The Wolverines traveled to Exeter, NH to take on Phillips Exeter Academy under the lights. In the final regular season game of the year for Bridgton they faced off against the second ranked team in the NEPSAC East.
In the first half each team had scoring opportunities, however neither could convert. "We had some great shots, we hit two posts and the crossbar once, just couldn't get one in," said Head Coach Kevin Mellon of the first half. Exeter held a 5-4 advantage in shots at the half, which was tied 0-0.
In the second half the Wolverines came out fired up and, "figured out what we needed to do," added Mellon. It was not until the 86th minute that BA would finally capitalize. Coming off of a ball volleyed into the box by Ronaldo Vieira (Framingham, MA) Dillon Flynn was able to make his way through a crowd and find the back of the net for the first goal of the game.
Just a minute later Exeter had a corner kick that brought all of their players into the Bridgton box, after the initial scoring attempt by Exeter, Vieira was able to clear the ball to midfield where he found a wide open Ethan Martin (South Burlington, VT) who had a break away with only the goalie to beat. Martin found the bottom right corner for a 2-0 lead.
However, Exeter did not give up, in the 88th minute they scored to cut the lead to 2-1, but time would run out and Bridgton held on for the win.
"Exeter is one of the best teams we have faced all year, they played us very well" commented Mellon. Bridgton out shot Exeter 10-3 in the second half and 14-8 in the game. The win improves BA's record to 14-0-1 overall and 11-0-1 in NEPSAC play.
Concluding the regular season undefeated for the first time since 1982, when Bridgton went on to be the Maine State Champs with a record of 9-0-1. This is the first undefeated regular season for Bridgton in NEPSAC play.
The Wolverines wait to find out their playoff fate which will be announced Sunday afternoon.
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Wolverines Cut Down Lumberjacks
Bridgton Academy took its shortest trip of the fall to take on Hebron Academy. Competing in its final MAISAD competition of the season the Wolverines easily handed the Lumberjacks a 4-0 loss.
In a game that was not as close as the score indicated, the Wolverines jumped on top early and then controlled tempo and play the remainder of the game. In just the second minute of play Omar Khartabil (Hampstead, NH) took a pass from Steve Palumbo (Kingston, NH) and found the back of the net. Just six minutes later Khartabil would score again, this time unassisted. Bridgton took a 2-0 lead into the half.
In the second half Nick Christensen (Waterville, ME) headed a cross from Dillon Flynn (Chapel Hill, NC) into the goal for a 3-0 lead. In the 77th minute Rob Palumbo (Kingston, NH) completed the scoring by converting on a pass from Ronaldo Vieira (Framingham, MA).
Bridgton out shot Hebron 19-2, Coach Mellon said, "It was not our best game of the season, but it was nice to take a short ride and posses the ball and control play in the way we did."
In a game that was not as close as the score indicated, the Wolverines jumped on top early and then controlled tempo and play the remainder of the game. In just the second minute of play Omar Khartabil (Hampstead, NH) took a pass from Steve Palumbo (Kingston, NH) and found the back of the net. Just six minutes later Khartabil would score again, this time unassisted. Bridgton took a 2-0 lead into the half.
In the second half Nick Christensen (Waterville, ME) headed a cross from Dillon Flynn (Chapel Hill, NC) into the goal for a 3-0 lead. In the 77th minute Rob Palumbo (Kingston, NH) completed the scoring by converting on a pass from Ronaldo Vieira (Framingham, MA).
Bridgton out shot Hebron 19-2, Coach Mellon said, "It was not our best game of the season, but it was nice to take a short ride and posses the ball and control play in the way we did."
Friday, October 30, 2009
Bridgton Takes Battle of Unbeatens
Wednesday afternoon’s game was a match up of two of the best squads in the NEPSAC as the undefeated South Kent Cardinals (11-0-1) took on the undefeated Bridgton Academy Wolverines (11-0-1) in South Kent, Connecticut.
After a six and a half hour bus ride the Wolverines took the field to less than ideal conditions, as the field was completely soaked and the rain was not letting up. It would take a strong start by the Cardinals including a penalty kick opportunity, for the Wolverines to get into a groove. In the 25th minute South Kent was awarded a penalty kick, battling the muddy conditions in goal, Ryne Tillman (Bedford, MA) was able to stop the shot and start the offensive attack. Dillon Flynn (Chapel Hill, NC) was then able to feed Rob Palumbo (Kingston, NH), in transition, who found the back of the net for the first goal of the game.
The Cardinals, however, would not go away as they answered back just seven minutes later to even the score at 1-1. Just before the half in the 42nd minute the Wolverines would get a penalty kick opportunity of their own. Steve Palumbo (Kingston, NH) took the kick and deposited the ball in the right hand corner after a deflection by the keeper, to take a 2-1 advantage into the half.
“The weather was a major factor in the game, with puddles and mud on the field stopping the ball,” said Coach Kevin Mellon. “Both teams adjusted well to the conditions, but it would have been a different match with good conditions.”
In the fifth minute of the second half Steve Palumbo would find the back of the net one more time to extend the lead to 3-1. That is where it would stay, as the two squads played to a draw the final 40 minutes of the contest.
Coach Mellon gave a large amount of credit for the win to his keeper, Ryne Tillman, saying, “Ryne kept us in the game, by making some point blank saves. He played his best game of the season, coming off of the line when he needed to and making all the right decisions.”
“I don’t think that was the best game we have played all year, and I think that South Kent is better than what they showed. I look forward to facing them down the road, and under good conditions,” added Mellon.
The Wolverines held a slight advantage in shots at 17-14. With the win Bridgton improves to 10-0-1 in NEPSAC play and 12-0-1 overall. The Cardinals fall to 11-1-1.
Bridgton will close out its regular season schedule next week was they travel to take on Hebron Academy on Wednesday November, 4th and Phillips Exeter Academy on Saturday November, 7th.
After a six and a half hour bus ride the Wolverines took the field to less than ideal conditions, as the field was completely soaked and the rain was not letting up. It would take a strong start by the Cardinals including a penalty kick opportunity, for the Wolverines to get into a groove. In the 25th minute South Kent was awarded a penalty kick, battling the muddy conditions in goal, Ryne Tillman (Bedford, MA) was able to stop the shot and start the offensive attack. Dillon Flynn (Chapel Hill, NC) was then able to feed Rob Palumbo (Kingston, NH), in transition, who found the back of the net for the first goal of the game.
The Cardinals, however, would not go away as they answered back just seven minutes later to even the score at 1-1. Just before the half in the 42nd minute the Wolverines would get a penalty kick opportunity of their own. Steve Palumbo (Kingston, NH) took the kick and deposited the ball in the right hand corner after a deflection by the keeper, to take a 2-1 advantage into the half.
“The weather was a major factor in the game, with puddles and mud on the field stopping the ball,” said Coach Kevin Mellon. “Both teams adjusted well to the conditions, but it would have been a different match with good conditions.”
In the fifth minute of the second half Steve Palumbo would find the back of the net one more time to extend the lead to 3-1. That is where it would stay, as the two squads played to a draw the final 40 minutes of the contest.
Coach Mellon gave a large amount of credit for the win to his keeper, Ryne Tillman, saying, “Ryne kept us in the game, by making some point blank saves. He played his best game of the season, coming off of the line when he needed to and making all the right decisions.”
“I don’t think that was the best game we have played all year, and I think that South Kent is better than what they showed. I look forward to facing them down the road, and under good conditions,” added Mellon.
The Wolverines held a slight advantage in shots at 17-14. With the win Bridgton improves to 10-0-1 in NEPSAC play and 12-0-1 overall. The Cardinals fall to 11-1-1.
Bridgton will close out its regular season schedule next week was they travel to take on Hebron Academy on Wednesday November, 4th and Phillips Exeter Academy on Saturday November, 7th.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Wolverines Take Back Traditions Cup
Bridgton Academy Soccer has reclaimed the Traditions Cup; after years of being in Winchendon School's possession, the annual trophy, given to the winner of the season series, is back in North Bridgton.
The Wolverines defeated Winchendon 5-2, to sweep the season series, 2-0. The Wolverines have now won ten consecutive matches, and improve their record to 11-0-1. Bridgton allowed two goals for the first time in seven contests and just the third time all season.
Ethan Martin (South Burlington, VT) was a part of every goal, as he collected nine points on the day. Martin tallied four goals and a helper. Ronaldo Vieira (Framingham, MA) tacked on the other goal while also picking up an assist. Omar Khartabil (Hampstead, NH) assisted on two of Martin’s goals, while Rob Palumbo (Kingston, NH) chipped in one assist.
Bridgton, now looks ahead to a match up with South Kent School, who is one of the top teams in the NEPSAC this season. The match will be October, 28th at 3:30 PM in South Kent, Connecticut.
The Wolverines defeated Winchendon 5-2, to sweep the season series, 2-0. The Wolverines have now won ten consecutive matches, and improve their record to 11-0-1. Bridgton allowed two goals for the first time in seven contests and just the third time all season.
Ethan Martin (South Burlington, VT) was a part of every goal, as he collected nine points on the day. Martin tallied four goals and a helper. Ronaldo Vieira (Framingham, MA) tacked on the other goal while also picking up an assist. Omar Khartabil (Hampstead, NH) assisted on two of Martin’s goals, while Rob Palumbo (Kingston, NH) chipped in one assist.
Bridgton, now looks ahead to a match up with South Kent School, who is one of the top teams in the NEPSAC this season. The match will be October, 28th at 3:30 PM in South Kent, Connecticut.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Watch Today's Match Online
Today's match can be viewed online through South Kent School's live streaming broadcast. The following link will provide full coverage:
Game time is 3:30 PM
Game time is 3:30 PM
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
BA Reaches 10 Wins
The Bridgton Academy Wolverines reached double digit wins for the first time under second year head coach Kevin Mellon. The Wolverines defeated Tilton School, 8-0 to improve their record to 10-0-1.
Bridgton got the scoring going early on, in the 4th minute Dillon Flynn (Chapel Hill, NC took a feed from Rob Palumbo (Kingston, NH) and found the back of the net. Ten minutes later Flynn would return the favor to make it 2-0. Bridgton played what Jamie White (New Orleans, LA) called, "lock down defense, not allowing a shot." The Wolverines would push the lead to 6-0 at the half on goals from Omar Khartabil (Hampstead, NH), Steve Palumbo (Kingston, NH), Ronaldo Vieira (Framingham, MA) and Ethan Martin (South Burlington, VT).
Coach Mellon was very impressed with the way his team competed, and possessed the ball, holding it for 80% of the game. "We played at a faster pace than normal, which is going to help us going into the remaining games."
In the second half the Black and Gray scored two early goals, in the 47th and 48th minutes by Martin and Steve Palumbo respectively. From that point on the Wolverines possessed the ball and controlled tempo.
On the season Bridgton has outscored opponents 70-9, and in the last six matches have outscored opponents 50-3.
BA next travels to Winchendon on Friday October, 23 at 3:30 PM. The Wolverines defeated Winchendon earlier in the season 6-1, and look to continue with their dominating performances.
Bridgton got the scoring going early on, in the 4th minute Dillon Flynn (Chapel Hill, NC took a feed from Rob Palumbo (Kingston, NH) and found the back of the net. Ten minutes later Flynn would return the favor to make it 2-0. Bridgton played what Jamie White (New Orleans, LA) called, "lock down defense, not allowing a shot." The Wolverines would push the lead to 6-0 at the half on goals from Omar Khartabil (Hampstead, NH), Steve Palumbo (Kingston, NH), Ronaldo Vieira (Framingham, MA) and Ethan Martin (South Burlington, VT).
Coach Mellon was very impressed with the way his team competed, and possessed the ball, holding it for 80% of the game. "We played at a faster pace than normal, which is going to help us going into the remaining games."
In the second half the Black and Gray scored two early goals, in the 47th and 48th minutes by Martin and Steve Palumbo respectively. From that point on the Wolverines possessed the ball and controlled tempo.
On the season Bridgton has outscored opponents 70-9, and in the last six matches have outscored opponents 50-3.
BA next travels to Winchendon on Friday October, 23 at 3:30 PM. The Wolverines defeated Winchendon earlier in the season 6-1, and look to continue with their dominating performances.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Rob Palumbo Named Athlete of The Month
There was a time when Bridgton Academy soccer was a familiar name in the New England Prep School Class A playoffs each year. The team reached the final four in back to back years in ’04 and ’05 and looked poised to take the next step and hoist a championship banner. With several coaching changes, the program slipped a little but this year’s Wolverine soccer team looks like it may the one to return to the upper echelon of New England Prep School soccer. At the front and center of the team is this month’s Athlete of The Month, Rob Palumbo.
Forget the fact that he scored 30% of the goals for the team that went 7-0-1 for the month. The manner in which he did it was the real story. In the season opener against Bowdoin College, he tallied a hat trick to lead the team to a 4-0 victory. He repeated the task 2 more times, once against Navy Prep and again against Bowdoin College. His 10 goals left him 1 behind the team lead for the month and his 25 points was second as well.
His real impact was felt in his playmaking ability. His play simply lifts his teammates to a higher plane. On any given day, you will hear in the crowd, “Did you just see what he did with the ball?!” after he has set his teammates up for an easy score. His teammates have responded by dominating the competition for the month.
The theme of “This Is Sparta” for our Athlete of The Month award this year has never been more evident in Rob’s play. While you win or lose as a team, each team needs effective leadership. Rob’s play and leadership for the month have earned him the inaugural Athlete of The Month award for the 2009-2010 school year.
Forget the fact that he scored 30% of the goals for the team that went 7-0-1 for the month. The manner in which he did it was the real story. In the season opener against Bowdoin College, he tallied a hat trick to lead the team to a 4-0 victory. He repeated the task 2 more times, once against Navy Prep and again against Bowdoin College. His 10 goals left him 1 behind the team lead for the month and his 25 points was second as well.
His real impact was felt in his playmaking ability. His play simply lifts his teammates to a higher plane. On any given day, you will hear in the crowd, “Did you just see what he did with the ball?!” after he has set his teammates up for an easy score. His teammates have responded by dominating the competition for the month.
The theme of “This Is Sparta” for our Athlete of The Month award this year has never been more evident in Rob’s play. While you win or lose as a team, each team needs effective leadership. Rob’s play and leadership for the month have earned him the inaugural Athlete of The Month award for the 2009-2010 school year.
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