Waltham, MA, November 20, 2011: MPS O30 produced a memorable performance Sunday morning in Waltham to secure an impressive clean sweep of 2011 Division I play. A comprehensive 4-1 victory against Braintree Celtic provided an exclamation point on a fall season that saw MPS sitting at the bottom of the table after the opening two weeks of league play.

Sunday's victory was a showcase for the depth of MPS's squad. Five players were missing from their Spring championship team game day squad, their places filled by seven players who did not participate in the spring final. Besides the impressive show of talent, MPS also had strong support on their bench. All time great goalkeeper Andrew Tucker, soon to be fully fit again Bjorn Hansen, suspended GM Joe Bradley, and MPS O40 coach Sam Levy all played their part in encouraging the team throughout.

The large field turf surface helped showcase the talents of both teams. It was an entertaining game. MPS opened up in their manager's preferred 4-5-1 alignment. As is often the case, MPS absorbed some initial pressure. A catastrophic error by a to be unnamed MPS centerback almost gifted Braintree an early 1-0 lead. After that, it was all MPS in the first half.

Andy Apstein opened the scoring with a sublime right footed strike from the corner of the penalty box. Clearly, Andy had been playing possum, as he had looked a bit off the pace before forcing the Braintree Celtic defender hard left before putting it on his weaker right foot. It was a powerful well placed shot that left the goalkeeper stranded.

On the brink of halftime a long punt from MPS goalkeeper Josh Cole was latched onto after two Braintree defenders hesitated. The resulting confusion allowed for an astute MPS finish for 2-0 at halftime.

The second half found MPS struggling with the wind in their faces. Braintree Celtic pressed, which left them vulnerable. Marty M, who enjoyed a strong second half, after an anonymous first half performance drove in a fine left footed cross which was unceremoniously placed into the far corner by an unlucky Braintree defender for 3-0. Braintree scored late for 3-1 before MPS broke out one last time with Alo finishing off the day's proceedings for 4-1 MPS O30.

It was a fine overall performance from a side who seem to be aging rather gracefully.

Team: (4-5-1): GK Josh, Alo, Phil, Avery, Roger, Danny, Sean, Emeka, Jeff, Marty, Wes
Subs: Brett, Andre, Patrick, Andy, Glen