Foxcroft boys reach the quarterfinals

    DOVER-FOXCROFT — Foxcroft Academy boys soccer concluded the season with a record of 9-6-1 and finished ninth in the Class B East standings. The Ponies made the playoffs and played No. 8 Waterville at Thomas College.

Photo courtesy of Foxcroft Academy

PONY SOCCER STARS — Seven members of the Foxcroft Academy soccer team received all-conference honors for their play this past season, and head coach Luis Ayala was one of the Coach of the Year recipients. From left is Logan Butera, Nate Church, Antonio Ayala, Luis Ayala, Justin Diamond, Julian Zepeda, Eli Olson and Matt Baiamonte.

    Foxcroft defeated the Panthers 2-1 in the preliminary round and advanced to the quarterfinals where the team faced top seed Ellsworth, a team that finished the season at 13-0-1. Ellsworth’s lone tie was to the Ponies, 1-1. Foxcroft gave a valiant effort but were not so fortunate as the team was without some key players due to injuries.
    For the efforts this year Foxcroft was awarded with the most players selected as first and second team all-conference. Selected First Team All-Penobscot Valley Conference were junior midfielder Antonio Ayala and junior defender Nathaniel Church.
    Selected to the PVC Second Team PVC All-Conference were senior forward Justin Diamond, senior midfielders Matt Baiamonte and Julian Zepeda, senior defender Eli Olson and sophomore keeper Logan Butera. Foxcroft’s Luis Ayala was awarded with a Co-Coach of the Year honor.
    “I am really happy for my players,” Ayala said. “This goes to show that hard work does pay off. This group of kids have worked hard not only during the season but during the off season. They have attended soccer camps, played in summer leagues and prepared themselves by getting in shape in the off season.
    “Being recognized for this award by my peers is a great honor and I want to thank my players for a great season. I have truly enjoyed every moment of it”.
    Awards have also been announced for regional all-star teams. Ayala and Zepeda have been selected to the Class B East Regional All-Star Team. They both have been invited to attend the Maine Soccer Coaches All-Star Banquet at the Spectacular Events Center in Bangor on Dec. 7. The All-State Team will also be announced at this event.
    Zepeda will represent Foxcroft by playing at the annual Senior Bowl at Hampden Academy at 2:30 p.m. on Nov. 16.