DEA Bedford Over 30

The Bedford Pacers dropped a 5-2 decision to a strong Stoneham squad to start the 2003 Autumn campaign. Stoneham, one of the better Division 1 squads who were forced to drop down a division due to a controversy, would prove they are the team to beat in Division 2. The game was closer than the final tally would show. Paul Cleary would start the scoring in the 20th minute by slamming home a restart from just outside the box. Chris Laberge's dummy run off the ball froze Stoneham's keeper, and Cleary followed from the other side make his deposit close to side-webbing. Stoneham would come back by finishing off a cross that would catch Pacers' keeper, Chris Cloutier, indecisive in his decision making. Stoneham would take a 2-1 lead late in the half after a corner kick was played short. Their big striker would almost bring down the crossbar with a rip, and the ensuing goalmouth scramble would take a fortunate bounce and Rogerio, Stoneham's little Brazilian with great skills, would not dissapoint for the half-time cushion. A pretty well played first half by both squads. Pacers managed to hold position on occasion, knocking the ball around a bit with some smart passing. Stoneham held the overall edge in possession, but it was pretty evenly matched first half. Pacers would tie match up in the first 5 minutes of the second stanza with a neat setup and finish. Rob Cissel would setup newcomer, George Wegricht, down the right side. George's great feed sprang Jeff Guild inside the area. Guild would settle with his left, and drive with his right, and it was all tied up. Stoneham would come right back 10 minutes later with the eventual game-winner off a fast break. The initial shot was deflected by a sliding Cloutier, but unfortunately it was sent right to a wide-open Rogerio with an open net. Rogerio would get the goal of the game with a mean looking drive to the upper 90 that Cloutier just stood there and watched, impressed. Stoneham would get a late bunny in extra time to close out the scoring. Overall, a pretty good match for the first game. Chris Laberge played well all over the field, teaming with Dale Dubois and Peter Cline to dominate the game in the air. Cleary's tricky footwork and deft passing skills game Pacers many of their opportunities. Cloutier was a mixed-bag in the Pacers net. Making a few tremendous saves, but could have come up with at least two of the goals. Game Notes: Laberge would be the first to be assessed with the new team rule regarding the delivery of a 30-pack for the next game. His insistant harping to the referree would finally result in a yellow card....Pacers are home next week against Westford. Game time is 9:00 at Legacy Field -- Please reply to the GM's mid-week e-mails regarding your attendance.