RallyNorth.net

Rockport senior striker Derek Osmond has scored a lot of goals in his career but without a doubt, the one that he scored Thursday night has to be the biggest of his life. His tally was the difference in Rockport's (8-8-2, 5-7-1) 1-0 win over archrival Manchester Essex (5-9-4, 2-8-3) in both team's season finale. With the win, the Vikings qualified for the Divsion 3 North tournament beginning next week. It's the first time Rockport has made it since the 2001 season.

On a soccer field, it turns out that the only person that could ever consistently stop Manchester Essex star Giuseppe Guerriero was himself. The senior forward from Essex injured his kneecap in the season opener last fall against Rockport and was forced to miss the rest of the year while he recovered from surgery.

The Manchester Essex boys soccer team had its hands full yesterday with a tough Lynnfield squad and standout goal scorer Mike Kennedy. However, the Hornets were up to the task, as junior Cam Doane was able to neutralize Kennedy defensively and help Manchester Essex earn a 2-2 tie and bump its record to 3-2-4. Senior Giuseppe Guerriero gave the Hornets the early lead, scoring on a header off a long throw-in from senior Ashton Davis. After Lynnfield tied the game, Joey Roy added a goal off another Davis throw-in, but Lynnfield would once again get the equalizer.

Giuseppe Guerriero scored twice as Manchester Essex drew Pentucket 2-2. Jake Buzzell and Brian Clevesy struck for Pentucket. Matt Graves made eight saves for Manchester Essex (3-2-3), and Joe Casey turned aside six shots for the Sachems (1-4-4).

Giuseppe Gueriero scored a pair of goals to lift Manchester Essex over Amesbury 2-1. Robbie Longor, John Pires and Ashton Pires played well for the Hornets.

MANCHESTER | Last night was a good night to be a member of the Manchester Essex soccer program.

The Hornets boys and girls soccer teams swept a doubleheader against rival Rockport at Sweeney Park in Manchester. The boys team won 2-1, while the girls won 2-0.

Rob Langcor scored on a penalty shot, and Jake McIntosh put in a ball from Matt Xavier as Manchester Essex downed Marian 2-0. Matt Graves made 13 saves to record the clean sheet.

Last year's record: 4-12-2

Coach: Rob Bilsbury (eighth year)

Returning starters: Robbie Longcor, Sr., center midfield/forward; Guiseppe Guerriero, Sr., forward; Jake McIntosh, Jr., center midfield; Matt Xavier, So., outside midfield; Cam Doane, So., defense; Peter Gudonis, Jr., midfield; Ashton Davis Sr., defense.