RallyNorth.net

Andover's historic season ends in North finals

Saturday, November, 08 By David Willis
Staff writer

NORTH ANDOVER — Andover coach Marueen Noone did her best to look at the bright side as the rain began to fall harder onto Walsh Stadium.

“I’m proud of the way the girls played,” said Noone. “I’m disappointed now, but when we look back, it’ll look like a very nice season.”

The top-seeded Golden Warriors’ historic season came to an end, as they fell to No. 3 Weston 2-1 last night in the Division 1 North finals. It was Andover’s first trip to the North finals since The Eagle-Tribune began keeping records in 1989.

“I thought we came out strong and played well,” said  Noone. “But we didn’t go after them as hard as we could have at times. They are a very skilled team, and we needed to play a more complete game to beat them.”

The Golden Warriors closed out the season at 18-2-2. That marks the most wins for an Andover team since 1989. They had won 17 games three times in the last four years. In the semifinals they downed archrival North Andover, which went to the Division 1 North finals a season ago.

The Wildcats took the lead 10:35 into regulation on a goal by Maria Posa after a breakdown on defense. After that point, Golden Warriors goalkeeper Tameka Gealsen found her groove.

The junior netminder made nine saves, holding off attacking Weston. In the first half she threw out her left leg pad to kick away at shot, and in the second half she went sprawling to knock a shot away from an open net with her arm. She received help from the aggressive play of Abby Cook and Cat Gross.

“She was outstanding,” said Noone. “She has had a great year. It is tough for her because she doesn’t see many shots in the preseason, then sees so many tough shots in the playoffs. But she made some nice plays.”

But the Golden Warriors could muster very little offense, and a pair of golden opportunities late in the game went wide of the net. Weston then added an insurance goal with 6:03 left in the game on a goal by Claire Riedel, assisted by Posa.

“We prepared for the toughest game possible,” said Wildcats coach Laura Galopim. “(Andover) is a great team, and it was big we scored quickly. Any time you can put a team on their heals, it is big. They had a great season.”