Massachusetts Adult Soccer

(Mass Spirit 030 Team)

Mass Spirit O30s:  Despite a bumpy start, with just 12 players set in time to start their first-round robin match, Spirit's team play grew as time progressed. The first match resulted in a 2-1 victory over the Michigan Wolves. This momentum carried into a solid 7-1 win against Georgia and a 9-3 victory over Michigan United to close out the round robin play. Sustaining some injuries prior to the knockout round, Spirit faced New Jersey's Squad Goals in the semifinals. Though Mass Spirit had the possession advantage, the score line remained equal at the end of regulation and extra time.  Eight rounds of artfully placed PKs later, the New Jersey keeper made a fantastic save eliminating Spirit's advance to the finals.

(O30 Semifinal Walkout - Squad Goals (NJ) in white, Mass Spirit in red)

Mass Spirit O40s:  The Spirit O40 tournament journey began with three solid wins in the round robin stage: 3-1 vs Maryland, 3-0 vs WAM (CA), and 3-0 vs Michigan United. These results secured a top seed in the bracket and a semifinal against True North Boom from Canada.  After a 2-0 win, Spirit moved on to play against WAM in the finals. WAM had defeated MA in the finals via penalty kicks just 2 years ago, so there was a commitment on both sides to put in every effort in to this year's final match.  Scoreless through 78 minutes of play, a PK was then awarded to Mass Spirit for a foul committed by a WAM defender in the penalty box.  Spirit captain, Becca Brooke, calmly netted the shot to the lower left corner and put Mass Spirit up 1-0. Solid Spirit possession for the remainder of the match secured a victory for the Massachusetts squad.  Congratulations to the women's over 40 USASA Champions!

(O40 National Champions:  Mass Spirit Seasoned)

Mass Spirit O50s:  Despite an inital1-2 round robin loss to the Northern Virginia Majestics, Mass Spirit came back strong, defeating Tucson Infinity (AZ) in a convincing 10-0 result.  In their final round robin game, Spirit was tasked with defeating perennial powerhouse Salty Sisters (California/Hawaii) to advance to the next round. Despite Spirit's best efforts, the game resulted in a loss to the eventual tournament champions. Spirit over 50s showed excellent effort against some very strong competition.

(Mass Spirit Elite O50s)

Mass Spirit 55s: Despite a 0-2 loss to Lone Star FC (TX) in their first-round robin game, the Spirit O55 women persevered and grew stronger and stronger with each match. They defeated Northern Virginia Majestics by a score of 1-0 in their next game, then defeated Lady Neptunes (MD) by a score of 3-0 to close out round robin play.  In the semifinals, Spirit bested Maryland, then marched into the finals to avenge their first game's and last year's final's losses to Lonestar FC.  Spirit played with grit and held on to a narrow 1-0 victory, taking home gold! Congratulations to national champions Mass Spirit 55's!

(O55 National Champions:  Mass Spirit Premier)

Bay State Breakers 55s: This team started the round robin strong with a 1-1 draw against the Lady Neptunes (MD), however; drew a tough schedule, facing the defending champions Lone Star FC (TX) in the next match, followed by the North Virginia Majestics. Despite losses in these two games, the 55 Breakers comradery on and off the field never faltered and their continued support of both Breakers and Mass Spirit teams uplifted all Massachusetts players.

(The well-know and appreciated Bay State Breakers post-game tunnel - Photo credit Bay State Breaker's Facebook Group)

Bay State Breakers O60s/65s: In a slightly less conventional division this year, the over 65 Breakers team played round robin games against O60s teams. Both the over 60 and 65 Breakers teams fared well in these matches. The Breakers O60s advanced to the over 60 semifinal round where they played last year's tournament champions, Atlas (GA). Despite a hard fought match, the O60's did not ultimately prevail on the score line, but their hearts and spirits were not defeated.  

After round robin games against younger opponents, the Bay State Breakers O65's played the Northern Virginia Majestics for an O65 championship match. This game was a nailbiter, the score tied 1-1 at the end of regulation as well as extra time, leading to penalty kicks. Ultimately, after 5 rounds, the Breakers were unable to equalize the goals scored on shots taken.  Congratulations to the Bay State Breakers team for their 2024 USASA over 65's Soccer Fest finalist title!

(Bay State Breakers O65 team - Photo credit: Lee Ann LaRue)

Bay State Breakers O70s:  The women on this Breakers team are the defending 2022 and 2023 over 70 division USASA Soccer Fest champions. Could they three-peat??

Starting their 2024 tournament journey with a 1-1 tie against Northern Virginia Majestics, later that same day they defeated Blue Ribbon 4-1. (Yes, these amazing women played games at 8am then 2pm in 95-degree North Carolina temperatures!) The next day in round robin play, the Breakers played a tight match against Detroit Strong (MI) and emerged victorious with a 2-1 win.  The Breakers' last round robin match against Staying Alive was won handily by a score of 4-0, sending these women back to the finals for the third year in a row. A rematch from their first round robin game, the over 70's Breakers would play the Majestics (VA) again to determine the champion.  This time around, the Breakers could not be stopped in their offensive attack. Scoring 5 goals led to an overwhelming 5-1 victory and another national title! Congratulations to the over 70's Breakers on the 2024 Soccer Fest championship and for the "Three-peat."   Dare we say,  "Soccer Dynasty!"

(O70 National Champions:  Bay State Breakers)