DEA Bedford Over 30

The Bedford Pacers were in rare form as they took on the Andover Green team yesterday morning at Legacy Park. The Pacers would squeek out a 2-1 win and clinch a playoff spot, but the performance was far from good. The Andover team would only show with nine players, but they were the right nine. Bedford just could not get anything rolling and had at least 20 off side calls against them. This would spark Lowell type yelling and complaining amoung the Bedford clan. The first half would remain scoreless for 2o minutes, with Bedford hitting everything but the back of the net. Finally, Dale Dubois would take a feed from Chris Cloutier and find Johnnie Guild sprinting down the right side. Dale would hit a crossing pass to John's feet and he would volley it from 20 yards into side netting. The combination was reminiscent of the winning goal in the Needham playoff game last year. Now that Bedford was on the board, it was thought that the game was over. However, Andover picked up the pace and drew a PK on a questionable call in the box. Andover would tie the score just before the half. The second half would continue with offsides and dozens of missed chances on the Bedford side. This would continue throughout the half. Bedford was awarded a PK as the keeper took out a Bedford Striker. This brought a sigh of relief until Bedford would miss yet another PK. Bedford was desperate as time was winding down. They did not want to tie a short handed team on their home turf. With five minutes to play Bedford would get two corner kicks in a row, but would have no success. On the third push, Louie would be taken down in the area and Bedford would be awarded its second PK. Dale Dubois had seen enough and stepped up to the stripe. Dale would hit the lower left corner to finsh the match at 2-1. It was a good match to get behind us. Now we all know how bad we can play if we want to. Next weeks game is at the second place Danvers Internationals. A win will seal the division 3 championship for the Pacers. Game time is 9 AM at Danvers High School field. The team will meet at the exit 3 Park and ride at 8 AM.

The Bedford Pacers improved their record to 6-0-1 with an impressive win over the PAC Lowell club yesterday morning. With the win and a tie in the Danvers match, Bedford pulls away from Danvers by 3 points for the #1 spot. This season, Bedford has outscored their opponents 36-9. This gives Bedford the best goal differential in the entire league. The game would start out in Lowell's favor as they would control the play early. Bedford would get beat down the side to give a 1-0 advantage to Lowell. The Pacers would put things together though as they would hit a few through balls on transition. The momentum shifted in to the hands of Bedford now. Marco Koolman would improve his team leading assists to 6, as he would find Scott Sharby open at twenty yards out. Scott would cleaverly chip the ball over the keepers head for Bedford's first goal and tie the score, 1-1. Bedford would look to go up by one as they were awarded a PK for a Lowell takedown in the box. The shot would just miss wide left and the score remained tied. Play got a bit rough. Former Pacer, Mario would have words with Rob and Dale and they would both (Mario and Dale, NOT Rob) be asked to take a short break (no yellows). Bedford would remain in control. Scott Sharby would find Jon Cloutier in an overlapping run. Jon would beat a defender and the keeper and tuck it softly in the net to put the Pacers up 2-1. This would bring us to the half time entertainment. The second half would be a bit tougher to start as Bedford would be into the wind. Lowell worked desperately to tie the score. The Pacers defense and Chris Cloutier's net minding shut PAC down. Lowell would eventually tie the score off a fluke goal that deflected off a Pacer defender into the net. Bedford regained control and worked the ball out wide to Birdie O'Gorman. Bertie would push the ball to the corner and cross it to John Guild. Johnnie would hit a first timer passed the keeper to put Bedford up 3-2. Dave Sayward would be booked with a yellow for a jawing with Lowell forward. Then, team leading scorer, Jeff Bailey would seal the victory, as he would take a Colm Saunders pass and easily beat the Lowell keeper for the final Bedford score. This would give Jeff 9 goals on the season so far, check my math, but that is 1/4 of the Pacers goals... Final Score Bedford - 4 Lowell - 2. GREAT ROAD WIN. Next Sunday, the Pacers are home against the Billerica Rovers. Billerica is riding high after they helped Bedford by posting a tie against Danvers. This could be an important match. Game time 9 AM at Legacy Field. Game Notes: Team reporter, Jeffrey Dubois, got some great action shots of the game. These will be posted later in the week. Also, Thanks to Joe Correai for the bagels and refreshments. They are always appreciated. Finally, Peter Hall left one of his shoes at the field. Dale has it in his car. Watch your head at the dock.

Peter Hall would claw his way out of his sweeper position and score two goals, as the Bedford Pacers rolled over Peabody 9-0. Jeff Bailey and Bertie O'Gorman would also register two goals a piece in the winning effort. The win keeps Bedford in first place by a point, as Danvers and Lowell both won their matches also. Bedford showed up to play on Sunday morning and showed Peabody why they are in last place in the division. Jeff Bailey would begin the scoring barrage as he netted a nice pass from Marco. Then Bertie would get into the fun scoring two in a row. The first off a pass from Marco and the next from a Jeff Bailey assist. Bedford controlled the game, even though there was some sloppy play in the first half. Chris Cloutier would make a tremendous save to preserve his 3rd shut out of the season. The first half would end with the score at 3-0. After the break, Bedford came out on a mission, scoring 6 unanswered goals. Colm Sanders would score first in half number two, off a good pass from Scott Sharby. Then Jeff Bailey would score his second on the day, finishing a Scott Sharby cross. Then it was Jeff Guild's turn to register Bedfords 6th goal from Scott Sharby's third assist on the day. John Guild would be taken down in the area and Bedford would be awarded a PK. Peter Hall would be called in for the duty and he would show us all how to take a PK, tucking the ball neatly in the right side. Bedford was now up 7-0. With this goal, Peter Hall would move to striker along with Keeper, Chris Cloutier. Dave Sayward would be charged with preserving the shut out, as he took over net duties. Chris Cloutier went right to work, chasing a through ball down to the end line and crossing it on a slide to Peter Hall. Peter would beat the keeper for his second goal of the day. Johnnie Guild would finish off the Sporting Club with a blast from the eighteen, off a pass from Brian Germaine. Peabody would raise the white flag and the match would end, 9-0 for Bedford. Next game is a tough match against the lovable team from Lowell at their field at 9 AM. Let management know if you are going directly to the field or meeting at route 111 park and ride. For those who are meeting at Park and Ride, meet at 8 AM. All others show up at Lowell Tech field at 8:30 AM. Lets show up to play on Sunday and drop Lowell down a notch or two. Some players will be heading to the US vs Holland game in Foxboro following the match. I believe additional tickets may be available. More info to come in an email. GREAT WIN

The Bedford Pacers Soccer Club was founded in 1990 by Mike Dunican, originally as the Londonderry Pacers. In addition to organizing the team and playing, Mike, was also an outstanding youth team coach. The team got its name from their sponsor, Pace Industries, who manufactured industrial pumps and blowers. The Pacers originally played games in Londonderry on various fields, mostly dirt with weeds for greenery. The team then moved to Amherst and played at Ben Brewster's fields for several seasons. As Ben experienced problems with his neighbors, the Pacers moved to the dust bowl at Auburn parks and rec field. This was a terrible field with ruts and bumps and very narrow. So the search was on for a better pitch. As more players had joined the team from Bedford and Manchester area, the Pacers were allowed to use the field at Legacy Park. This is a great pitch where some fine soccer is being played. With this move the Londonderry Pacers changed their name to the Bedford Pacers in 2001. Peter Hall is currently the Manager of the Pacers. Peter is one of the original cast members, joining the team in 1992. Other Pacer originals that are still active are: Bertie O'Gorman, and Sean Kelly. Like all teams in the NEOTH Soccer league, the Pacers started out in Division 6. Over the years they battled their way up the ranks by winning the division title. In the 2002 Spring Session, the Bedford Pacers won the division 3 North championship. This put them into the playoffs against the Southern Runner up, the Boston White Eagles. The Pacers beat Boston to send them to the finals againsnt Newton Limited, the southern champs. Unfortunately, the Pacers would come up short on the Championship game and take home the also ran shirt. Winning the 3N championship sent the Pacers into Division 2N for the 2002 Fall session. The Pacers started their run into division 2N with a impressive crushing of the Westford FC, 6-0. The Pacers would lose there next few games by a goal each. Bedford would end its first season in 2N with a 3-7 record earning them 4th place. The Spring season would see some new talented players added to the roster. The Pacers would battle Hollis to two consecutive ties and be edged out of the Division Championship due to a controversial loss to PAC Lowell. The Pacers would take a trip to the finals following a forfeit win over the Southern Champs. Bedford would again face Hollis for the Finals. The game would end up in a 2-2 tie after a very hard fought game. Hollis would edge out Bedford in PK's 3-2 to take the crown. The Pacers will be back at it in the Fall of 2003 on their quest to division 1. Some other tid bits of info pulled from the leagues web site: History of Bedford Pacers (aka Londonderry Pacers) Season Division Wins - Losses - Ties Spring 1997 Over 30 Division 5 North 5-2-2 3rd place Fall 1997 Over 30 Division 5 North 8-1-1 Division Champs Spring 1998 Over 30 Division 4 North 5-2-1 2nd place Fall 1998 Over 30 Division 4 North 6-2-2 2nd place Spring 1999 Over 30 Division 4 North 3-4-3 4th place Fall 1999 Over 30 Division 4 North 5-4-1 2nd place Spring 2000 Over 30 Division 3 North 5-4-0 3rd place Fall 2000 Over 30 Division 3 North 2-5-2 4th place Spring 2001 Over 30 Division 3 North 5-2-3 2nd place Fall 2001 Over 30 Division 3 North 2-2-6 5th place Spring 2002 Over 30 Division 3 North 7-0-2 Division Champs Fall 2002 Over 30 Division 2 North 3-7-0 4th Place Spring 2003 Over 30 Division 2 North 6-2-2 2nd place Totals: Wins 56 Losses 35 Ties 23

Jeff Bailey tallied two goals and two assists to lead the Pacers to a 5-3 win over Danvers Internationals to take sole possession of first place. Coming into the match, Danvers was two points ahead of the Pacers in the 3N division. Both teams showed up ready to play at Legacy. It would be the Danvers crew that would get on the board first, about 10 minutes into the game. Bedford remained calm and would maintain possession of the ball and control of the game. About 15 minutes in, Rob Easton would send a chip on the foot of Jeff Bailey, who was racing down the left side. Jeff would turn the ball on to the 6 yard box, where Louie Correai was happy to finish for Bedford’s first goal. Minutes later, Bedford would get a free indirect kick just inside the area and to the right side of the net. Jeff Bailey would set up for the kick. Jeff hit a blast off of the head of one of the Danvers players set up in the wall. The ball would deflect up and into the net to put the Pacers up 2-1. This would bring us to the half. After some words of wisdom, Bedford would switch ends and get the sun out of Chris' eyes. Danvers was not about to lie down, with first place on the line. They would come back and score a goal on a corner kick, as Bedford failed to mark up players. The Internationals pushed to try and take the lead at this time. Bedford keeper, Chris Cloutier, made an awesome save on what looked to be a sure goal for Danvers. Even the Danvers players congratulated Chris on the save. This sparked Bedford. Chris LaBerge would take control of the ball on the left side and find an open Jeff Guild. Jeff would hammer one home and Bedford would go up 3-2. However, Danvers would come right back up the middle and even the score at three. It was a nail biter for the record fan count at Bedford, until Jeff Bailey would feed the ball from the left side onto the foot of Joe Correai. Joe would battle a defender and find the back of the net to give Bedford the lead. With ten minutes to play, Danvers was determined to tie the score. They pushed up with 5 midfielders, but the Pacers defense and midfield shut them down. Bedford kept control of the ball with good passing that spread Danvers out. Bedford would work the ball down the left side on a quick counter attack that left Bertie O'Gorman going in on the keeper. Bertie would be taken down in the area and Bedford would be awarded a PK. Jeff Bailey would net the PK, beating the keeper to his left and sealing the victory for Bedford. The Pacers remain at Home for Mothers Day, as they take on the Peabody Sporting Club at Legacy Field at 9 AM. Bedford will be looking to increase there lead in the division and remain undefeated. The team is to meet at the field at 8:30 AM. Great Win!!!!!