Boys Soccer Archives

------------------------------

SOCCER 2010

Seniors and coaches, front, from left, Josh Delgado, Dammy Dada, Joelle Reyes; rear, assistant coach Chris Pedro, Edgar Vivar, Marven Abda, Greg Rybak, coach Joe Skahan, JV coach Rob Upton. ITEM PHOTO / STEVE KRAUSE Classical Boys Soccer Teams Celebrate Season By Steve Krause / The Daily Item Classical's soccer program took the time to celebrate season of accomplishment at their banquet. The Classical boys marked their first-ever league soccer championship of any kind at Wednesday night's banquet at the Old Tyme Restaurant on Boston Street, Lynn. The Rams clinched the league title with a victory over English - the second of the two intra-city games. Throughout the season, they were led by goalkeeper Dammy Dada (who received the "Team Backbone" award at last night's dinner), and Greg Rybak, a backliner (who was named the team's MVP). Other award winners were Kevin Kakou (team hustle), and Marven Abda (most improved). Coach Joe Skahan gave jackets and hats to all the players and coaches, and also presented one each to athletic director Bill Devin and principal Gene Constantino. "Soccer games were better attended this season than I ever remember," said Constantino. "There are so many different countries and nationalities represented on this team," he told the players, "and you all bridged a lot of gaps by the way you played together. I've enjoyed watching you on the field, but more important, I enjoy watching you in school."

Classical Boys win NEC South

By Art McManus / For The Item

LYNN -- It was back to the 1970's when Classical last won the Northeastern Conference title and it was the English coach's father, Bryan King, who coached the Rams to the championship.

English last won the NEC 27 years ago with Ken Noyes as the coach.

Therefore, something major -- one way or the other -- had to give Thursday. And when the final whistle blew, it was Classical, by virtue of its 2-0 win over English -- finally able to call itself a champion.

The Rams won thanks to two goals by a recently promoted JV player. In the space of six minutes in the first half, Yabesi Musema will go down in Classical history for scoring the only two goals of the game and giving the Rams their first title in almost 40 years.

Musema scored at the 31st minute mark on a through ball from Joel Reyes that set him up to his left of English keeper Kerley Der. He beat Der to the far corner; and six minutes later he finished the scoring, with an assist going to Don Gomez. It was a carbon copy of the first goal. A quick short pass through the English defenders sprung Musema free in the top of the area and he put the ball in the other corner.

The second half was a physical struggle between the two teams. An English player had to be taken to the hospital because of a head injury. The most dangerous time for Classical was in the 55th minute. Ram great keeper Dammy Dada was injured and had to leave the game. Co-captain Greg Rybak volunteered to fill in for Dada until he could get back into the game.

It took almost eight minutes of playing time before Classical could substitute again.

In that time Rybak made three outstanding saves by punching the ball out of danger. Dada then returned. The last 17 minutes were played with English attacking and Classical holding on until the final whistle blew.

After the game, Rybak was asked about his unusual saves.

"No way was I going to catch the ball," he said. "I just wanted it out of the goal area."

Kerry King, the English coach who finished with a league record of 7-2-1, said, "My kids played 100 percent. They left everything they had on the field. We now have to get ready for the states that will probably start next weekend."

Winning Classical coach Joe Skahan, whose team finished with a 7-0-3 record, said, "We found Musema at the start of the year and put him on JV's. He was so good we brought him to the varsity five games ago and he has been scoring ever since.

"We are now ready for the tourney. We will enjoy the title for a few days and then get back to work."Classical backliner Greg Rybak, left, filled in for eight minutes in net against English at Manning Field on Thursday when injured goalkeeper Dammy Dada, right, was off the field with an injured shoulder. (ITEM PHOTO / JOYCE EREKSON)

Soccer Team Qualifies for State Tournament

The Classical boys soccer team is breathing a bit easier today after beating Swampscott, 4-2, and qualifying for the state tournament.

The Rams needed two points Tuesday or they faced the prospect of having to get them against English when the two teams meet Thursday at Manning Field. As it is, the two teams may be playing for the Northeastern Conference/South title, although that scenario is still being sorted out.

German Canales had a two goals for the Rams with Abdoulaye Bah and Joel Reyes each adding one. Classical is 6-5-4 overall, 6-0-3 in the NEC.

"This was a really physical game," Classical coach Joe Skahan said.

Swampscott had a goal from Nadav Zafrani in the first half (Niclas Biesar assist) and Adnan Dzino in the second half. Patrick Kennedy had 12 saves. The Big Blue are 4-3-8.

Classical and Tech boys soccer battle to a tie

By Joyce Erekson / The Daily Item

The tie lifts the Rams record to 5-5-4 overall, 5-3-3 in the Northeastern Conference. The Rams have two games remaining (Beverly and English) and need two more points to qualify for the state tournament. Skahan is optimistic it can be done.

"We have a consistent group of guys now," he said. "We don't have people out on suspension. Right now the team's morale is really high and that's apparent in their actions on and off the field."

Skahan was happy with his team's play overall, especially that of Kevine Kakou and Greg Rybak. Gallo cited the effort of both Jose and Edwin Alas, as well as Rene Perez.

Boys soccer: Rams outlast a tough Revere team

By Joyce Erekson / The Daily Item

Abdoulaye Bah scored off a corner kick to give the Classical High boys soccer team a 1-0 win over Revere Wednesday at Revere.

"It was a nice head-ball goal midway through the first half," Classical coach Joe Skahan said. "It was a great game ... Luckily we got the goal early."

German Canales had the assist and goalie Dammy Dada turned in another stellar performance in net with at least 10 quality saves. Classical is 6-5-3 overall, 6-3-3 Northeastern Conference.

Classical 2, Winthrop 2

At Miller Field in Winthrop, the Rams  had to fight back from a 2-0 deficit to get a point as Abdoulaye Bah and German Canales scored second half goals.

Danvers 5, Classical 3

At Danvers, the Falcons led 1-0 at the half and 4-1 in the second half, but Classical made things interesting by trimming the deficit to 4-3 before the Falcons scored again to put the game away. Edgar Vivar, Ybesi Memu and German Canales (penalty kick) scored for the Rams (5-5-2).

"Dammy Dada (the Classical goalie) probably had 40 shots on net," Classical coach Joe Skahan said. "He played unbelievable."

Junior Jon Amico had a hat trick for Danvers (7-5, 5-1 Northeastern Conference) and sophomore captain Eric Martin helped out with two goals and an assist.

Classical - Good Start, Tough Finish against Peabody

By Joyce Erekson / The Daily Item

Classical's Abdoulaye Bah and English's Richard Charles vie for the ball at Manning Field Monday. At rear is English's George Herrera. (ITEM PHOTO / REBA M. SALDANHA)

English, Classical boys soccer squads tie 1-1

By Art McManus / For The Daily Item of Lynn

LYNN -- In the first game of the English-Classical boys-girls soccer doubleheader at Manning Field on Monday, the boys teams tied, 1-1. The Classical boys came into the game with a 4-3-1 overall record (3-0-1 NEC). English had a 4-4-1 overall record (2-1 NEC).


The first half of the game was played between the penalty areas. It was very windy, the temperature was dropping rapidly and the threat of rain was in the air. The major problem for both teams in the first half was their inability to keep the ball on the ground. As the first half moved towards the end, the hitting and fouling increased as both teams became frustrated.

English had a new keeper, Kerlay Der. Both he and Rams keeper Dammy Dada were not tested in the entire half.

English coach Kerry King said, "Backup keeper Kerlay Der was outstanding. Our defense played well despite the adverse weather conditions."

At the thirty-nine minute mark, English's Marc Sesanga had the Rams keeper at his mercy from 10 yards out, but shot the ball over the net.

The second half started the same way. Very gradually, both teams settled down and played controlled soccer. In the 60th minute, Classical's Salvador Castro put on a solo performance. He penetrated the defense, beat two defenders with his dribble, cut right into the area and beat the keeper to the top left corner. This made the score 1-0, Classical.

Classical's Joe Skahan had praise for his defense, stating, "The back line shut down English for almost the entire game. Salvador Castro played well on offense."

Classical's tight defense, led by Greg Rybak and Kevin Kakou, had stuffed every English opportunity. However, with about 10 minutes left in the game, English was fouled about 45 yards from the goal. The free kick was taken by George Herrera and floated into the top right corner of the area, where Leonel Awokang picked up the ball, beat a defender and blasted the shot past Dada. This tied the score at 1-1.

The final few minutes were played at midfield. The game ended, but the rivalry is not over. Chapter two of this battle will be the last game of the season.

Ironically, both teams' head coaches teach at English and had to rush back to school for parents' night.

English is at Manning Field Wednesday against Danvers and Classical is also at Manning on Wednesday

Castro's two goals propel Classical past Swampscott

By Joyce Erekson / The Daily Item

 breakaway. Greg Rybak keyed a strong defensive effort for the rams (3-3-1, 3-0-1), who have won three and tied won in their last four game.

Classical 0, Revere 0

At Revere, the game was suspended midway through the second half with both coaches awaiting word last night on whether it would go down as a tie or be replayed.
Leading the way for the Classical defense was Marvin Abda. Playing well for the Ram offense was Abdoulaye Bah. Alfonso Rosales was in net for the Patriots (3-1-3). Classical is 2-3-1

Classical 6, Saugus 2

At Manning Field, the Rams (2-0, 2-3) made it two wins in a row with Abdoulaye Bah supplying a hat trick and two assists and German Canales checking in with two goals and an assist. Walter Cifuentes provided the final goal while Dammy Dada (10 saves) got the job done in net. Derek Codere scored both Saugus goals with Ryan Hartigan and Dave Velasquez getting assists. Saugus is 2-3.

Yousif's two goals help Classical clinch first win

By Jerry DiStefano / For The Item

Saif Yousif's two goals sparked the Classical boys soccer team to its first victory of the season, defeating Winthrop 5-0 at Manning Field Tuesday.

Classical was up 3-0 at the half and never looked back. Classical coach Joe Skahan was very impressed with his team's performance.

"It finally came all together today. My team passed the ball very well, and played a very fundamentally sound game. It was great to watch and fun to coach," Skahan said.

Abdoulaye Bah had a very strong game, adding one goal of his own and two assists. Edgar Bivar and Joel Reyes chipped in with one goal each. Kevin Kakou and Greg Rybak both had very strong games anchoring the defense. Dammy Dada had a strong game in net (6 saves). Classical (1-3) hopes to continue its recent success Wednesday against Saugus.

Classical's Kevine Kakou and Salem's Edwin Demoya vie for the ball at Manning Field Tuesday. (ITEM PHOTO / REBA M. SALDANHA) Salem boys defeat Classical 1-0 By Art McManus / For The Item LYNN -- It was 80 minutes of missed shots and missed opportunities for both Classical and Salem at Manning Field on Tuesday. However, at the end, Salem won the matchup, 1-0. Most of the shots by both teams sailed high or wide. What few shots managed to be on net were scooped up by the keepers, co-captain Danny McCarthy of Salem and co-captain Dammy Dada of Classical. Before the kickoff, Salem coach Michael Collins said, "Classical has quite a few players back and I hope we are ready for the start of the (Northeastern Conference) season." Joe Skahan, the Classical coach, has several players suspended for two games for breaking team rules. They will be back tomorrow. Classical entered its opening game of the NEC schedule with an 0-2 record that it picked up in the Lynn City Tourney. For the first half hour, both teams had few scoring opportunities. Finally, in the 34th minute, Salem got a breakaway. Freshman Gabriel Polanco Rodriguez and co-captain Edwin Demoya broke in on Dada, and only Ram defender and co-captain Greg Rybak was back in the area. Demoya drew Dada to the right side of the goal, and Dada was out of the play when Demoya passed the ball to Rodriguez in the arc. All he had to do was beat Rybak, who was trying to cover the net. Rodriguez took one dribble and put the ball in the low left corner. The Witches broke on top 1-0. The half ended with no further scoring. Two minutes into the second half, Classical was called for a trip in the area. The referee pointed to the spot and Salem had a penalty shot. Demoya set the ball and then took the kick. However, it sailed five yards over the crossbar. The remainder of the game was a succession of missed shots, missed passes and kicks, and many fouls on both sides. Collins was happy to get out of Manning Field with a win, but was not pleased with his team's performance. "We worked for the last three practices on finishing," he said after the game. "Every day we practice the penalty shots. Tomorrow we are back to page one and we will be working very hard." "We have to finish," Skahan said. "Maybe the players who were out could have helped, but we still had many chances to put the ball in the net." He added, "Kevine Kakou and Greg Rybak carried us tonight on defense. They broke up so many Salem attacks. We almost couldn't keep count. They were outstanding." The Rams have a bye date this weekend. They are now 0-3 and will play Saugus next Tuesday.

Classical's Joel Reyes and Julian Yourawski, St. Mary's, race for the ball Wednesday in the Lynn City Soccer Tournament at Manning Field. (ITEM PHOTO / REBA SALDANHA) KRAUSE: Classical-St. Mary's soccer was a family affair   It was Family Feud at Manning Field Wednesday. Cousin vs. cousin. On one side, there was Joe Skahan, the boys soccer coach at Classical. On the other was Mike D'Agostino, who holds the same position with St. Mary's. At stake was a berth in the Saturday's Lynn City Soccer Tournament final against Lynn Tech. And on this night, it was D'Agostino, and the Spartans, who came out ahead, shocking the Rams, 2-1, in the nightcap of the game and snapping Classical's four-year hold on the city championship. D'Agostino had plenty of reasons to be happy ... and he was happy to list them all. It was his team's first-ever appearance in the final; it was a good win against a Division 1 team ... it was just a good game, with two beautiful goals by the Spartans (not to mention once pretty nice one by Classical's Walter Cifuentes). But in the end ... "I'm just happy I beat my cousin," D'Agostino said. "I think I've played him eight times, either with Classical or Salem, and I've never beaten him. So this was nice." Skahan was every bit the gracious loser ... although the only way he'll accept the use of that word is in its most literal sense. "There was no shame on the part of anyone tonight," he said. "Everybody played great. It was just an awesome game. "We're not happy with the result," Skahan said, "but nobody's unhappy about the way they played. We know what the mistakes are, and we'll correct them. But everybody played well." When apprised that his cousin was engaging in a little good-natured gloating, Skahan smiled. "That's OK," he said. "I'm glad he's happy. They played very well." The first St. Mary's goal looked as if it might have been drawn up by the World Cup champs from Spain. Julian Yourawski actually made the play, getting the ball past a Classical defender and then spotting Ralph Bertrand, all alone, streaking down the right side. Yourawski probably could have taken the shot himself, but he gave the ball to Bertrand instead, who had a wide-open net at which to shoot. He didn't miss. "Julian just passed me the ball," Bertrand said. "Pretty much all I had to do was kick it in." "That was so unselfish (on the part of Yourawski)," said D'Agostino. "But that's our team. We have good players, and they've bonded well over the summer." "This is a great win for us," said Yourawski. "We're a D3 team, and we beat a good D1 team. That's the first time we've ever done that." Goal No. 2 was more of a bang-bang play, with the extra irony of it having been scored by senior Josh Stueve - who spent his first three years on the football team as a kicker. "I scored seven extra points," Stueve said, "and tried one field goal, but shanked it." Chances are, the goal will come to mean more to him than the seven extra points. He found himself all alone in front of the net when a shot bounced off Classical keeper Dammy Dada and onto his foot. "I just kicked it into the left corner," he said. The Spartans will play Tech Saturday in the final (2:45). And one way or another, the city will have a new soccer champion.

Classical boys soccer still has something left in the tank

By Joyce Erekson / The Daily Item

The Classical High soccer team lost two of its premier players to graduation -- Miguel Castro and Christian Lopez -- but coach Joe Skahan is confident the team still has a good foundation on which to build the 2010 edition.

Castro had 52 points last year and was the Northeastern Conference North MVP. Lopez, a center midfielder like Castro, was the defensive glue that helped propel the Rams to a second place finish in the NEC and a trip to the state tournament.

"We have some big shoes to fill, but we have a very good overall team to overcome the loss," Skahan said, "and the loss of a half dozen or so other seniors who made things go."

The good news is that last year's team also featured quite a few talented ninth and 10th graders who will now step into the limelight.

Skahan has three captains who he's counting on this year. Dammy Dada took up residence in net last year and he'll be back again this year.

"He's unbelievably athletic," Skahan said. "He did a great job."

Sweeper Greg Rybak is a "talented kid who's loud and passionate about the game and a true leader in any type of situation," Skahan said, adding he thinks he might be one of the best sweepers in the NEC.

The third captain is junior striker Abdoulaye Bah. Skahan said Bah has great footwork and has the ability to "sneak his way into position."

The Rams will also get help from senior defender Joel Reyes, a strong player with good footwork who isn't afraid to be aggressive." 

Skahan is also looking for big things from Saif Yousif, a talented striker who made his presence felt late in the season, and sophomore Salvador Castro, Miguel's younger brother.

"He's very talented," Skahan said. "He was involved with the Revolution (soccer team). He's kind of emerging from last year when he was kind of in his brother's shadow ... I think we'll have an excellent season with his ball control, scoring ability and speed ... I think he can be one of the top players on the team."

Skahan said Salvador is like Miguel in that he can play every position on the field and play it well.

"He's very determined and very focused," Skahan said.

Skahan said at this point, his numbers are somewhere in the mid 20s, but he expects them to be closer to 35 or 40 once school is in session. He said a lot of kids are still wrapping up work.

One thing Skahan is hoping will continue this season is the fan support that followed the Rams last year. He said people would even go to away games to cheer on the team.

"Hopefully we can keep the fans coming," he said.

Classical is in the NEC division that also includes English, Revere, Swampscott, Winthrop and Saugus. Peabody, Gloucester, Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead and Salem are in the other half.

Classical will play Danvers and Peabody as "crossover" games and Salem and Beverly in non-conference games.

"We have the chance to play most of the teams we're used to playing," he said. "It seems to me we have a good shot if we put our minds, skills and hearts into it."

  Boy’s V/JV Soccer Schedule 2010

9/8/10   LC @  St. Mary’s    Manning   7pm  Varsity/Lynn City Tournament

9/11/10    TBA    Varsity/Lynn City Tournament

9/14/10  Salem @  LC  6pm  V-Manning   JV-Hood 4pm

9/21/10  Winthrop @ LC  4pm  V-Manning  JV-Hood 4pm

9/22/10   Saugus @ LC  6pm V-Manning   JV-Hood 4pm

9/28/10  LC @ Revere  V and JV  4pm  bus 3pm

9/30/10  Beverly @ LC  7pm V-Manning  JV-Hood 4pm

10/4/10  LC @ LE  4pm V-Manning  JV-Hood 4pm

10/6/10  Peabody @ LC  5:15pm  JV-Hood 4pm

10/12/10  LC @ Danvers V and JV 4pm  bus 2:45pm

10/14/10  LC @ Winthrop V and JV 4pm bus 2:45pm

10/18/10  LC @ Saugus V and JV 4pm   bus 3pm

10/20/10  Revere @ LC  5:15pm V-Manning  JV-Hood 4pm

10/26/10  LC @ Beverly  V and JV  4pm  bus: 2:45pm

10/28/10  LE @ LC  5:15pm  V-Manning  JV-Hood  4pm

2^nd game w/ Salem and game with Everett (Home)  TBA

------------------------------------------

BOYS SOCCER 2009

Varsity Head Coach: Joe Skahan      Assistant Coaches: Chris Pedro and Rob Upton

Classical soccer standout Miguel Castro poses with Jonathan Noon during their awards banquet at Prince Pizza in Saugus on Tuesday. (ITEM PHOTO / REBA M. SALDANHA)

Classical Boys Soccer Celebrates Fine Season

By Rich Tenorio / The Daily Item, December 16, 2009

In its banquet on Tuesday, the Lynn Classical boys soccer team honored a standout season ... and a memorable individual season.

The Rams finished 2009 with an 11-6-3 record and a Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) tournament appearance. Senior Miguel Castro rewrote the Rams record books during that stretch. He finished his three-plus years on the varsity with 93 goals and 44 assists, both of which are school records. He is the only player in the history of Classical soccer -- both boys and girls -- to break the 100 career-point mark. Now he is playing for the junior team of the New England Revolution, and thinking about the next step.

"He's still undecided," Rams coach Joe Skahan said. "He's being scouted heavily."

At the team banquet at the Prince House of Pizza in Saugus, Castro received a special recognition for the day he reached 100 career points: the ball he kicked into the net for the goal that gave him 100 points, signed by his teammates. Castro is donating the ball to the Classical trophy case. He was also presented with the 2009 Team MVP trophy and a Northeastern Conference All-Star certificate.

Five other players won awards: Cristian Lopez received the Team Backbone Award, Greg Rybak was the Defensive Player of the Year, Guy Guillaume was named Most Improved, Pentelis Thomidis received the Team Heart Award, and Joel Reyes was the Rookie of the Year.

"It was the end of a great season," Skahan said.

Rybak, Dammy Dada and Abdoulaye Bah are the team captains for 2010.

A great Season for Classical !!

The 2009 Varsity Soccer Team

Dammy Dada at GoalKeeper                     The Senior Players

Captains Cristian Lopez, Miguel Castro, and Greg Rybak

Triple-teaming Miguel Castro made it a difficult day for one of our best.

There were a lot of familiar faces in the stands.

What is Miguel's secret weapon? It may be the magical red shoes.

The NEC Playoff Game vs Malden Catholic HS

11/07/09  Manning Field -    It was a beautiful fall day. But it was not a day for our Varsity Team to shine. MC (Malden Catholic) players seemed bigger, stronger, and faster that us. They also were more aggressive. In the first half, MC racked up 3 goals. Classical had a good second half but goals were called back by the refs and the yellow cards started coming out against both teams. It was still a fine season for the Rams with a 10-6-4 winning record. A big shout out goes to Seniors Cristian Lopez, Miguel Castro, Terry Finnegan, Michael Duggan, Guy Guillaume, Koushick Barua,  Dennis Husidic, and Pantelis Thomadis.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

MIAA Boys Soccer: Classical takes on Danvers

By Erik Johnson / For The Daily Item of Lynn

English's Jefferson Fubellah and Classical's Cristian Lopez battle for the ball at Manning Field in Lynn on Thursday. (ITEM PHOTO / REBA M. SALDANHA)

Classical Boys End Season with a Win over English

By Art McManus / For The Item

In the first half, English had chances, with three breakaways that Classical keeper Dammy Dada stopped, one with an incredible kick save. The key to the Classical defense, besides the keeper, was the sweeper, junior Greg Rybak. At the other end was the same situation, with keeper Daniel Cordoba and the defense, led by Eric Bransfield, which kept the Ram sharpshooters off the scoreboard. The half ended with the score 0-0.

The entire game -- and English's season -- was wrapped up in the last eight minutes of play.

In the 72nd minute, English had a corner kick that freshman Leonel Awokang headed into the net off a Classical defender. The ball was going to the keeper when it hit a Ram defender and veered into the net. This made the score 1-0, English. This was the third meeting of these two teams with Classical winning both of the earlier games by one goal. The Bulldogs looked like they were on their way.

Three minutes later, the Bulldogs' joy turned to anguish as Miguel Castro took a long feed from Guy Guillame and kicked a chip shot over the onrushing Bulldog keeper to make the score 1-1.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 Peabody Wins NEC Large Title

By Joyce Erekson / The Daily Item

Lynn Classical High School soccer standout Miguel Castro poses with coach Joe Skahan, left, athletic director Bill Devin and principal Gene Constantino, right, at Classical on Monday. (ITEM PHOTO / REBA M. SALDANHA)  Miguel Castro Is Honored for 100 Point Career Lynn Classical High School honored boys soccer standout Miguel Castro for what has thus far been a banner season. Representatives of the school unveiled a banner honoring Castro's 100th career point on Monday. On hand were Castro; his coach, Joe Skahan; athletic director Bill Devin; and principal Gene Constantino. Castro reached the milestone on Sept. 17 with his first goal of a game at Beverly against the Panthers, which Classical won 4-0. Castro finished with a hat trick in that game. Classical (9-4-4) has already qualified for the state tournament.

2009 Team Roster

#          Name                           Grade               Position

10        Miguel Castro*             12                    M

11        Cristian Lopez*            12                    M

7          Terry Finnegan              12                    D

3          Michael Duggan            12                    D

8          Guy Guillaume                12                    M

18        Koushick Barua            12                    D/M

15        Dennis Husidic              12                    M

5          Pantelis Thomadis       12                      D

6          Greg Rybak*                11                    D

1          Dammy Dada               11                    GK

16        Joel Reyes                    11                    D

14        Abdoulaye Bah             10                    F

17        Marven Abda               10                    M/D

12        Jonathan Deleon           10                    M

13        Kevine Kakou              10                    F

9          Salvador Castro           9                      F

4          Wimur Lopez               9                      D

 *captains

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Everett 4 Classical 1 - Life Without the Castro's

Written by Guy and Miguel

The Soccer team tried its best against Everett, and did well in the second half, with Saint scoring on an assist by Guy Guillaume. Dammy Doda and Greg Ryback also had strong games. With both Salvador and Miguel Castro coming back from  suspensions for the next game, it is just in time for the important game against Peabody this Tuesday, October 27th.

Daily Item - In the News

Revere 2, Classical 0

At Revere, Jensi Guzman peppered the Classical net all day and two of his shots found their way in. Revere is 6-6-2 with four games remaining. Classical was missing several players, including sharpshooter Miguel Castro, who is out for two games because of red cards. Greg Ryback played well on defense for the Rams (9-3-4).

Castro's four goals lead Classical to tie with Beverly

By Matthew Roy / For The Item

Classical nets last-minute goal to tie Salem

By Matthew Roy / For The Item

The fans who came to Bertram Field on Monday watched as Lynn Classical and Salem basically threw defense out the window and lit up the scoreboard at an amazing clip.

Salem's Edwin DeMoya scored four times as it looked like the Witches were going to come away with the upset win. But Classical's Salvador Castro had other ideas, scoring against Dan McCarthy with a minute to go to salvage a 5-5 tie.

"We were lucky that we got out with a point," Classical coach Joe Skahan said.

Salem (5-6-3) jumped to a 2-0 lead before the Rams (9-2-3) rallied to tie the game at halftime. Miguel Castro had a pair of goals and an assist for Classical with Jonathan DeLeon and Abdoulay Bah also having goals.

The Witches' other goal came off the foot of Nuur Muhammed.

Soccer Team Wins, Will Compete in State Tournament

Savador Castro's four goals lead shorthanded Rams past Winthrop

By Matthew Roy / For The Item

Playing on the road at always-challenging Miller Field in Winthrop was going to be a hard enough challenge for the Lynn Classical soccer team. But add in five starters out of the lineup because of various reasons and red cards, and the job for the Rams got that much more challenging.

Fortunately for coach Joe Skahan's team, Salvador Castro was on his game. Castro scored four times and assisted on a fifth goal as the Rams exploded for seven markers in a 7-4 win over the Vikings.

"All the guys played great," Skahan said.

Kevin Kakou added a goal and two assists for Classical (8-2-2) with Christian Lopez having a goal and an assist. Dennis Husidic added the other Ram goal.

The Rams host Gloucester today (4) at Manning Field. A win would put the Rams in the state tournament.
 

At Danvers, Chris Ciampa followed up a four-goal performance against Peabody earlier in the week with a three-goal game Wednesday against the Rams (7-2-2). Ciampa, a senior captain, also had an assist. Tom Hurley (goal, 2 assists) and Nick Amico (goal) rounded out the scoring for the Falcons (8-2-1, 8-0-1 Northeastern Conference).

It was the Castro brothers getting the job done for the Rams. Miguel Castro had two goals and Salvador Castro had one. Greg Ryback played well on defense.

Classical's Greg Rybak, left, and Swampscott's Eric Verdu battle it out at Manning Field on Monday. (ITEM PHOTO / REBA M. SALDANHA)

Classical Boys Soccer and Swampscott tie 3-3

By Art McManus / For The Item
LYNN -- Before the game started, Classical had a record of 7-1-1, riding up at the top of the Northeastern Conference. Swampscott, on the other hand, had a record of 3-4 and was sitting in the middle of the pack in the NEC. However, the game resulted in a 3-3 tie between the Rams and Big Blue.
 

Marblehead 2, Classical 2

At Manning Field, Miguel Castro was taken down in the box late in the second half, drawing a penalty kick that he converted on with 2:00 left to earn the Rams a draw.

Marblehead (5-1-2) had taken a 1-0 lead on Nate Cullen's penalty-kick goal in the first half before Classical (7-1-1) fought back to tie late in the half.

Dillon Irving scored off a Mike Brenan corner kick midway through the second half to give Marblehead back the lead before Castro's PK tied it.
 

Classical 6, Saugus 0

At Saugus, freshman Salvador Castro had a hat trick and Miguel Castro, Abdoulaye Bab and Ronald DeLeon added one each as the Rams upped their record to 7-1, 5-1 NEC. Greg Ryback picked up an assist and Dammy Dada had the shutout. Saugus (1-6) had solid play from defenders Larry Bolduc and K.J. Mills and keeper Andrew Atton.
 

At Peabody, it was a clash of the titans, in this case two Northeastern Conference North rivals, and it lived up to its billing.

Peabody scored twice in the first half, on goals by Kyle McGlone and Matt Rogers. The Rams' Salvador Castro got one back and nearly snagged the tie, but Peabody keeper Jason Ryan made a web-gem of a save on a penalty kick by Rams sharpshooter Miguel Castro. Classical had a couple of near-misses in the final minutes, but Ryan hung tough for the win.

"It was a great game. The place was packed. It was an incredible crowd," Peabody coach Stan McKeen said.

Classical is 5-1 overall, 3-1 NEC North. Peabody is 3-0-1.

Castro Brothers Lead Soccer Team to Another Victory

By Joyce Erekson / The Daily Item, 9/22/09

Lynn Classical senior Miguel Castro had a hat trick against Beverly at Beverly on Thursday. His first goal gave him 100 career points. (ITEM FILE PHOTO) Classical's Miguel Castro nets 100th career point, Team Beats Beverly By Rich Tenorio / The Daily Item, September 18, 2009 Lynn Classical senior Miguel Castro said he was nervous entering his team's game against Beverly on Thursday, and with good reason. His next goal would give him 100 career points. Five minutes into the game, Castro delivered. He finished with a hat trick and the Rams won, 4-0. "It feels really good," Castro said. "I wanted to do it. Now that I did it, it feels really good." And he had an assist from his brother, Salvador Castro, on that 100th-point tally. Miguel Castro went through the front and, with Beverly goalie Pat Wilson coming out, kicked the ball to the far post. "I really wanted to score," Castro said. "He's unreal," Rams coach Joe Skahan said. "That's what he needed." Castro got the ball -- and a round of applause from the crowd, which was "probably mostly Beverly," Panthers assistant Kevin Friel said, but also included "a few Classical (fans)." "We did have quite a few parents and some teachers," Skahan said. The coach noted that Castro has reached 100 career points playing just two seasons and five games (a state tournament game his freshman year, and the Rams' four regular-season games this year). "Everyone feels proud of him," Skahan said. There was good news for the Rams as a team, too. They are now 4-0 (2-0 Northeastern Conference), with key games next week against Revere, Peabody and English. Castro didn't stop scoring after his milestone tally. Just before halftime, he doubled the lead with a free kick from the edge of the box. The score stood at 2-0, Rams, at intermission. With about 15 minutes left in the game, Castro connected on another free kick, this one from the left side of the box, putting it near-post. He had entered the game with 98 career points. Abdoulaye Bah also scored for Classical. Dammy Dada made 15 saves for the shutout. Wilson made 10 saves for Beverly (0-1-1).

Castro Takes Control in Rams Win

Item Roundup

Classical Edges English 3-2 to Win the Championship.

Rams captain Miguel Castro was the hero of the boys game. His goal with under two minutes left in regulation was the game-winner in a 3-2 victory over English.

In the boys game, English scored first with one minute left in the first half. A beautiful through ball pass from sophomore midfielder Jefferson Fubellah to senior midfielder Alex Mulbah breaking in from the right side of the area set Mulbah alone ten yards out in front of Classical keeper Dammy Dada. Mulbah scored against Dada low left to put English ahead 1-0, which remained the score at halftime.

In the 50th minute, Classical struck. An shot on the English keeper, freshman Nick Medeiros, was misplayed and the ball bounced to sophomore Ram striker Abdoulaye Bah, who wasted no time in putting the ball over the keeper into the net to tie the score at 1-1.

Seven minutes later, Classical struck again. Bah fired a laser shot at the far corner, but Medeiros made a spectacular diving deflection. The English defenders failed to clear the rebound, however, and Ram striker Salvador Castro had an easy shot and put it in the net. For the first time in the game, Classical led, 2-1.

English was relentless as the Bulldogs swarmed all over the Classical defenders, trying to tie up the game. In the 73rd minute, the referee called a tripping foul on a Classical defender in the area and English was awarded a penalty shot. Fubellah took the shot and put the ball inches inside the right post to tie the game at 2-2.

The rain picked up in intensity and as everyone was getting ready for a shootout to determine the city champion, the referee called a tripping foul on English in the area, and with less than two minutes to go, Classical had a chance to go ahead.

The shooter for Classical was captain Miguel Castro. He made no mistake and drilled the ball into the top right corner to put Classical ahead to stay, 3-2.

Classical Boys Soccer Team Looks to Build on Success

By Gordon Vincent / For The Item, August 29, 2009

LYNN - Coming off a second place finish in the Northeastern Conference's large division and a tournament berth, the Lynn Classical boys soccer team is hoping the build off its momentum from last season.

The Rams finished the 2008 campaign with an 11-5-3 mark and earned the 9th seed in the tourney, though they fell to Brookline , 3-0, in the first round. Classical lost nine of 11 starters and 13 of the 20 players on the varsity squad, but coach Joe Skahan is optimistic about his team's chances this fall.

"We had 38-40 kids show up to the first day of practice (Thursday), which is a great number," Skahan said. "Some of the kids are still working, so to have that many players turn out during the first week of double sessions is encouraging."

The most significant returnee is senior tri-captain Miguel Castro, who was the conference Player of the Year with 26 goals and nine assists. At either striker or midfielder, Castro figures to provide the Rams with plenty of offense again this season.

Christian Lopez is another captain who will play the all-important center midfield position, and the third captain is Greg Rybak, who will lead the Rams' defense this season.

Ron DeLeon is another defender who will be counted upon. The Rams lost talented defender Danny Henriquez and goalkeeper Jeremy Dorson to graduation, and will need to find players to fill those roles. Classical does have some players from last year's junior varsity who could step up.

In addition to Castro, Classical has plenty of depth and strength up front with strikers Kevin Kakou and Abdoulaye Bah. Another intriguing player is Castro's younger brother, Salvatore, a freshman who has been impressive during the first few days of practice.

"He's a very talented newcomer," Skahan said.

Skahan has been encouraged by the quality of the underclassmen, particularly the freshmen.

"We have a lot of younger brothers of players who have been with the program," he said. "There are some really, really promising freshmen we're looking forward to adding to the roster this season."

Skahan hasn't set any goals for the team, but another tournament berth is certainly within the Rams' grasp. In the conference, Peabody is likely still the team to beat, and in the small school division Swampscott, which Classical only plays once during the regular season, should also be a formidable foe.

" Peabody is always right up there, and teams like Danvers and Gloucester are always good," Skahan said. "Our goal is to play as well as we can in each game and beat as many teams as we can."

Prospective players can still try out for the team. Practices will be held between 10-noon and 2-4 p.m. Monday through Friday next week at Hood Park , though each player must pass a physical before he takes the field.

Skahan is still working out a pre-season scrimmage schedule, and he expects the Rams will participate in a couple of tune-ups before they open the season with the city tournament on Tuesday, Sept. 8, against Lynn Tech, at Manning Field.

---------------------------------------

Soccer 2008

Classical Boys Lose Division 1 Tournament Opener to Brookline

By Art McManus / For The Item, Sunday, November 9, 2008

BROOKLINE -- Classical, the No. 9 seed with a record of 11-4-3, traveled to Brookline to play the eighth-seeded Warriors with a record of 10-3-5 in a Division 1 North first-round game. The winner would play the top seed, Lexington, which is undefeated and untied with a record of 18-0-0. Brookline blanked Classical, 3-0.

Brookline had some definite advantages coming into the game. Classical defensive standout Danny Henriquez was suspended from the game for acquiring his third yellow card in the Rams' last game, against English.

The other major advantage was the size of the Brookline team. Excluding the keeper, the Warriors' back seven (the four deep backs and three midfielders) had five players 6-2 or taller. Classical likes to play the long through balls, and there was no way the Rams were going to win a battle in the air.

Add to this the fact that in the first half, Brookline had a strong wind at its back and the sun shining into the eyes of Ram keeper Jeremy Dorson.

The game was six minutes old when Brookline senior midfielder Kostis Theoharides chipped the ball over the head of a defender to striker David Taylor, who was flying down the wing. He picked up the ball in stride, took two dribbles and blasted a shot about a foot off the ground that went under a diving Dorson and found the back of the net. That was all the scoring in the first half.

Classical changed ends for the second half, anticipating the wind and sun advantage. The wind shifted to a cross-field direction and the sun went behind the clouds for most of the rest of the game.

In the 51st minute, Brookline increased its lead to 2-0. A through ball from a wing defender found striker Jack Pold going down the left wing. As he came even with the top of the area, he drew two defenders to him. He put a square pass along the top of the area to the other striker, Jacob Ebbs, who collected the pass and powered the shot over the head of Dorson in the net.

Ten minutes later, Brookline scored the clincher. When Taylor headed the ball from the six-yard line at Dorson, who swatted the ball, it went right back to Taylor, who made sure of the second head ball. He put it in the corner for his second goal of the game.

The last 15 minutes got a little chippy, and the referees issued 2 red cards and 6 yellow cards. The coaches calmed everyone down and the game finished. Classical finished the season with a record of 11-5-3. Coach Joe Skahan has some rebuilding to do, as nine of his 11 starters will graduate, and he only has seven back next year from the present squad of 20 players.

MIAA Boys Soccer Playoff Pairings Announced

By Erik Johnson / For The Item, November 5, 2008

The North Shore will be well represented in the MIAA Division 1 boys soccer tournament, with five out of the 22 teams residing on the shoreline just north of Boston.
"This is great for the North Shore," English coach Kerry King said. " I think teams in this area have a tendency of getting overlooked. There really is some great talent around here."
Peabody has been the best of the bunch all season long. The Tanners drew the fourth seed with a record of 14-1-3, and will play the winner of the preliminary round matchup of 13th-ranked Everett and 20th-ranked Lowell on Sunday at 1 p.m
Classical drew the ninth seed. NEC Player of the Year Miguel Castro and his 26 goals and nine assists will lead the Rams (11-4-3) against Brookline (10-3-5), the eighth seed, on Sunday at 11 a.m. in Brookline.
"I think this is going to be a fairly evenly-matched game," Classical coach Joe Skahan said. "The only thing that I really know about (Brookline) is that they have the second-leading scorer in the Bay State Carey Conference."
The Rams' strength all season has been their offensive attack. Carlos Cifuentes had 14 goals and 10 assists; and Rafael Rosa and Cristian Lopez both had over 10 points on the season.
"We haven't been shut out once this season," said Skahan. "Our struggles have been on the defensive side of the field."
English drew the 15th seed and will face the 18th-ranked and perennial powerhouse Andover (8-6-4) in the preliminary round, at home on Friday at 2:30 p.m.
"(Andover) is a very strong program," said King. "They play in a very tough conference, and their record can most likely be attributed to that."
This is the Bulldogs' (8-5-5) first tournament berth in three years. Only three players have any tournament experience: Mubarak Nyang, Kevin Garduno and Alex Alvarez.
"It's a great accomplishment," said King, "especially for the seniors. We have a great group of kids that have worked hard all season long."
Nyang led the scoring attack with 16 goals and eight assists. Daniel Cordoba has played solid in net all season. However, King believes much of English's success should be attributed to the defense.
"Chukuma (Halewalu), Ashani (Nelson) and Alex (Alvarez) have been solid all year," he said. "We really are a defensive-oriented team."
The winner of this matchup will earn the right to play second-ranked East Boston (13-1-1).
In the final Division 1 matchup featuring North Shore teams, 19th-ranked St. John's (7-5-6) will travel to 14th-ranked rival Salem (10-6-3) at 2:30 on Friday. The winner will travel to third-ranked Haverhill on Sunday at 3 p.m.
NEC South MVP Chris Nenshati will lead Division 2's ninth seed, Swampscott (11-2-5), against eighth-ranked North Andover (12-2-4) on Saturday at 10 a.m.
"(North Andover) has been a powerhouse for the last several years," Big Blue coach Mike Chase said.
D.J. Marquis will start in net for Swampscott. Marquis has had a strong first varsity season.
"He is one of the most improved players that I've seen in a single season, in all of my years of coaching," said Chase. "He has come up huge for us. Twentieth-ranked Marblehead (7-7-5) will match up with 13th-ranked Newburyport (9-5-4) on Friday at 4:30 p.m., for the right to play at Wilmington on Saturday at 5 p.m.
"We don't have any superstars on this team," Magicians coach Steve Ingemi said. "We're just a very balanced team."
Danvers, which drew the 19th seed, was the final team from the North Shore to make the Division 2 tournament. The Falcons (8-7-3) will travel to Melrose (8-4-6) to play the 14th seed on Friday at 3:30. The winner will earn the right to play Chelsea on Sunday at 6 p.m.
Al Jackson will lead St. Mary's to the Division 3 tournament for one last time. The 10th-ranked Spartans (8-7-2) will do battle with seventh-seeded Matignon (10-6-2) in Cambridge on Saturday at 11 a.m.
Last season, Lynnfield made it all the way to the D3 championship game. This year, the Pioneers find themselves with a similar record (8-7-3).
"We have the capability of playing well against anyone," Lynnfield coach Brent Munroe said. "We know we don't have an easy road. We know we can't look too far ahead, because if you lose, it's one-and-done, and it doesn't matter what is ahead."
The 12th-seeded Pioneers will travel to fifth-ranked Northeast (8-5-0) on Saturday at 10 a.m.
Eighth-ranked Bishop Fenwick will host ninth-ranked Greater Lowell on Saturday at 4 p.m.
No. 16 Winthrop will face off with top-ranked Maimonides on Sunday at 5 p.m.

-------------------------------------------------------

Miguel Castro was named the Northeastern Conference North Most Valuable Soccer Player of the Year !!!

Congratulations to Miguel Castro, Carlos Cifuentes, Cristian Lopez, Juan Deleon and Jeremy Dorson of Classical HS, who have been named as Northeastern Conference North Soccer ALL-STARS !

Miguel Castro

Classical's Castro Makes Everyone around Him say "Whoa!"

By Christian Mielcarek / For The Item, November 5, 2008

LYNN -- For some students, soccer is a way to pass the time with friends, an alternative to immediate homework and the monotony of life at home.

For Classical junior Miguel Castro, soccer is life, and his passion has earned the striker the 2008 Player of the Year award in the Northeastern Conference North, and propelled the Rams to a top spot in the standings.

Impressive, perhaps. But maybe only the beginning.

"It means a lot to be recognized," Castro said. "It's the best thing that has happened to me. I've been playing soccer for thirteen years. It's all I do everyday. It's nice that all the hard work has paid off."

Castro, who was introduced to the game as a child by his uncle in his native El Salvador, moved to the United States roughly two and a half years ago and has showcased his talents ever since. The junior tallied 31 goals and 14 assists last season, and added 26 goals and nine assists in his Player of the Year campaign.

"He's a player everyone knows can make something happen. He makes a move on the field and everyone says, "whoa"," said Classical (11-4-3) coach Joe Skahan.

"He's an unbelievable scorer. The kids look up to him. The referees and the other coaches look up to him. He has a gift, and his potential to go places is what's noticeable to everyone."

When he's not excelling as a tri-captain for the state tournament bound Rams, Castro is a member of the New England Revolution's U-18 team, especially notable considering Castro was one of 700 players in New England invited to try out in Foxborough for a spot on the sixteen-man roster.

"The Danvers coach (Antonio Lage) was one of the people in charge of picking who made the team, and he said Miguel was the only player who should have undeniably made it," Skahan said.

In July, Castro flew to Colorado for a tournament with the Junior Revolution, and the team will venture to California in Dec. and Florida in Jan. for additional tourneys incorporating the majority of Major League Soccer's U-18 squads before the season begins in Feb.

"It's a really great experience," Castro said. "We play and practice at Gillette, and they pay for our uniforms and everything we need when we travel. They move two players to the professional team every year, and I want to be one of those two players".

The Junior Revolution is not Castro's first experience with a professional soccer club. Beginning as a ten-year-old, Castro played for Real Madrid, one of the world's premier clubs, of Spain's youth team in El Salvador and continued with the squad for three years before leaving for the USA.

As for the present and Castro's somewhat immediate future, schools such as Boston College, Boston University, Brandeis and Union in New York have already expressed interest in having the striker transport his game to their places of higher education as soon as his days at Classical are completed.

"The coach from BC wants me to go there, and right now I'd like to go there, but I still have two years to go," Castro said. "My dream is to be a professional soccer player."

Castro models his game after Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo and Argentina's Lionel Messi, and he would love to play for Spain's Barcelona or Manchester United in England.

Before Castro can take his talents to La Liga or the English Premier League, he and his Ram teammates are awaiting their seeding in the tournament, and the load on Castro's shoulders has gotten heavier as fellow captain, Cristian Lopez, rolled his ankle in the NEC All-Star game last Sunday. Lopez' status is uncertain for Classical first postseason game, especially if it does not earn a bye.

"I couldn't tell you the last time we've had a season like this. I haven't seen a season like this in a long time," Skahan said.

"He's not the only reason we had this year's success but a big part of it. He's confident in the players around him, and that allows him to be so successful. The kid just loves soccer. There has never been a time where he didn't want to come in and play. He's always at practice, always on time. He has a passion. This is the only thing he wants to do."

The next step in Castro's soccer career is this year's tournament. How far his star can rise from there is still unseen.

English's Chamosoke Ntamuhanga, right, watches Classical's Doodley Alavidor bounce the ball off his head on Monday at Manning Field. (ITEM PHOTO / REBA M. SALDANHA)

English, Classical Boys Tie 1-1

By Art McManus / For The Item, October 27, 2008

LYNN -- When the game ended, both coaches, Joe Skahan of Classical and Kerry King of English, both agreed that it was a game of goalkeepers. Without the exceptional play of the two keepers, Jeremy Dorson of the Rams and Daniel Cordoba of the Bulldogs, the goal total might have gone to double figures. The game ended in a 1-1 tie.

Click here to see a photo gallery from the game.

You would need an adding machine to total up the number of saves by each keeper.

Besides the keeper play, the field players put on a passing and dribbling show that had the crowd cheering for almost the entire game. Both teams received excellent defensive play from their deep defenders; for English, Huber Robles, Ashani Nelson, Eric Bransfield and sweeper Alex Alvarez; and for Classical, Jeffrey Chavez, David Lopez, Greg Rybak and sweeper Danny Henriquez.

The first half was one of the best performances of the year, as offensive passing and outstanding tackling by the defenders resulted in a 0-0 halftime score.

All the action took place in the second half.

In the 50th minute, Classical was fouled in the deep left corner near the flag. Miguel Castro, the NEC's leading scorer, lined up the forty-yard kick and put it in the far top right corner of the net to give Classical a 1-0 lead. Ten minutes later, at the 60th minute, Classical was awarded a penalty kick for a trip in the area. Castro lined up the shot from the 12-yard spot and blasted a low bullet to the low right corner. English keeper Daniel Cordoba guessed correctly on the shot, dove, and tipped the shot wide of the post. This save fired up the Bulldogs and they pressed the Classical defenders trying to tie the game. With less than 30 seconds to go, English's all-league striker, Mubarak Nyang, blocked a Classical clearing pass that rolled back towards the Ram keeper. Nyang split the two defenders, took a couple of dribbles and beat Ram keeper Jeremy Dorson to the low right corner.

This tied the game at 1-1. The referee announced that there were four seconds left on the clock. The game ended and both teams now get ready for the tourney pairings the middle of next week and the start of the playoffs on Nov. 7.

King was on top of the world. He said, "We have a week before we play again and tonight is something to build on."

Skahan essentially echoed King's words. He said, "We are ready to go. We have a lot of seniors that should help us in the playoffs."

Classical Submits to Peabody in NEC North Title Game

Item Roundup, October 23, 2008

Peabody clinched the Northeastern Conference North Division crown in boys soccer yesterday. The Tanners defeated second-place Classical, 5-3.
Unfortunately, some of  Classical's top players were unable to participate due to injuries.

"We really wanted this game to get the championship," Peabody coach Stan McKeen said.

Matt Quadros scored a pair of goals in the first half to give the Tanners (12-1-2) a 2-1 lead going into halftime. Dominic Mondi, Jordan Hoofnagle and Seni Qoshja scored the Tanners' second-half goals.

"We had to play catch-up for the whole game," Rams coach Joe Skahan said.

Miguel Castro was phenomenal in the losing effort. He scored all three of the Rams' (11-4-2) goals. Kevin Kakou picked up Classical's lone assist.

Matt Rodgers and Kevin Kulhonen each finished the day with a pair of assists.

Keith Walsh, Greg Doonan and A.J. Grube all had great games defensively for the Tanners.

Jeremy Dorson had a great game in net for the Rams. However, he hyperextended his shoulder on the last goal scored by the Tanners. Dorson was not able to return for the final 10 minutes of the game. 

Cristian Lopes headed in a ball from Abdoulaye Bah early in the first half to put Classical up 1-0 and Carlos Cifuentes made it 2-0 early in the second half (Miguel Castro assist). Salem cut the to one on a goal by Edwin DeMoya and then tied it with seven minutes remaining on a Michael Steeves' goal.

The Rams pulled this one out of the fire when Cifuentes scored with 11/2 minutes left.

The Rams have a key league matchup Thursday against Peabody, which is in first with an 11-1-2 conference record.

Classical 4, Beverly 2  ITEM ROUNDUP 10/19/08

At Beverly, Miguel Castro had a field day for the Rams, scoring three goals and assisting on another. The Rams (10-3-2) found themselves trailing, 1-0, early in the game, but Castro caught fire and netted two to give Classical a lead it wouldn't relinquish. Carlos Cifuentes (goal, 2 assists) made it 3-1 and Castro popped in the final goal. Rodrigo Valdez scored both Beverly goals. Jeremy Dorson (16 saves) got the job done in net for the Rams and midfielders Jake Petronzio and Yuri Lazarek played well in the midfield for Beverly.

Classical 2, Revere 1 ITEM ROUNDUP 10/15/08

At Lynn, Miguel Castro scored a goal and added an assist for the Rams. Doodley Aldouvry scored the other goal. The Patriots goal actually came when Classical inadvertently scored on their own goal. Paul Buccheri and Omer Wago played excellent, filling in for two starters.

Classical Boys Soccer Qualifies for StateTournament                                        
Miguel Castro had a four-point day for the Rams. (ITEM FILE PHOTO)

By Joyce Erekson / The Daily Item

The Classical High boys soccer team qualified for the state tournament Thursday with a 5-0 win over Winthrop at Manning Field.

The last time the Rams (8-3-2) made it to the postseason was the 2006 season under former coach Ken Norris. Current coach Joe Skahan was running the junior varsity program at the time. Although the Rams came close last year, they came up a few points shy.

"I'm very happy," Skahan said. "All the hard work, it's really starting to pay off. It's a good feeling."

Although the senior-laden Rams have cleared one hurdle in qualifying for the state tournament, Skahan said the goal now will be to work for the best seed possible. He said his team lost some of its momentum after getting out to a strong start, but things have picked up in the last few games.

"We've been a whole different team the last few games. It's a good feeling," Skahan said.

Junior Miguel Castro had another big day for the Rams Thursday, scoring three goals and assisting on another to bring his season total to 18 goals and six assists. Carlos Cifuentes had a goal and an assist and freshman Kevin Kakou, who was brought up from junior varsity this week, had a goal. Jeremy Dorson picked up his second shutout of the season.

Classical's Jefferson Avila, left, and Marblehead's Billy Graves each try to get a handle on the ball Tuesday at Marblehead High School. (ITEM PHOTO / REBA M. SALDANHA)

Classical Knocks Off  Marblehead 1-0

By Art McManus / For The Item, October 7, 2008

MARBLEHEAD -- Classical visited Sgt. Chris Piper Field at Marblehead High School to face the Magicians in their only meeting of the year, as they are in different divisions in the Northeastern Conference (Classical is in the large school division, while Marblehead is in the small). Classical defeated Marblehead, 1-0.

Classical improves to 7-3-2, while Marblehead drops to 4-4-2.

Marblehead coach Steve Ingemi said before the game, "We have no stars on this team. We work well together and, hopefully, come out on top at the end. We have scored seventeen goals this season, and nine different players have done the scoring."

Joe Skahan's Rams were coming off a defeat last Thursday to Danvers.

Before the game, Skahan said, "We have to turn it around ... After Marblehead, we have played the rest of the schedule already this year and we only lost to Peabody. We have made a couple of changes that we hope will strengthen both our offense and defense."

In the first half, both teams went end line to end line, with the defenders and keepers all doing an outstanding job. Two things that Classical did helped the Rams: The team moved Danny Henriquez from wing defender to sweeper. It looks like he found a home at the deep back position. He was all over the field, clearing balls before they could get to Jeremy Dorson, the Rams keeper. The other change was to move Miguel Castro from wing to striker, making it difficult for the Marblehead defenders to cover him. In the thirty-ninth minute, Kevin Kakou, a freshman midfielder, carried the ball down the left wing, and hit a left-footed square pass to an uncovered Castro in the arc. The keeper came off the line to make a play on Castro, but he went by the keeper and had the whole net to put in the ball. This made the score Classical 1, Marblehead 0. A few seconds after the restart, the half came to an end.

The second half was a carbon copy of the first, with both teams having multiple chances to score. Castro hit the post twice. Marblehead keeper Kurt Grossman and Classical keeper Dorson were outstanding, making more than a dozen saves each in the game. Marblehead has a very unique offensive weapon. Junior Matt Frankel can throw the ball from the sideline across the goal mouth. Since there is no offsides on a throw-in, this makes for some interesting situations when the Magicians have a throw-in down inside the area.

With 15 minutes to go, Ingemi sent in a new keeper, Nat Williams, and moved the starting keeper to striker to add some punch to the offense.

With 10 seconds to go in the game, Marblehead had a throw-in near the Classical end line. Ingemi called a time-out and set up a play with a long throw-in from Frankel. The ball came down in front of the Classical keeper, but it was cleared away by a Classical defender, and that was the game.

After the game, Skahan had praise for everyone. He said, "They all played well especially, Danny (Henriquez), Jeremy (Dorson) and Miguel (Castro). We need one more point to qualify for the states and we hope to get it Thursday in a make-up game at Manning against Winthrop."

Classical's Juan DeLeon and Danvers' Michael DeCoulos each get a piece of the ball on Thursday at Hood Park. (ITEM PHOTO / REBA M. SALDANHA)

Danvers Boys Soccer Defeats Classical, 4-2

By Art McManus / For The Item, October 3, 2008

LYNN -- At Hood Park, across the street from Classical, in a game that was marked by intense physical play, the Danvers boys soccer team knocked off Classical, 4-2.

For a photo gallery of this game, please click here.

The Falcons, coached by Antonio Lage, brought a 4-3-2 record into the game. As a third-year coach at Danvers, Lage was aware of the skills of the Classical players. He said, "We have to slow down (Rafael) Rosa, (Carlos) Cifuentes and (Miguel) Castro. If we can get them out of their game, then we have a chance to win the game."

Joe Skahan, the second-year Classical coach, had his 6-2-2 Rams ready to play.

"Our guys are really coming together," Skahan said. "Rafael, Miguel and Carlos have really led the team up front."

The game started with Classical controlling the ball with its usual short-pass game. Danvers, however, turned it into a very physical game. As the first half moved towards the twenty-minute mark, Danvers started to take control of midfield and was shutting down the Classical passing game. In the 25th minute, Falcon midfielder Chris Ciampa put a perfect through ball from 35 yards out to Wesley Moreira, who picked up the pass in the arc and one-timed a low shot to the right corner that just beat Classical keeper Jeremy Dorson. This made the score Danvers 1, Classical 0.

In the 33rd minute, a mistake by a Classical defender gave Danvers its second goal. The defender, in attempting to clear a bouncing ball, missed the kick, and Moreira blasted the ball from the 12-yard line and beat the keeper, who had no chance on the shot. At this point in the game, both teams reverted to the long ball down the wing, hoping for the perfect cross and score. Both keepers came up big, as each of them, Dorson of Classical and Andrew Mikulski of Danvers, stopped a half-dozen shots each.

In the 39th minute, with less than one minute to play in the half, Moreira had the ball on the left wing, and his shot was deflected by the Classical keeper. The ball bounced to Tom Hurley, who had the whole net from 6 yards out. He made no mistake, and the score went up to 3-0 in favor of Danvers. The half ended a few seconds later.

All the scoring in the second half was compressed into the first seventeen minutes. At the 44th minute, Classical got on the scoreboard. Rosa stole the clearing pass deep in the Falcon defensive end and put a rocket into the corner that cut the score to Danvers 3, Classical 1. In the 51st minute, a Classical defender fouled a Danvers wing at the end line at the edge of the penalty area. Ciampa took the free kick and found Hurley unmarked in front of Dorson, and he notched his second goal of the game. That was also Ciampa's second assist of the game. That made the score Danvers 4, Classical 1.

Classical finished the scoring in the game when, in the 57th minute, Castro carried the ball down the right wing and found Rafael Rosa alone just outside the area. When the Danvers defender challenged him, he beat the defender, and then beat the keeper to the far corner. This made the score Danvers 4,Classical 2. The remaining 23 minutes of the game were very physical. Four times, the game was stopped so that the trainer could aid an injured player. In this period, two yellow cards were issued.

After the game, Skahan was upset with the rough play on the part of the Falcons.

"I don't think we got the calls that we should have," he said. "They took us out of our game. We will be ready for Marblehead next week."

Classical, which is at Marblehead next Tuesday, drops to 6-3-2, while Danvers moves up to 5-3-2.

Classical 5, Beverly 2

At Manning Field, Rafael Rosa scored all three of his goals in the second half to give the Rams (6-2-2) a little breathing room. Beverly (0-6-2) had taken a 1-0 lead on a goal by Mike Collins, but Classical's Miguel Castro tied it with the assist going to Carlos Cifuentes (3 assists). Juan DeLeon scored from Rosa (3 goals, 1 assist to give Classical a 2-1 lead, but Beverly's Brad Surette came up with the equalizer. Jake Petronzio assisted on both Beverly goals.

The second half belonged to Rosa and the Rams. Cifuentes assisted on two of Rosa's goals and Cristian Lopez on the other. Jeffrey Chaney anchored the defense.

"Both halves we started out slow, but we picked up the momentum," Classical coach Joe Skahan said.

Classical's Miguel Castro and Peabody's Kyle McGlone Monday at Manning Field. ITEM PHOTO/ REBA M. SALDANHA

 Taylor Scores Twice to Lead Swampscott past Classical

By Joyce Erekson / The Daily Item, September 23, 2008

Kyle Taylor scored two goals to lead the Swampscott High boys soccer team to a 3-1 win over Classical Tuesday at Swampscott.

"We controlled a lot of the tempo," Swampscott coach Mike Chase said. "They're a strong opponent. This is the best we played all season."

Swampscott's Walter Morrell, a senior captain, had the unenviable task of shadowing Classical sharpshooter Miguel Castro all game and he got the job done.

"His job was one thing. Stop Castro from hurting us. He did a tremendous job of shadowing him," Chase said.

Castro did find the net once, on a direct kick in the first half that made it 1-1, but the Big Blue iced the win with two goals in the second half. Rocky Nenshati scored Swampscott's first goal, with the assist going to Chris Nenshati, and Taylor scored two, with Rocky Nenshati assisting on the first goal and Chris Nenshati on the second.

Swampscott is 5-0-2.

Classical Wins Again !!

By Joyce Erekson / The Daily Item

Classical's Miguel Castro, right, gets ready to kick the ball as English's Jefferson Fubellah turns to watch him on Wednesday at Manning Field. (ITEM PHOTO / REBA M. SALDANHA)

Classical Boys beat English in Final Few Minutes 3-2

By Art McManus / For The Item, September 18, 2008

LYNN -- In a rematch of the city tourney final, where Classical won in a shootout, the Rams came from behind in the final seven minutes to score twice and pick up their fourth win in this young season. Classical defeated English, 3-2.

Coach Joe Skahan brought his veteran ballclub into the clash with the Bulldogs with a 3-1-1 (2-1 NEC) record. Of his nineteen players, fourteen are seniors and have been battle-tested in the wars in the NEC.

Kerry King's Bulldogs have a record of 3-2-1 (2-2 NEC). They are led by Mubarak Nyang, who was an NEC all-star last year as a junior. King has moved Nyang from midfield to striker to take advantage of his remarkable skills and speed. He could be the best player in Lynn this year.

Skahan said before the game, "We are coming together as a team, and we have a shot at the title. Peabody, English and our team all have a good shot at it."

King agreed, saying, "This is the first time in many years that both English and Classical are both strong. We are starting a new keeper, Daniel Cordoba, tonight."

The first fifteen minutes were like two fighters testing each other out. In the 16th minute, English broke in on Classical keeper Jeremy Dorson.

Gabe Smith crossed the ball to Kevin Garduno at the six-yard line, and he headed it over Dorson towards the goal. A Classical defender attempted to clear the ball off the line, but missed the ball, and it rolled across the goal line for the first goal of the game.

In the 22nd minute, Classical tied the score at 1-1.

Doodley Alavidor carried the ball deep into the left corner and dropped the ball back to Christian Lopez, who was set up in the arc. He one-timed the ball at the net and it went in under a diving attempt by Cordoba.

In the 39th minute, Nyang put on the show of the night as he picked up an errant clearing pass about forty yards from the Classical goal. With a series of stops and starts and reverses, he left the Classical defenders in his wake, and with the keeper at his mercy, he feathered a shot over the keeper's head and under the crossbar to make the score English 2, Classical 1. The half ended a few seconds later.

The second half started with both teams flying up and down the field. Both teams substituted liberally and kept the pressure on both keepers, who were forced to make numerous saves.

With seven minutes to go, it was looking like English was getting even for the loss in the City Tourney. Then Classical struck.

All the damage was done by one player, junior Miguel Castro. To score a goal unassisted is one thing, but to score two of them in seven minutes is remarkable. Castro tied the game with seven minutes to play when he stole a pass and beat the keeper to the short side. After the restart, Classical took the ball deep into the English end, where English put the ball over its own end line for a corner kick. Castro took the kick from the left corner and put the ball into the net over the hands of the keeper.

With three minutes to play, Classical had come back to take the lead, 3-2. It held on as time ran out and won 3-2 to raise its record to 4-1-1 (3-1 NEC). English drops to 3-3-1 (2-3 NEC).

Classical's Jefersson Avila wheels around to face Peabody's Kyle McGlone Monday at Manning Field. Peabody won 3-2. (ITEM PHOTO / REBA M. SALDANHA)

Peabody Boys Soccer Fends off Rams

By Joyce Erekson / The Daily Item,September 15, 2008 

LYNN -- Peabody boys soccer coach Stan McKeen knew coming into Monday night's game against Classical that keeping the Rams' sharpshooting duo of Miguel Castro and Carlos Cifuentes from doing too much damage would be the key in coming away with a win.

Although Castro did manage to find the back of the net once, late in the game, the Tanner defense bent but it didn't break in a 3-2 win at Manning Field.

"Castro and Cifuentes are their two key players," McKeen said. "We felt we had to do a good job marking them. I thought we did a great job defensively all around. We moved the ball well and had our opportunities, although I thought we could have scored a few more."

Although it wasn't the result he wanted, Classical coach Joe Skahan came out of the game encouraged by how much his team has improved since last season, when the Tanners took it to the Rams twice, once by a score of 7-1 and once by a score of 8-1.

"This is a team that has dominated us in years past, and we gave them a good game," Skahan said. "We just had trouble finding the back of the net."

Peabody (3-0) drew first blood, scoring 9:30 minutes in on a Kyle McGlone goal from Matt Rodgers. The lead didn't last too long. Classical's Abdoulaye Bah scored off a pass from Cifuentes to even things up, and at the half, the game was tied, 1-1.

The Rams, after starting out a bit sluggish, hung right with Peabody through most of the first half, but the momentum took a noticeable shift about 15 minutes into the second half when Dominic Mondi scored from McGlone. Peabody bumped the lead up to 3-1 on a goal off an indirect kick from Hysen Qosha with 13 minutes remaining. It looked like the Tanners had this one safely in the win column and for the next eight or nine minutes, they controlled play. The Rams made things interesting when, with under two minutes remaining, Castro scored on an indirect kick with Cifuentes getting the assist. The Rams couldn't come up with the equalizer before time ran out.

Despite the fiery finish, McKeen was happy with the way his team played, and, in particular, the efforts of Greg Noonan and Keith Walsh, who had the tough task of keeping Castro under wraps.

"We contained him," McKeen said. "He can do so many things with the ball."

Skahan said he was happy with his team's play in the first half, but thought the Rams didn't come out as strong after the break and that was something that needs to be improved upon.

"They know we're a force to be reckoned with, and that's a good feeling," Skahan said.

Classical is 3-1-1 with English on tap for Wednesday.

"It was a fantastic game," Classical coach Joe Skahan said.

Jeremy Dorson had another excellent game in net, shutting down the Witches on breakaways several times.

"He's just really stepping it up unbelievably. He's been playing off his rocker," Skahan said. "I'm extremely happy (about the strong start of the season). Kids are working so hard. To see it actually pay off is phenomenal for me."

The Rams play defending Northeastern Conference North champ Peabody Monday at Manning Field (5:15).

Classical Boys Defeat English in Shootout, Claim their Third City Series Title 3-2

By Art McManus / For The Item, September 8, 2008

In the finale of the Lynn city soccer tourney, the "ancient rivals," Classical and English, were fighting it out again for the title. Along with the trophy goes the bragging rights between East Lynn and West Lynn. The game will officially go into the record books as a tie game. Because the MIAA only allows overtime and shootouts during the state tourney in November, neither team was content to be co-champions. The result: A shootout, won by Classical, 3-2, for the Rams' third City Series title.

Before the game, Classical coach Joe Skahan was very happy with the way the season had started. He said, "A win tonight will make us 3-0, which hasn't happened here in a long time. This has to be our year. We dress 19 players for the varsity games and 14 are seniors. They have the experience and maturity to stay in every game."

Kerry King, the Bulldog coach, is not far behind Skahan. He also dresses 19 for his varsity games, and 15 are juniors and seniors. He said, " Like Classical we have a lot of upperclassmen who have been playing the game for a long time."

Both keepers are seniors with very little game experience. Both teams graduated their keepers last year.

Jeremy Jackley of English and Jeremy Dorson of Classical have risen to the occasion so far this year and have made the big saves.

There was an additional guest at the game. Tropical Storm Hanna made her appearance for most of the game and through the shootout.

Classical wasted no time in hitting the back of the net. In the 8th minute, a Classical shot was punched out by the Bulldogs' keeper. The ball went up in the air and was headed back by Ram midfielder Juan DeLeon over the sprawled keeper and into the net. This made the score Classical 1, English 0. Both teams had excellent chances to score but the defenders on both sides were equal to the task and the half ended with the score Classical 1, English 0.

The second half started and Classical continued its relentless attack. In the 53rd minute, a Classical shot was deflected by Jackley, and Rafael Rosa, a senior striker for the Rams, pounced on the loose ball and tucked the shot into the left side of the net. This made the score Rams 2, Bulldogs 0. With twenty-seven minutes to go, it looked like the Rams were going to sit on the lead and go home with their third trophy.

However, there was still fight left in the Bulldogs. In the 66th minute, English forward Kevin Garduno picked up a loose ball in the area and beat Dorson to the left side from about fifteen yards out. This cut the Classical lead in half, 2-1. With less than one minute to go, English all-NEC midfielder Mubarak Nyang broke in alone down the left wing and beat Dorson to the short side. This tied the game and sent it to penalty shots.

Penalty shots are all taken in the same goal with the keepers swapping in and out. It is the best of 5 shots from the penalty kick spot. Both teams have all of their players on the field. English went to one side and Classical to the other. The fans all crowded to the end of the field. The first kicker for English was the keeper, Jackley. The shot missed on a save by Dorson. The first kicker for Classical was Jefersson Avila, who scored. The second shooter for English was Alex Alvarez, who scored to tie the shootout at 1-1. Classical's second shooter was Rafael Rosa, who missed his shot. English's third shooter was Gabe Smith, who put the shot into the top right corner of the net. This score put English ahead 2-1. Classical's third shooter, Juan DeLeon, also missed. English's fourth shooter, Anthony McCullough, also missed. Classical's top gun, Carlos Cifuentes, took the fourth kick, and he missed. English's fifth shooter was Ashani Nelson. He missed.

The fifth shooter for Classical was Miguel Castro. Castro hit the back of the net, setting up sudden death with the sixth shooter. The English shooter, N. Cherosti, missed, and it was all up to Classical's Doodley Alavidor, who calmly put the shot past the keeper into the net and Classical became the city champion for the third straight year.

The traditional MVP awards, picked by their coaches, were presented to keeper Jeremy Dorson of Classical and to midfielder Mubarak Nyang of English. These two teams will play twice more in the regular NEC season.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Boys Varsity Soccer Team 2007

Junior Varsity Team 2007

Miguel Castro is a True All-Star

Miguel Castro capped off an impressive sophomore campaign for Classical's boys soccer team by scoring both goals for the NEC North all-star squad in a 2-0 win over the South. Both of Castro's goals came in the second half.
"All the goalies played well," said Peabody (and North) coach Stan McKeen. "Everyone played well. We had three (goalies). The South had four."
Castro's effort came after he recorded his 31st goal in a1-1 tie against the crosstown rivals at English. Castro also had 10 assists this season, making him the top scorer in all of eastern Massachusetts.
"This is an absolutely amazing accomplishment for a sophomore," Rams coach Joe Skahan said.

Classical's Carlos Cifuentes and English's Huber Robles go toe-to-toe during their 1-1 tie Saturday at Manning Field. (ITEM PHOTO / JONATHON M. WHITMORE)

English, Classical Boys Tie 1-1 in Soccer Finale

By Art McManus / For The Item, Monday, October 29, 2007

LYNN -- It is wonderful to be a sports fan in Boston. The Patriots are undefeated, the Red Sox are going for the World Series title and the Boston College Eagles are still trying to figure out how they pulled out that win in Virginia in that driving rainstorm. At Manning Field, the same feeling was going through the Classical and English boys soccer teams. They were finishing a season that started in the hot summer days of August and was ending in the rains of late October. There would be no league title or even a trip to the state tourney as neither team qualified. Their biggest game of the year would be Saturday morning in Lynn and they were playing for pride and the knowledge that they were the best team in the city. Perhaps appropriately, the result was a 1-1 tie.

The Bulldogs are led by Kerry King. They had an overall record of 4-11-2. The Rams, led by Joe Skahan, had a 4-8-5 record in his rookie year. Both coaches had their teams ready to play. The only problem was the weather. The rain put a damper on the speed and cutting abilities of both teams. Many games in the North Shore area were cancelled. King said, "The field is perfect despite the amount of rain. We are ready to play."

Skahan agreed. "This is the most important game of the year and the rain won't stop our style of play," he said.

The game started at a slow pace with each team getting used to each other as well as the turf. Classical struck first. In the 21st minute, Carlos Cifuentes, a junior midfielder with exceptional speed, shook off an English defender at midfield and fed a through pass to sophomore striker Miguel Castro, who came clear at the top of the area and beat English keeper Eric Hamlin as he came off his line to make a play on Castro. This was Castro's 31st goal of the season to go along with 10 assists. This makes him tops in the city. The half ended without any further scoring.

In the second half, English finally got untracked. With All-League Mubarak Nyang leading the attack and Alex Alvarez shutting down the Classical attacks, the Bulldogs came to life. In the 58th minute, co-captain Ulisis Guevara carried the ball down the right wing and crossed it to an unmarked Jesus Maldonado, who was in the arc and beat the Classical keeper to the low right side. This tied the game at 1-1.

The next twenty minutes were played between the penalty areas. With two minutes to go, Bulldog keeper Hamlin made the biggest save of the game. Castro, Classical's top scorer, carried the ball into the top right corner of the area, and as an English defender closed in on him, he let go a rocket destined for the top right corner. Hamlin managed to get one hand on the shot and deflect it high enough that it hit the crossbar and bounced harmlessly over the sideline. The game and the season ended two minutes later with a 1-1 tie. English finished up at 4-11-3 and Classical at 4-8-6.

King, the English coach, said, "We had too many offsides and the wet field changed the speed of the ball. But all in all it was a good game." When asked about next year, he said, "We have seven returning starters, so we will have something to build on."

Skahan was very happy with his team's performance. "We did very well," he said. "I am looking forward to next year with eight starters coming back."

The league all-star game was played Sunday evening at Manning Field. Representing Classical at the game were Castro and Cifuentes and representing English were Nyang, Alvarez and Nelson Manuelo.

Peabody 6, Classical 1

At Manning Field, the Tanners' (15-1, 14-1 Northeastern Conference) Jared Rizzo had two goals and an assist and Josh Boyce, Matt Quadros and Jordan Hoofnagle each had a goal and an assist. Mike Pennachio had a goal. Brian Fleming and Justin Famiglietti split the game in net.

"We had plenty of chances and just couldn't find the net," Classical coach Joe Skahan said.

The Rams (4-6-5) had a penalty kick of their own but rang the shot off the crossbar.

Revere 2, Classical 1

At Della Russo Stadium in Revere, the Patriots (6-8-1) got goals from Max Ochoa and Luis DaCunha to hold off the tough Rams.
Ashley Barrios and Joe Spofford had one assist each while goalkeeper Alfonso Rosales turned aside a Classical penalty kick that would have tied the game.

Miguel Castro of Classical scored all of his team's four goals in a 4-4 tie against Gloucester on Thursday. (ITEM FILE PHOTO)

 Castro's Four Goals Help Classical Tie Gloucester

Courtesy of The Daily Item of Lynn, 10/05/07

Miguel Castro wasn't able to top the numbers he put up against Winthrop earlier in the week (5 goals and 2 assists), but he came darn close, scoring all four goals for Classical Thursday in a 4-4 tie against Gloucester at Manning Field.

Although a little disappointed to see the win slip away in the final two minutes, Classical coach Joe Skahan was very happy with the way his team played against one of the tougher teams in the Northeastern Conference.

"We haven't beaten or even tied Gloucester in years," Skahan said.

Things didn't start out well for the Rams, who trailed 3-1 at the half. Gloucester would have been wise to consider Castro's first goal a warning shot and take cover. The sophomore buried a free kick from 35 yards out in the top right corner.

"Everyone's jaw hit the ground on that one," Skahan said.

Classical (4-3-4, 2-3-4 Northeastern Conference) hasn't had much success against Gloucester in recent years, but the Fishermen were in for a surprise this time around.

"I think they came in thinking, 'We beat this team every year,' but we worked our butts off. They were extremely frustrated by their play. They broke down, made mistakes, and we capitalized on them," Skahan said.

Castro, who has 26 goals and nine assists so far this year, put the Rams back in the game with two quick goals within the first 10 minutes of the second half. Castro scored the go-ahead goal midway through the half and hung on until Gloucester beat Classical keeper Marc Moise with under two minutes remaining.

"He played unreal," Skahan said about Moise, adding that he made several diving saves and did a great job clearing the ball out on corner kicks and throw-ins.

 Classical has it in High Gear against Winthrop

By Matthew Roy/For The Item, Tuesday, October 2, 2007

When the Classical boys soccer team puts all the pieces to the puzzle together, its a beautiful thing to behold. On Tuesday at Miller Field, the Rams had it in high gear.

Miguel Castro was a man possessed as he scored five times and assisted on three other goals in an 8-1 Rams win that moved Classical's record to 4-3-3.

In just 10 games, Castro has racked up 22 goals and nine assists for 53 points.

"He's unreal," Classical coach Joe Skahan said. "We played like a team (Tuesday). All I can say is that it went swimmingly."

The Rams were in a fight for a half, leading only 3-1. Castro changed all that though as he scored three times in the first 10 minutes of the second half to put the game away.

Carlos DeOliveira had two goals and Mark Moise added one on a penalty kick.

"We moved the ball well around the field and won all the balls we needed to win," Skahan said. "I was excited with how we played."

Miguel and Carlos Lead Classical Soccer Over  Saugus

Classical's David Lopez and English's Mubarak Nyang Monday at Manning Field. The Bulldogs and Rams played to a 2-2 tie. (ITEM PHOTO / REBA M. SALDANHA)

English, Classical Boys Soccer Teams Play to 2-2 tie

By Art McManus / For The Daily Item of Lynn,Tuesday, September 25, 2007 

LYNN -- In the second game of a doubleheader, the Classical and English boys played to a 2-2 tie. This was the second meeting of the Bulldogs and the Rams this year. They met in the finals of the City Tourney with Classical winning 4-1. The Bulldogs came into the game with a 1-4 (0-3 NEC) record. Coach Kerry King was looking forward to notching his first league win of the season. Ram Coach Joe Skahan brought a record 0f 2-2-3(0-2-3 NEC) into the game. He was also looking for his first league win.

The game was less than 1 minute old when co-captain Ulisis Guevara fed Gabe Smith a crossing pass and he pushed it by keeper Marc Moise to make the score English 1, Classical 0. Both teams displayed outstanding skills. As they went up and down the field the hitting was fierce. At the 32-minute mark, Ezequiel Rodriques picked up the ball on his side of midfield and dribbled his way through and past four Classical defenders. He broke free of the Ram players as he entered the top right corner of the area and blasted a low shot about a foot off the ground into the left corner. This pushed the score to English 2, Classical 0. The score should have been tied but for the outstanding work of keeper Eric Hamlin in the English net. The half ended with the score English 2, Classical 0.

The second half opened with the same display of foot skills by both teams, Classical seemed a bit more determined and started pushing at the English defenders. It paid off in the 58th minute when Miguel Castro was sent in off a dead ball kick by Carlos Cifuentes. Castro beat the defender to the ball and had Hamlin at his mercy and put it under the diving keeper to narrow the score to 2-1.

In the 70th minute, English had a chance to put the Rams away when a penalty shot was called. An English player was taken down and a yellow card issued to a Ram defender. The shot was taken by Alex Alvarez, who had the keeper going the wrong way, and his shot slid by the outside of the left post.

In the 76th minute, Classical tied up the game. Castro intercepted a clearing pass, dribbled 30 yards through three English defenders, and beat the English keeper to the low left side. That was Castro's second goal of the night and his 13th goal in 7 games so far this season. The game finished and the final score was English 2, Classical 2.

King was not happy with some of the calls in the game. He said, "I thought we had the better of the play. They came on strong late and we could not hold them."

English plays Wednesday at Marblehead.

Skahan said, "We started off slow and got up to speed in the second half. Miguel Castro has 13 goals and 5 assists in 7 games."

Classical plays next Wednesday at Saugus.

Dominic Mondi had the other Peabody goal with Brian Fleming and Justin Famiglietti splitting the win in goal.

"It was a good win. We controlled the game," Peabody coach Stan McKeen said.

Classical defender Christian Lopez attempts a scissor-kick over Salem Tuesday at Manning Field. The Witches won the game, 5-4. (ITEM PHOTO / REBA M. SALDANHA)

Salem Boys Soccer Defeats Classical 5-4

By Art McManus / For The Item, September 19, 2007

LYNN -- The Lynn Classical boys opened the first game of a tripleheader at Manning Field playing host to the Salem Witches on Tuesday. Salem won 5-4. The game had an added twist as cousins were facing each other as head coaches.

Mike D'Agostino led the Salem team with a record of 2-2 (1-1 NEC). The Witches lost to Peabody in the NEC and North Andover in a non-league game.

D'Agostino said, "We are starting to jell in the midfield and the defenders have been getting better every game."

Joe Skahan, the first-year Classical coach, played at Classical from 1996 to 2000 for Norris Gibson. He said, "I have patterned my drill and tactics after what Coach Gibson taught us." Last year, he was the Classical JV coach and moved up when coach Ken Norris could not continue as coach due to work conflicts. Classical has a 2-1-2 (0-1-2 NEC) record, having won the City Tourney and tied its first two league games.

Coach Skahan praised his two strikers, Miguel Castro and Carlos Cifuentes. "Miguel is our top scorer with 8 goals and 5 assists in 4 games," Skahan said. "Carlos makes our team go. By controlling midfield, he set up everyone else."

The game was less than two minutes old when Salem struck. Max Mondestin carried the ball into the left corner of the area and fed the ball across to Martin Amin, who put the ball under diving Ram keeper Marc Moise. Seven minutes later, Salem upped the score to 2-0 on a corner kick by co-captain Alejandro Alvarez right to the head of Amin, who nodded the ball to the top short side corner. This was Amin's second goal in 9 minutes.

On Classical's next rush at the Salem goal, Castro was taken down in the area and Classical was awarded a penalty shot. He took the PK and buried the ball in the low left corner; the score was now Salem 2, Classical 1. In the 17th minute, Salem midfielders combined on a give and go through midfield and centered the ball through the area about 10 yards out from the keeper. Mike Steeves deflected the ball into the short side corner for Salem's third goal with Edwin Demoya and Nuur Mahamed picking up the assists. Four minutes later, at the 21st minute, Salem struck again. Mondestin, probably the fastest player on the Salem team, dribbled through three defenders, went left, and buried a left-footed shot in the low right corner of the net. Halfway through the first half, the score was Salem 4, Classical 1. In the 26th minute, Amin scored the hat trick, registering his third goal of the half. Steeves put a through ball between two defenders and Amin beat them to the ball, took one dribble, and rocketed the ball into the left side of the net. This made the score Salem 5, Classical 1. One minute later, Salem keeper Mike Collins, who had been a force in the net, received a yellow card on a Classical corner kick. He had to leave the game for at least one play. D'Agostino kept him out of the game for 43 minutes. He returned with 10 minutes to go in the game. He was replaced by Jon Hammond. The half went to full time without any more damage by either team.

The second half started as the first finished, with both teams making attacks into the other's areas only to have the defenses and clear the ball back to midfield. In the next eighteen minutes, from the 53rd to the 71st minutes, Classical struck for 3 goals to make the score Salem 5, Classical 4. At the 51st minute, Cifuentes broke in on the right wing and the keeper came off the line and challenged him. His shot was about to be cleared by a defender when Rafael Rosa deflected it past the defender into the net. In the 59th minute, Castro beat the defender to a clearing pass and put it by the keeper from the top of the area. This made the score Salem 5, Classical 3. In the 71st minute, Castro scored his third goal of the game. Coming down the right wing, when he reached the top of the area, he fired a bullet over the keeper's head into the net. D'Agostino then put Collins back into the game and he defused any more attacks.

D'Agostino, after the game, noted, "Our front lines are doing very well for the time of the year. Our backs are getting better every day."

Skahan was disappointed by the loss but was very pleased with the comeback. "We never gave up and played out the game," he said. "We hustled to the very end."

Classical Boys Soccer Team Rallies for Tie with Beverly

courtesy of The Daily Item of Lynn, Friday, September 14, 2007 

Things weren't looking too good for the Classical boys soccer team at halftime against Beverly Thursday.

The Panthers had dominated the first 40 minutes and held a 3-0 lead. But first-year coach Joe Skahan rallied his troops in the intermission Classical's respond to the pep talk.

Jackson Olivera, Juan DeLeon and Miguel Castro all scored second half goals as the Rams stonewalled Beverly's potent attack, leaving with a 3-3 tie with one of the Northeastern Conference's top programs.

"To comeback from 3-0 down against that team is great," Skahan said. "The kids worked so hard and played so well in the second half. To get a point over Beverly is fantastic."

The Rams might have gotten both points from the game but a penalty kick inside the final minute was thwarted by the Panther netminder. Nonetheless, Skahan was happy to see his team circle the wagons and stay unbeaten at 2-0-2.

"We didn't play tough in the first half and we came out and took control in the second half. The kids are playing well and having fun," Skahan said.

Classical's Darrell Lane Jr., left, and Jaquan Huston take down St. Mary's Rich Barrows Friday at Manning Field. Barrows scored the lone touchdown for St. Mary's on a 65-yard kickoff return. (ITEM PHOTO / REBA M. SALDANHA)

Classical Defeats English for Lynn Boys Soccer Title, 4-1

By Art McManus / For The Daily Item, 9/10/07

Classical's Jackson Olivera and Tech's Matthue Davis battle it out during city tournament action Wednesday at Manning Field. (ITEM PHOTO / REBA M. SALDANHA)

Classical Defeats Tech in a Slugfest 7-6

By Art McManus / For The Daily Item of Lynn, 9/6/07

LYNN -- The second game was a complete reversal of the first. After the injury to veteran Rams keeper Eric Silva, both Classical and Tech went with rookie inexperienced keepers that turned the game into a shooting contest. Classical won, 7-6, to advance to the final of the Lynn City Soccer Tournament, where it will face English (Saturday, 7 p.m.). Tech plays St. Mary's in the consolation.

The scoring started at the 6-minute mark with Steve Lavin beating Tech keeper Gerson Rodriguez from 10 yards out. The assist went to Carlos Cifuentes. The second goal came at the 11-minute mark when Classical's Miguel Castro scored with an assist to Joe Basher. That made the score Rams 2, Tech 0. Tech's Richard Jones-Alas cut the lead to 2-1 when Silva dropped a cross, and in the melee Silva was injured and did not return to the game. Jeremy Dorson replaced Silva in the net. At the 16-minute mark on a through ball from Castro, Marc Moise beat the Tech keeper low left to push the score to 3-1, Classical. Tech would not quit and a minute later, Jones-Alas scored his second with an assist to Prince Tchoumi. Classical opened up a two-goal lead with Rafael Rosa scoring with an assist to Castro. Classical opened up a 3-goal lead on an unassisted left-footed shot from the arc by Castro. With the clock running out and seconds to go to the end of the half, Tchoumi cut the lead to 5-3 with an assist to Goran Susa. The halftime score was Classical 5, Tech 3.

Five minutes into the second half, Classical hit again with Castro scoring with an assist to Cifuentes.

In the next 15 minutes, Tech controlled both ends of the field, scoring three times. In the 47th minute, Tchoumi scored with an assist to Aloysius Fonta, and four minutes later the same combination hit again. At the 61st minute, Tchoumi scored his 4th goal of the game -- also a natural hat trick, three consecutive goals. The game was now tied at 6-6. Both teams were exhausted after all the scoring. Classical, however, had one more attack left and scored the winner at the 77th minute on a cross from Rosa to Lavin, who headed it by the Tech keeper.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Skahan Named new Classical Boys Soccer Coach

Norris Resigns Classical Boys Soccer Coaching Job    From the Daily Item of Lynn, 2/28/07

Although Norris did not attend Classical (indeed, he graduated from English), he will leave a significant void at the school.

"He's going to be sorely, sorely missed," Ruth said. "I was really hoping we would be able to work something out ... He did a great job. I'm really going to miss him a lot

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------