The first annual Duxbury High School boys’ soccer alumni game was held on Aug. 10 at the Raymond P. Chandler Field and was a huge success both on and off the field with proceeds from the event going to support the DHS boys’ soccer program.

OLD TIMERS GAME: Former players in the Duxbury High School soccer program got together earlier this month for the first annual DHS Alumni soccer game.

Both teams were outfitted in stylish forest green Duxbury Alumni t-shirts that displayed  “Nine Time Massachusetts Boys HS Soccer Champions” on the back. The teams were divided between “even” and “odd” years, and one team graciously donned fluorescent green pinnies for the contest.

It was a beautiful, sunny summer evening with a few clouds gracing Chandler field and the stands were filled with friends, fans and families from bygone years. In typical Duxbury fashion, the game kicked off “fashionably late” past the scheduled 5:00 p.m. start, as DHS varsity Coach John Tocci watched over matters until the referees made their appearance.{sidebar id=4}

The “old boys” showed tremendous pace, skill and energy with plenty of end-to-end action, as Chris Baker (‘05) opened the scoring for the “odd” years with a well-placed blast. The “even” years settled down and focused on scoring, with Matt Landry (‘08) providing the tying goal and the go-ahead goal for a 2-1 lead. The “odd” team applied more pressure that resulted in the tying goal that made it 2-2 at halftime.

The game settled down in the second half with the “odds” providing more and more pressure. Brett Klebanoff sent a rocket on goal that was blocked by a great save from Steve Borsje (‘05) as the ball headed towards the goal line. Greg Doyon (‘05) pounced on the ball and finished the brilliant Klebanoff assist from close range for a 3-2 “odd” year lead.{sidebar id=1}

In a bit of tactical genius, Coach Tocci allowed former Duxbury netminder Ben Cederberg (‘07) to play up top for the “even” squad. His planning paid off, as the “Cinderfella forward” found the back of the net and the game was knotted at 3-3. The skies began to darken as the game progressed and lightning made an appearance, prompting the referee to call the match and clear the stands for safety’s sake with 12 minutes left to play.

Players and fans quickly made their way to the concession stand for refreshments and to reminisce about their soccer exploits playing for DHS. Everyone had a great time, and it appears the game will be an annual event and is tentatively scheduled for August 1, 2009 according to organizer Maynard Sangster.