2015 Squares

Green Briar FC on Facebook

To all players and interested parties in the Green Briar Football Club, join us on Facebook for all the latest match and event details. The Facebook group for the club is "Green Briar FC"

Pre season Training

Tues. 7pm - 10pm 02/25, 03/04, 03/11, 03/18, 03/25

Winter Hill Community School
Gymnasium (Basketball court surface)
115 Sycamore Street
Somerville MA  02145

Some notes:

1. Enter the gym at the side entrance on Sycamore Street.
2. Parking is mostly residential in the area, so I advise car pooling where possible, or public transportation.
3. Parking is available on Broadway, and perhaps Medford Street also....
4. There is a small parking area belonging to the school on the play area/court off of Thurston Street, its marked in the image below.
5. The parking area marked in red belongs to the church, so I am unsure of the towing situation on that lot.
6. Follow the directions of the custodian on-site.

 

 

Management for the 2014 season

Tom McElwain and Yusuf Ribadu have chosen not to return to management duty for the 2014 season. Thank you for your service to the club.

Over 30's Management Team: John Hickey, Keith O'Malley
MSSL Management Team: Michael Graham, Brian Claus
Team Trainer: Kevin Dillon

2014 MSSL Schedule

There will only be one division of MSSL play this year, comprising of 12 teams. The teams and Green Briar games are listed below. Division 2 teams merging to division 1 include Mill City, Boston Ethiopians and Homenetmen Armenians. New teams in the league include African All Stars and Greater Lowell United (part of a new NPSL club).

** Pre Season
03.09.2014 Albania Utd P:P Green Briar FC (Sun:12PM KO, Framingham State U.)
03.15.2014 MIT vs Green Briar FC (Sat:4PM KO, Roberts Field)
03.23.2014 Celtic FC vs Green Briar FC (Sun:2PM KO, Ceylon Park)

** MSSL Season Start
03.30.2014 Lowell United 3:2 Green Briar FC (Lawrence)
04.06.2014 African All Stars 2:4 Green Briar FC (Everett)
04.13.2014 Homenetmen 1:0 Green Briar FC (Watertown)
04.20.2014 (**Easter Break)
04.27.2014 Green Briar FC 3:0 Mass United (Madison Park HS)
05.04.2014 Green Briar FC 1:0 Albania United (Madison Park HS)
05.11.2014 MSSL Cup Round 1 BYE (** Mother's Day)
05.18.2014 Green Briar FC 0:1 Boston Olympiakos (Madison Park HS)
05.25.2014 (**Memorial Day Break)
06.01.2014 Green Briar FC vs. Mill City (2PM Madison Park HS)
06.08.2014 Green Briar FC vs. Greater Lowell United (12PM Danehy Park)
06.15.2014 Week Off
06.22.2014 MSSL Cup Round 2 Green Briar FC vs. Lowell United (2PM Madison Park HS)
06.29.2014 Celtic FC vs. Green Briar FC (5PM Rotch Playground)
07.06.2014 Southie FC vs. Green Briar FC (12PM Ceylon Park) (**4th July Weekend)
** Summer Break
08.03.2014 Green Briar FC vs. Boston Ethiopians (4PM Danehy Park)
08.10.2014 Green Briar FC vs. Lowell United (2PM Madison Park HS)
08.17.2014 Green Briar FC vs. African All Stars (2PM Madison Park HS)
08.24.2014 MSSL Cup Semi Finals
08.31.2014 (** Labor Day Break)
09.07.2014 Green Briar FC vs. Homenetmen
09.14.2014 Mass United vs. Green Briar FC
09.21.2014 Albania United vs. Green Briar FC
09.28.2014 Boston Olympiakos vs. Green Briar FC
10.05.2014 Mill City vs. Green Briar FC
10.12.2014 Greater Lowell United vs. Green Briar FC
10.19.2014 Boston Ethiopians vs. Green Briar FC
10.26.2014 Green Briar FC vs. Celtic FC
11.02.2014 Green Briar FC vs. Southie FC
11.09.2014 MSSL Cup Final
** Season's End

Players' Registration Card

It is very important to check the expiry date on you Massachusetts State Soccer Registration Player's Card. If it has expired, please renew ASAP. The process of receiving your card can be a lengthy one. The MSSL schedule has been released and will be published on the blog later this weekend.

Visit http://reg.mass-soccer.org to renew at a cost of $25 + $3 for a spare card. NB: Scroll to the end of the page for the login dialog boxes.

Super Bowl Squares 2014

Green Briar FC Social Photos

Green Briar FC Awards Social 2013

To all players, alumni and friends of the club,

You and your significant other are invited to the Green Briar FC Social Night and Awards Ceremony. The night will include an open bar, DJ Dan Hallessy on the decks, spot prizes 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/required!. 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 6th December

Time: 8:00PM

Cost: $50 Per Ticket

Includes: Open Bar, DJ, Spot Prizes, Awards

Tickets will be available on the night.

Click here to see how the awards went in 2012 and 2011.

Green Briar 2:5 Taunton Eagles

A brace of goals by Eamon Kearney from Ian Hunter and Davey Coen assists, was not enough to secure the 3 points versus a strong Taunton side at Filippello Park this morning.

(Photos: M.J. Graham)

 Eamon Kearney chases a dangerous Ian Hunter cross into the box.

 Leo O'Connor pulls out "Blue Steele", while teammates celebrate Kearney's opener.

 Kearney looking to link up with his midfield from the flank.

 Brian McGuinness and Gavin Hall hold their defensive shape in the middle.

 McGuinness is demonstrative after allowing Taunton's equalizer to bobble past his attempted clearance.

 Jason "El Gato" Sullo parries a point blank shot, but is unable to prevent Taunton taking a 4:1 lead on the rebound.

Who says white men can't jump? Conor Hannick gets wicked air on this attempt at goal.

Photos: Peter O'Brien

Green Briar commit men forward on a corner

Paul Glynn challenges for a ball in the box

Defensive organization as Taunton are denied from a free kick

Gary Keane rises to meet a ball in midfield

Conor Hannick heads clear from deep inside his own penalty area.

Eamon Kearney slots his second after a nice through ball from Davey Coen.

Jason Sullo surveys a goalward effort.

Paul Glynn puts pressure on the ball.

The defensive wall is prepared.

The lead up to Taunton's fourth goal.

Adjustments at half time.

There isn't a focal length under the sun to handle the size of this head! 

Cup final photos

A Flickr album will be shared later this weekend, but here is a few teasers.

M. Graham, T. Caldwell, M. Grippeling, C. Hannick, R. Oliviera, B. Claus, J. Altidore, D. Coen, P. Miller, P. Dupuis

J. Nolan, K. O'Malley, J. Fitzpatrick, K. McLoughlin, B. O'Driscoll, B. McGuinness, B. Samati, L' O'Connor
K. Dillon, L. Sanha, B. Royer

Peter Dupuis and Pete Miller have a conference

 Tommy Caldwell takes control of the defensive wall

 Keith McLoughlin controlling the midfield

 Celtic's Geoff Wiley is unable to deny the Green Briar from putting the icing on the cake.

J. Fitzpatrick and B. O'Driscoll the Briar's resident Project Runway models.

The pair that beat the full house, Tommy Caldwell and Keith O'Malley

Selma and Dina Apovian with Manager Michael Graham

Video Montage (PC version)

This is not viewable on a phone due to the soundtrack that was added. You can view it on any PC.

MSSL Cup Final and celebrations (Video: M.J. Graham)

Green Briar FC Crowned MSSL Cup Champions 2013

MSSL CUP FINAL: Celtic FC 0:3 Green Briar FC (10.13.13 6:00PM Dilboy Stadium)

In 2011 two veteran Irish teams of the MSSL decided to make a change. A change, it was hoped, for the better. In January of that year, some of the prominent figures of both clubs (Kinvara FC and Briar Bhoys FC) had a meeting in Brighton. The proposal on the table was an amalgamation of two Irish clubs playing in Brighton. Out of which, a competitive Over 30's side and competitive elite MSSL side would be spawned. Players and Committee members cast their votes, and a new club was born, creating two teams that would compete for honors. The legacies of the KV and Bhoys FC would remain, but a new chapter of Irish soccer in Massachusetts would begin that January night at the Green Briar pub in Brighton.

With some mergers of talent, whether it be on a business or sporting level, often times there tends to be teething problems, a period of uncertainty. On this occasion, however, personalities seemed to gel right away and the club got down to business from the get-go. Promotions and success came quickly and often for the Over 30 side, as they climbed out of the lower divisions under the stewardship of Gary Keane. Yusuf Ribadu and Michael Graham had more modest successes coaching the Briar in Division 1 of the MSSL (the 5th tier of football in the US), as they tried to find the pieces of the jigsaw that would propel them up the table, and further along in the Cup.

MSSL Cup Final 2013: Pre-match formalities (Photo: L. Mattson)

The inaugural and sophomore seasons came and went and the Briar made steady improvements, establishing themselves well on the local soccer scene with a Banshee Invitational and Boston Irish Cup victory along the way. Entering the 2013 MSSL season the Green Briar was confident it would continue its year-on-year improvements. Key additions to the club included Kevin Dillon on the conditioning and coaching side of things. Talented international players such as Lassana Sanha (Guinea Bissau) and Benoit Royer (France) joined us on the field along with Irish stars such as Joseph Fitzpatrick and Brian O'Driscoll. These additions would strengthen the talent pool at the club as we pushed for our first MSSL honors.

The new blood would be complimented by a wealth of experience from the likes of Davey Coen, Brian McGuinness, Eamonn Kearney and Captain Tommy Caldwell, players that have been there and won things throughout their careers, Leinster Senior titles, All-Ireland titles, MSSL Cup titles to list a few from their many years of play. The ingredients were there, it was now time to make it happen on the pitch.

MSSL Cup Final 2013: Game action (Photo: L. Mattson)

The Briar's MSSL league form was patchy to say the least, starting well, but never recording more than a two game winning streak. In the latter part of the season a string of tough and close losses was not indicative of the product the Briar was putting on the pitch or the growth the team had shown throughout the season. Those league loses late in the season would prove very handy in galvanizing the players' focus on the Cup, a competition in which they were enjoying a terrific run.

GBFC MSSL 2013: W-W-L-L-W-L-L-L-W-W-W-W-W-L-L-L-L-L-W-W   ( **Cup = _ )

MSSL Cup Final 2013: Benoit Royer verifies his medal is 24 carat gold (Photo: A Ustaoglu)

The Cup run of 2013 was remarkable. Receiving a bye in the opening round, the Briar traveled north to take on Lowell United. One of the stronger teams in the MSSL and a past league champion, coming out of there with a hard earned 1-0 victory opened up the possibilities in the draw. Lassana Sanha with the winner that day would set the dominoes falling in the right direction for the Briar, all the way to the season finale.

Stoughton Eagles were the opponents in the next round, a skillful side that had recently gained promotion from Division 2. On a late summer evening in Cambridge, the Briar romped to a comfortable 7-1 victory. Mike Hardy and Tommy Caldwell led the charge that day with a goal each and assists for a wide range of the squad. A notable miss from Peter Miller from a yard out from goal added some comic relief to proceedings, but the rangy center-half would still have a lot to say about the destination of the Cup in 2013.

MSSL Cup Final 2013: Lassana Sanha takes advantage of slack marking to make it 2:0 (Video: A Ustaoglu)

As the weeks passed and the league games went into the books, the Briar had one eye on the semi-final. Mass United lay in wait for the right to play Celtic FC in the final. A 4:2 loss to Mass United in the league in September at Manning Stadium was flattering to the hosts and the players knew they could put that right in the Cup. The semi final was played in a quagmire of rain and mud at Millennium park in early October. The conditions suited the Irish boys and although falling behind, a pair of set piece goals from Lassana Sanha and Peter Miller set the Briar on the road to the final. Miller's winner was greeted with rapturous celebrations on the side line, probably one of the most important goals he'll score in his career.

Preparations for the final were of the highest order. Kevin Dillon was making terrific strides with the squad. Instilling a work ethic at mid-week training sessions and a metal fortitude on the pitch on a Sunday, through warm-ups and drills ensuring players were sharp and switched on for 90 minutes each week. Michael Graham and Yusuf Ribadu were doing their homework as well, working to put the players in the best possible position to succeed. The focus and preparation on the day of the final brought out a confidence in the players that allowed them to go out and do what they knew they were capable of.

MSSL Cup Final 2013: Jubilant Celebrations (Photo: L. Mattson)

Celtic FC were a worthy opponent in the final, and had enjoyed a terrific season themselves. The Briar's performance was excellent, however. They weathered the set piece threats that Celtic threw at them and managed to take the lead in the 38th minute. They never looked back. Terrific performances were put in all around the park, all players worthy of the plaudits, but Keith McLoughlin and Keith O'Malley, who had already enjoyed terrific seasons, produced the goods when it mattered the most and deserve a special mention. Tommy Caldwell, the dynamo that sets the tone to everything the Briar does on the pitch would not be denied either, putting in a captain's performance on the night.

MSSL Cup Final 2013: Tommy Caldwell fixes his Captain's arm band (Photo: L Mattson)

The final result was a 3:0 victory that, for once, allowed the bench and management to enjoy the moment as the final whistle drew near. This win will be enjoyed, and I know I speak for the players when I say it is for every Green Briar FC club member and supporter to enjoy and be proud of. It is a terrific milestone and achievement, but the Briar want to kick on, improve, and challenge for the league title next year, and the years to come. How about the Briar......

2013 MSSL Cup Champions......don't mind if I do!

More pictures to follow.

Cup Winners on the night: Peter Dupuis, Keith O'Malley, Peter Miller, Janak Altidore, Benoit Royer, Tommy Caldwell, Keith McLoughlin, Brian O'Driscoll, Braima Samati, Brian McGuinness, Lassana Sanha, Ricky Oliveira, Maarten Grippling, Brian Claus, Joseph Fitzpartick, Leo O'Connor, Conor Hannick, Davey Coen, Yusuf Ribadu, Michael Graham, Kevin Dillon

MSSL Cup Final

Green Briar reach MSSL Cup Final

MSSL Cup Semi-Final
Green Briar 2:1 Mass Utd FC Lynn (Millennium Park)
Goal: Lassana Sanha Assist: Janak Altidore
Goal: Peter Miller Assist: Keith McLoughlin

Green Briar FC secured a tremendous Cup victory over league leaders Mass United on a rainy afternoon at Millennium Park, West Roxbury on Sun, Oct 6. In doing so they secured their first ever MSSL Cup final berth. The weather may have been miserable and playing conditions difficult to navigate, but that didn't stop the players putting in a workmanlike and disciplined performance on the pitch that put pay to Mass United's chance at a league and cup double.

The Briar's preparation was excellent, they entered the game both physically and mentally prepared. A steely focus and determination could be seen in the eyes of every player as they took the field, knowing that only a flawless performance would see them through against a solidly built and skillful Mass United side. That was just the performance they gave, meeting the physical challenge that set a platform for their talent to shine.

The conditions underfoot were treacherous, players struggling with their footing on numerous occasions, but there was also a lot of quality on show from both sides. The match ebbed and flowed as the first half progressed with both teams enjoying spells in the ascendancy. Mass United were unlucky with a long distance effort that Peter Dupuis in the Briar goal tipped onto the crossbar and away to safety. The Briar were also attacking with purpose but found a solid rearguard in the Mass United defense.

Stalemate at the half was indicative of how tightly the match was being contested. Mass United had collected the league double versus the Briar earlier this season and the team and management worked hard to learn from those defeats and to eliminate mistakes, knowing that on our day we provide a stern test for any team in the division.

 2013 MSSL Cup Draw

Early in the second half Lassana Sanha almost punished the Mass United keeper for an untimely slip on the greasy surface, but he made a great recover to deflect the goal bound shot away for a corner. The scoring was opened 10 minutes into the second half, however, by Rigoberto Jimenez of Mass United. A dangerous long ball over the top fell between Peter Miller and the on rushing Briar keeper. With neither wanting to claim the ball with any urgency, the potent Mass United winger capitalized on the confusion and smashed the ball to the roof of an unguarded net.

Somewhat shell shocked from that blow, the Briar took a minute or two to shake off the disappointment of conceding such a sloppy goal. The team came together and battled hard for every ball in a tightly contested and congested midfield. In such tight affairs it's the little things that can make the difference, and a pair of set pieces in quick succession would see the game turned completely on its head.

Janak Altidore launched a typically booming free kick towards the area from the halfway line. The ball was flighted terrifically and was dropping at the edge of the 6 yard box. Hesitation to come and claim that ball by the Mass United keeper was duly punished as Lassana Sanha powered his way into position, rose and nodded home for the equalizer.

With renewed vigor, and fortified belief the Briar raised their game even further to secure the lead. Keith McLoughlin sent in another beautiful set piece, this time from a corner kick. Peter Miller climbed majestically at the back post and unleashed a powerful header that found the back of the net. The power of his effort was only matched by the power in which he celebrated, racing to the Briar supporters on the sideline, sliding to his knees with a roar that could be heard half way down the VFW Parkway.

There was still plenty of work to be done. Mass United were dangerous on attack at every turn and the pressure was sure to build in the final stages. As the intensity of the occasion mounted, the Briar made some strategical replacements to fortify the midfield and refresh the tired legs at the back. The chances came for Mass United, but a combination of wayward shooting and resolute defending turned them away.

On one occasion, Peter Dupuis saved from point blank range, needing the help of the post this time to keep powerful Mass United striker Ocane Williamson at bay. In the closing stages Mass United would fashion one more clear chance. A mazy run down the left saw a ball crossed dangerously towards goal from the bi-line. An unmarked Mass United player met the ball in the six, but miscued his header over the bar to the relief of the Briar team and management and to the groans of the Mass United bench.

After all the hard work, and a bit of luck along the way, the Briar were finally rewarded for a great performance. Navigating the half of the cup draw that held Lowell United, Mass United and Boston Olympiakos, making the final is a great achievement. But the job is not done. Celtic FC now awaits the Briar in the final. A Celtic team that recently had a 2-1 victory over the Briar in the league and one that will prove to be worthy final opponents in an "All-Irish" flavored fixture.

The final is tentatively scheduled for 6PM Sun, Oct 13 at Dilboy Stadium in Somerville. Details are to be confirmed.

MSSL Cup Semi Final

Sunday 6th October MSSL Cup Semi-Final
Green Briar FC vs Mass United FC Lynn
Kick Off : 1:30PM
Venue: Millennium Park

Results

08.18.2013 Albania Utd 3:1 Green Briar FC 4:00PM (Rotch)

Goal: Samati Assist: McLoughlin

Results

07.28.2013 Green Briar FC 2:0 Lowell Lusitanos 2:00PM (Millennium)

Goal: McLoughlin Assist: Royer
Goal: Samati Assist: McLoughlin

Braima takes the plaudits

On a loan spell with Boston Ethiopians, Braima Samati was the star of a recent out of state tournament which was played in front of a large contingient of supporters. Securing top scorer in Division 1 with 7 goals in 4 games, Braima was awarded this terrific trophy. Congratulations.

Braima Samati

Banshee Invitational Cup 2013

Ger Hogan is looking to run the Banshee Invitational Cup again this year with 6 teams involved. Fixtures will be arranged as 2 quarter finals (the remaining 2 teams receiving bye's to the semi's), semi-finals and a final. Venues are Moakley and Ceylon Parks. Preliminary fixtures are as follows.

Quarter Finals:
Tuesday July 9th: Banshee Celtic vs Donegal
Friday July 12th: Paddy Barry's vs Kendall Wanderers

Semi Finals:
Saturday July 13th: Green Briar FC vs Winner of Qtr 1
Monday July 15th: Celtic FC vs Winners of Qtr 2

Final:
Friday July 19th: Winner Semi 1 vs Winner Semi 2