Hello Minutemen FC, goodbye Sudbury FC

In a change that had been discussed for a while, in an effort to appeal to a larger base of players and hopefully establish more of a club identity, the club will be renamed Minutemen FC for the Spring 2011 season and beyond.

For those interested in learning more about roster opportunities, please contact the club managers.

Fall 2010 Finale - DS Old Boys - 2 - Sudbury FC - 0

In the final match of what has been a difficult and head scratching fall season, Sudbury FC played its final match under its old banner in the chilly wind at Fessenden Field. At stake for the hosts was first place in Division 4 South and promotion.

Sudbury hung tough and played the hosts tight throughout the match but as was the case all season long, small mistakes, lack of offensive continuity and being just one step behind resulted in the hosts taking a 2 goal lead and never relinquishing control.

Sudbury finishes the year with a single tie, despite every game being close and fairly evenly played. On to the Spring, with a new club name and hopefully better fortune.

On to the Second Half of the Season

What has been a frustrating struggle for Sudbury in the first half of the season came to a close on Sunday with a 3-2 loss to Dover-Sherborn Old Boys. Some tough breaks and not enough sustained rhythm did the boys in yellow in once again.

Sudbury finishes its first trip through the division with an 0-4-1 mark to start the year, but have vowed to move on and take control of the second half of the season with heightened determination and homefield advantage for 3 of the rematches.

The results promise to be different as the season winds down.

Summer Workout Schedule

Sudbury FC will hold preseason workouts/tryouts each Sunday morning from July 18th through August 22nd at Cutting Field in Sudbury.

Workouts begin at 9 am.

Expect a friendly match or two to be scheduled as the summer winds down in anticipation of the Fall season opener on August 29th.

Spring '10 Semifinals - 6/20/10 v. Harvard

Sudbury earned a home game against a tough Harvard team from the North division, a team Sudbury had seen in the preseason for a friendly the past two seasons.

The visitors capitalized on a few breakdowns to create scoring chances, but Pat held firm in the Sudbury end. The Sudbury forwards and midfielders appeared rundown and a bit lethargic coming off the high of the previous week and could not sustain any significant pressure on the Harvard defenders or keeper.

Harvard finally broke through around 10 minutes into the second half to take a 1-0 lead on a great run and feed from a pair of speedy forwards. Sudbury attempted to mount an attack over the remainder of the half, but Harvard's talented defense and midfielders created a shell and held their advantage with timely clearing passes and staunch tackling.

Final score - Harvard - 1, Sudbury - 0

It was of small consolation that Harvard went on to win the championship by defeating Peru Sport, who won their semifinal game against the other North division playoff club.

Game 10 v. Peru Sport - 6/13/10

Sudbury took to the pitch at Haskell Field for the final regular season game of the Spring. A win, and Sudbury would gain promotion back to Division 4 for the Fall, and host a playoff game. A loss, and Sudbury would finish in 3rd place, miss the playoffs and remain in Division 5 for the Fall.

The hosts took their mission seriously as the crew came to play with determination. Anthony got the scoring started off a nice feed from Danny. Leo then took a long ball from Steve, beat a defender and walked in alone on the keeper for a 2-0 Sudbury lead.

The defense held tough against a skilled Peru Sport club and Pat held firm in goal as well, making several key saves. Leo later added his second goal of the match and the score held for a 3-0 victory, promotion and a home playoff game the following week.

Games 6-9 Updates

Game 6 v. Whaling Port FC

Sudbury began the second half of the schedule looking for revenge for an opening week loss to the club from New Bedford.

Sudbury took control of the game early and carried the play, eventually taking a 2-0 lead on goals by Erik D. and Leo. The visitors came back however, scoring twice on corner kicks in the final 10 minutes to leave Haskell Field with a tie. It was a difficult collapse for Sudbury and 2 points lost that could end up costing them at season's end.

Game 7 v. Rovers FC

Fresh off a disappointing draw against Whaling Port, Sudbury hoped to shake off the result and bring it for their game against the visiting Rovers. The game was tight throughout, as the 0-0 score at halftime was the result of up and down play on both ends. Pat C. made a terrific save on a Rovers penalty kick to keep Sudbury knotted with the visitors.

The second half proved difficult for the hosts however as Sudbury could not capitalize on a variety of chances in the offensive zone and Rovers were able to find the back of the net on a few defensive lapses by Sudbury's midfielders and forwards. Sudbury continued to apply pressure, creating additional holes for the Rovers quick forwards to exploit and the final score ended at 3-0 for the visitors.

Game 8 v. Norfolk FC

Sudbury took the field at Haskell for a third straight home game and were in dire need of a strong performance to stay near the top of the table. The hosts delivered that performance and then some with a strong game against the struggling club from Norfolk.

Anthony C. scored twice upping his team leading total to 4 goals. Erik D. scored his 3rd of the season. Jeff notched his 2nd. Steve C. found the back of the net twice and Kai rounded out the scoring on a nice finish of a Pat C. feed, who was taking a few minutes out of the goal to play the field.

Terrific ball movement and setups on most of the goals as six different players (Hori twice, Leo, Anthony C., Danny, Kai and Pat) notched assists on the scoresheet as well.

Game 9 @ Boston Gunners

Sudbury traveled to Cambridge to face the Gunners on the turf at Danehy Field and looked to continue their strong season. The hosts were unable to field a squad however as only 5 players in green showed up for the schedule 8 am start and Sudbury was awarded a forfeit victory.

Next up: v. Peru Sport - Sudbury (6-2-1) hosts first place Peru Sport (7-1-1) in a battle for first place and promotion. If Sudbury wins, they host a playoff game and are promoted to Division 4 for the Fall. If Sudbury loses or ties, Peru wins the division and are promoted and Sudbury needs a Whaling Port loss or tie in order to make the playoffs.