Titans Excel In Soccer Kickoff

The U12 Newtown Titans boys’ soccer team celebrated victory in all four of its games in the Newtown Soccer Club’s 30th Annual Newtown Kickoff Memorial Day Tournament this past weekend. The Titans earned a second-place overall finish in the tourney.

The initial game versus Bristol started off with a bang with Nicholas Weiland scoring the first goal in the first moments of a 4-0 win. Michael Greenspan excelled at aggressively taking the ball back from the other team and reversing its direction. William Skrelja, James Barden and Santiago Forero put up an indefatigable defense, keeping almost everything away from the goal.

Henry Petrillo showed good hustle as he won the race to the ball, every time. Irwin Grewal, despite injury, managed to be in the right place at the right time during the game. Grant Moxam put in a good showing despite an ankle injury. Grant Larson scored the second goal after several good attempts by Thomas Skrelja. Thomas Skrelja went on to score the third goal followed by a goal by Henry Petrillo.

Daniel Arneth and Aiden O’Leary continued to challenge the other team while Jack Armstrong and Jack Oltran played hard and added to their team’s scoring efforts. Christian Adam played well in offense while Santiago Forero and William Skrelja kicked the ball hard to keep it away from their goalie, JT Lewis, who excited the crowd with some great saves.

In the second game the Titans defeated Weston Gold 2-0. Petrillo scored the first goal after Daniel Arneth rebounded with a perfect cross kick. With the help of pressure by John Finnegan, Henry Petrillo was able to head in the second goal. Jack Oltran and Arneth had a spectacular give-and-go down the field which resulted in an impressive attempt at goal by Arneth.

The third game was against Waterbury and resulted in a 4-1 win. Petrillo scored the first goal with Oltran scoring the second goal with an assist by Thomas Skrelja who had a brilliant cross from the right corner. Grant Larson scored the third goal and Arneth followed with the fourth goal. Aiden O’Leary was always on the ball and Grewal hustled and had a showed good effort. Santiago was quick and strong in a defensive position and was aided by James Barden, William Skrelaja, and Christian Adam.

The Titans won their fourth game 7-1 over Ridgefield. Oltran scored the first goal. William Skrelja assisted his brother, Thomas Skrelja in the second goal. Forero scored the third goal and Moxham headed in the fourth goal. John Finnegan assisted Nicholas Weiland in the fifth goal and Oltran scored the sixth goal on a free kick by Daniel Arneth. Weiland scored again which made the team’s seventh goal.