Niagara Pioneer continues winning ways

Submitted

The Niagara Pioneer Revolution won the under-16 boys division of Niagara Pioneer International Soccer Tournament.

The Revolution opened with a 5-0 win over Alden. Liam Dunn opened the scoring. Evan French doubled the lead scoring off an assist from Dylan Scipione. Kellen Weiss scored after being set up by Alex Notarianni. Chace Burnham scored off an Owen Feistel assist. Nick Mann scored off an assist from Paul Orsi. Defenders Michael Casale, Logan Lombardo and Paul Kloosterman played strong matches, shutting down Alden offensive threats.

The second match against the Hilton Heat was a 3-1 victory. Liam Dunn scored twice, Paul Orsi added two assists and Chace Burnham scored off a Kellen Weiss assist.

The semifinal match brought the Revolution up against the Atlantic City International Elite Eagles. The game saw the Revolution rally back from a one-goal deficit after Paul Orsi drew a penalty shot that was converted by Alex Notarianni. The game ended in a draw and went to penalty kicks. Eli Moore made one save and Atlantic City had another shot sail wide of the post as the Revolution converted 4 of 5 penalty shots.

The championship match against Lakefront FC was a 1-0 win. Chace Burnham knocked home a corner kick served by Alex Notarianni. Eli Moore made a handful of very tough saves with well-organized defensive help from Paul Kloosterman, Dylan Scipionne and Michael Casale.

The Revolution have won two tournaments this summer and have a record of 14-5 for the season.

Pictured, from left: Rick Sweeney, Chris Woods, Robert Woods, Eliott Hoyle, Evan Kutis, Campbell Sweeney, Ryan Mercer, Nate Pearson, Cole Hockenberry, Walker Woods, Cody Larson, Tyler Birmingham, Wyatt Leardini, Luca DeBiaso, Brody Schultz, Michael Strangio, Joey Conti, Liam Suitor, Jace Conrad, John Wright and Ian Wright. Not pictured: Everett Dix, Nate Unversaw, Muhammed Idris and Tony Deluke. (Submitted)

Niagara Pioneer Renegades take under-14 division of Niagara Pioneer International Soccer Tournament

The Renegades opened the tournament with a 5-0 win against the Hamburg Monarchs. John Wright opened the scoring. Tyler Birmingham set up Jace Conrad who scored the second goal. John Wright scored his second goal off an assist from Luca DeBiaso. Wyatt Leardini scored off an assist from Ryan Mercer. Campbell Sweeney scored off an assist from John Wright. Cody Larson earned the shutout.

The second match was a 4-2 loss against Niagara Wheatfield Wolves. The Renegades rallied from a one-goal deficit to take a two-goal lead, with John Wright scoring on an assist from Ryan Mercer and Tyler Birmingham scoring off a corner served in by John Wright. Niagara Wheatfield scored twice in the second half to secure the win.

The third match was a 5-0 win against Hilton. Wyatt Leardini scored three goals. Tyler Birmingham had two goals. Evan Kutis had two assists. Campbell Sweeney added one assist. Cody Larson earned his second shutout of the weekend, with defenders Brody Schultz, Luca DeBiaso, Cole Hockenberry, Nate Pearson and Liam Suitor playing strong defensive games.

The championship match brought the Renegades up against the Brockport Blizzard, the top under-14 team in Rochester – whom the Renegades have faced and defeated in tournament finals each of the past three years. The game ended in a 2-2 draw and went to overtime. Wyatt Leardini scored both goals in regulation. The first was assisted by Cole Hockenberry. Leardini's second goal came with 30 seconds remaining after Evan Kutis drew a penalty shot. Early in the first overtime, Evan Kutis was played in behind the defense by Wyatt Leardini to score the game-winner.

The Renegades have won all three tournaments they have entered this season, and are currently in first place in the top u-14 division in WNY. They have a 14-3-1 record for the season.

Pictured, from left: Eli Moore (front row, laying down); standing: Josh Burnham, Nick Mann, Michael Casale, Thomas Gaia, Max Ljiljanich, Evan French, Chace Burnham, Dylan Scipione, Tom Aceti, Paul Orsi, Liam Dunn, Owen Feistel, Logan Lombardo, Paul Kloosterman, Kellen Weiss and Rick Sweeney. Not pictured: Alex Notarianni. (Submitted)