DEA Bedford Over 30

Division leading Hollis held off Bedford, 3-1. Isn't much to report. A good game, but Bedford couldn't break through until Jeff Guild finally did late in the match. Look for them to try again this Sunday at home against Billerica.

Franklin Pierce Women's Head Coach and Pacer's Striker Jeff Bailey was recently named the "Best All-Around Coach" as part of their recent publication of "AMERICA'S BEST 100". Below is the article: *BEST ALL-AROUND COACH* He's an all-around winner. At Franklin Pierce College in New Hampshire, Jeff Bailey has led his women's soccer teams to the Final Four the past eight of nine years, racked up three national championships, and maintained a win rate of 92.6%. Bailey, 41, is also a fountain of wisdom and common sense. "If you're teaching your players good habits, and they're prepared to work hard, the wins tend to follow," he says. Academic excellence is high on his list. He's produced 21 All-Americans and, with a team GPA consistently above 3.0, his players have earned numerous academic honors. ____________________ The Bedford Pacers would like to congratulate Jeff on this achievement.

The 2005 Spring Season started on a familiar note for the Bedford Pacers today when Westford handed the Pacers a 2-0 defeat at Legacy Field. Bedford couldn't get much going in the first half. Jeff Bailey and Chris Laberge had the best chances, but for the most part they were kept out of the area and couldn't get anything started. Westford broke through late in the half when a lofting shot bounced off the post, but the rebound deflected off new Pacer keeper Palmer Dinkel and into the net. Early in the second half, Westford tallied again and Bedford had too big of a hole to climb out of. Bedford newcomers Doug Alderton and Gary Du Plessis each had strong games in their debuts. Look for Bedford to rebound next week against Marblehead.

The Bedford Pacers look once again to move up to the OTHSL's Elite Division One this spring with their strongest squad yet. Recruiting Master and team GM Dale Dubois furiously worked the phones for much of the winter in assembling the squad. There were some losses, including "Colt", who moved up to the O-40's DEA Franchise, and Paul Cleary jumped ship to arch rival and now Division One team Windham. FIFA recently released their divisional rankings, which had the Pacers and Hollis deadlocked. Each squad split the 40 first place votes. This is surely based on their results when they were last in the same Division - Two regular season matches that ended level and a Championship settled by PK's. Some of the new players to note are: Palmer Dinkel, formerly of the Wakefield Bulldogs. Dinkel was a pain to play against, and the Pacers are surely glad to have him defending their cage. Gary DuPlessis, Doug Alderton, Mark Wilensky, and Barry Fitzgerald all support impressive playing resumes, with experience in various collegiate capacities through the States. Some returning players with former Pacer experience are: Alan Gagnon, a true professional who is comfortable anywhere on the pitch. Jamie New Guy, a seasoned veteran from DEA's original summer league franchise. Known for his streaking runs down the sidelines, he is a mystery as no camera commercially produced today has the shutter speed to take his picture. Rob Cissel, after spending last fall on IR, he is healed and ready to team with New Guy on the flanks. And last, Peter Cline, the humorous Number 6&7 who had an excellent winter campaign with DEA's Award-winning Indoor franchise. By perusing the roster, the Pacers don't have a hole anywhere listed. They also have many versatile players that can play multiple positions. This will be the benefit, as the Pacers don't anticipate a full roster of 25 to be at every game. With players like Chris Florek, Jon Cloutier, Chris Laberge, and the previously mentioned Gagnon, a hole can be filled in any position. Surely, there are some players who are pigeonholed into certain positions, but they specialize in those and excel in their field. So, the biggest questions that remain are: Will the Pacers get more than 10 players for their road matches? Can the Pacers get over the hump and by another nemesis, Westford? Can Hollis be overcome? With the O-40's playing their home games after the Pacers, will any player be able to drive after the games and spending hours watching a match? Tune in every Monday morning for the updates. Or, better yet, come to a game and see for yourself!!

The Bedford Pacers are to open the 2005 Spring season next Sunday, April 10th, on the road. Bedford will be taking on a feisty Pepperell team, who won its way up from Division 3 last fall season. The Pacers have a few new faces and better yet a promise of more commitment from the veteran players. There will be no more games with 8 players on our side. This should be a great season for the Pacers club, who have notoriously ranked much higher in the spring season. Look for some battles, however, against the Hollis crew, who got demoted down from D-1. Hope all are in shape. Game time is 10:00 AM at Nissitissit Middle School in Pepperell. Go to Locations for maps and directions. Please arrive at the field at least 30 minutes prior to kickoff. We will be wearing our Black uniforms from the fall. Bring a black jersey if you do not have a uniform shirt. We will get you one soon. Don't forget to bring your ID.