Sports
Framingham's Strikers Finish Second in Massachusetts
The Framingham Strikers U14 boys soccer team lost in the finals of the MTOC to finish second in the state.
For the first time, a Framingham United Soccer Club team made it to the finals of the Massachusetts Tournament of Champions (MTOC).
The Framingham U14 Strikers lost 1-0 to Easton in the finals. At the half the score was 0-0, but in the 17th minute of the second half Easton scored the lone goal to win the championship. More than 500 people watched the U14 boys finals, said Strikers co-head coach Bill Bernardi.
"No team at this level has ever made it this far," said Bernardi.
Earlier that morning, Framingham defeated North Andover 5-2 in the semifinals of the MTOC.
The Strikers scored first in the semifinals and at halftime, the team was up 2-1.
In the second half, the Strikers pummeled the North Andover net, scoring three times at 44, 58 and 61 minutes.
Nathan Halberstadt had a hat trick and Patrick Langton added two goals.
Framingham had a strong defense with goaltender David Hatfield and backfield Gray Pierson, Joey Langton, Jackson Trierweiler, Tor Ramos, Tyler Raynard, and Damian Robledo.
Framingham went 2-0-1 in the MTOC playoffs on June 27 and 28 to make the semifinal round.
In game one of the playoffs on Friday, the Strikers defeated Stoneham 2-1.
Framingham goals were scored by Langton and Tim Driscoll. Stoneham's lone goal came on a penalty kick.
"The Strikers were intense and focused from the first whistle; a true team win," said Bernardi.
On Saturday, June 28, the Strikers played to a scoreless tie against Kingston, despite Framingham out shooting Kingston 20 - 2.
The third match was against the Essex County League Champions from Topsfield, also on Saturday.
The Framingham Strikers out shot the opponent in the first half 13 - 2, yet the score at halftime was 0 - 0.
In the second half, the Strikers opened up the game, scoring three goals within 25 minutes of play.
Langton scored two goals and Nathan Halberstadt scored the third.
The 3 - 0 victory clinched the division and moved the Strikers into the semifinals on Sunday.
Members of the #2 U14 boys team in the state include:
Nicholas Bernardi
Timothy Driscoll
Benjamin Fortin
Nathan Halberstadt
David Hatfield
Anthony James
Josef Langton
Patrick Langton
Dylan O'Brien
Ward Gray Pierson
Tor Ramos
Tyler Reynard
Damian Robledo
Jordan Sarnie
Jackson Trierweiler
Edilberto Trindade Jr.
Elias Tsiantoulas
Damian Winchester
The team is coached by Bernardi and Grant Treirweiler.
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