: Graham
Goal: Balekian Assist: <unclaimed>

Green Briar O30 6:0 Dover
Goal: O'Leahy Assist: <unclaimed>
Goal: McGuinness Assist: Graham
Goal: Balekian Assist: McElwain
Goal: <unclaimed> Assist: <unclaimed>
Goal: <unclaimed> Assist: <unclaimed>
Goal: <unclaimed> Assist: <unclaimed>


Green Briar O30 3:1 Essex
Goal: Own-Goal Assist: Glynn
Goal: Hairstyle Assist: <unclaimed>
Goal: Balekian Assist: O'Connor

MSSL
Green Briar FC 2:0 FC Lynn
Goal: McGuinness Assist: Samati
Goal: Samati Assist: Jones

Green Briar FC 3:2 Celtic FC
Goal: McGuinness Assist: Samati
Goal: Samati Assist: Claus
Goal: Caldwell Assist: McGuinness

Upcoming Games

For games, please be at the venue no later that 30 minutes in advance of kick-off.

Twilight Summer: Wed Aug 1st: Green Briar O30 3:1 Essex Rovers, 6:30PM (Danvers HS)
Banshee Cup Semi: Wed Aug 1st: Green Briar FC 0:1 Paddy Barry's, 6:00PM (Moakley Turf)
Banshee Cup Semi: Thur Aug 2nd: Kendall 4:2 Banshee, 7:30PM (Rotch Playground)
Banshee Cup 3rd PP: Sat Aug 4th: Green Briar FC vs Banshee, 12:00PM (Moakley Turf)
Banshee Cup Final: Sat Aug 4th: Paddy Barry's vs Kendall, 2:00PM (Moakley Turf)
MSSL League: Sun Aug 5th: Green Briar FC vs Albania Utd, 2:00PM (Moakley Turf)
MSSL Cup: Wed Aug 8th: Boston Olympiakos vs Green Briar FC, 7:00PM (Rotch Playground)
MSSL League: Sun Aug 12th: Boston Olympiakos vs Green Briar FC, 2:00PM (Madison Park HS)

The Zoo Cruise

Click here for more details on this cruise on Friday August 3rd, organized through The Harp Bar. Tickets are just $20.

The Briar Cup 2012

This year the Kendall Wanderers and Green Briar soccer clubs will compete for the Briar Cup. There will be two matches held on July 28th in Danehy Park, Cambridge. The OTH sides from each club will play at 2pm followed by a Kendall BSSL selection vs the Green Briar MSSL side at 4pm.

In order to make each game competitive and meaningful, the aggregate score from both matches will determine which club takes the cup, and the winners are invited to defend the trophy in 2013.

The Green Briar Pub will be hosting all 4 teams back at the bar on Washington Street in Brighton after the matches for food, drinks and presentations.

Hopefully this will be the start of an annual competition between the clubs.

NE Revolution vs NY Red Bulls 7/8/12

Anyone interested in heading down to see Thierry Henry and the NY Red Bulls play the Revs this Sunday July 8th 7PM Kick off?

 

The Midnight Riders suporters club are running a bus from the Phoenix Landing to and from the game. Plus there's an open tailgate party when you get there. You have a choice to buy a discounted ticket and a spot on the bus, or just a spot on the bus.

 

Check it out if interested,

 

http://www.midnightriders.com/boston-to-gillette-for-78-game/

The Henri Delaunay Cup

The only Irish man to get his hands on the cup this time around

Green Briar FC on tour

Games This Week

For games, please be at the venue no later that 30 minutes in advance of kick-off.

OTH League Game 9
Sun June 10th: Green Briar O30 vs Azzurri FC, 9:00AM (Filippello Park)

MSSL Cup
Sun June 10th: Green Briar FC vs FC Lynn, 12:00PM (Danehy Park)

Terrific Result against league leaders

Green Briar FC 1:1 Lowell United

The Briar bounced back from the midweek loss to Albania in the best possible way, putting in a tremendously disciplined performance against league leaders Lowell United that earned them a valuable point and causing Lowell to drop their first points of ther season.

To a man, the Briar worked relentlessly throughout the 90 minutes. Hassling, pressuring and closing down the skillful Lowell players. When things did get broken up, the Briar were confident in possession as they probed for an opening on the counter attack.

The Briar maintained their clean sheet in the first half helped in no small part by a specatacular save by Peter Dupuis. Aswerving shot from distance was tipped over by Peter after making a terrific adjustment in the air.

That opening came in spectacular fashion. Janak Altidore sent a searching diagonal ball to the far post where Braima Samati had peeled off of his defender to find space. He subsequently sent a beautiful side footed volley past the hapless keeper into the bottom right hand corner of the net. The young man is in great form.

The Briar closed out the half with the lead intact and went about business in the second in much the same manner. Lowell were enjoying a little more of a territorial advantage as they pushed for the equalizer as the second half progressed.

With ten minutes to go Lowell restored parity. The Briar had a couple of chances to clear a bouncing ball at the edge of their area but instead the ball fell kindly for a Lowell man. Showing terrific skill he sent a side-footed shot out of the reach of Peter Dupuis in goal and the sides were level.

In the minutes that remained it was the Briar that could have stolen all three points. Confusion reigned in the Lowell defense for once as a high ball bounced over the centre half and towards the edge of the box. The keeper and defender collided resulting in the ball bouncing out to Tom Caldwell who was 25 yards from goal. Tom chose to take the shot at the empty net on the half volley but his effort was slightly miscued and ended back with the keeper who had picked himself up at the edge of the area.

The result sees the Briar keep pace with the top of the league, but a closer look at the table will show that there is no room for slip ups in the coming weeks if the Briar want to push on and put pressure on the elite teams of the MSSL. Other teams such as Lusitanos and Albania United are slowly gathering momentum also. With an away trip to Lowell Lusitanos next up for the Briar, it seems the big games keep coming.

Line Up: Dupuis, Clarke, Hennessy, Miller, Altidore, Roux, Caldwell, McGuinness, Hardy, McLoughlin, Samati, Jones, McCarney, Claus, Doonan, Coen