Learning one game at a time: Center instructional leagues mold little players

With cooler wind in the air, the fans of the littlest soccer players gathered at the Center Friday night to watch the three-to five-year-old instructional league in action on the small field. Coaches David Zaccagnino and Jon Coleman take the field with their players teaching and encouraging every kick of the game.

Playing four-on-four on a smaller pitch, Brady Thompson, for Team Air & Energy, scored the first goal of the game with the support of his teammates. While the instructional league does not officially keep score, achievements are met with attaboys, and high fives are frequent occurrences.

Thompson’s goal was made possible thanks to strong field presence by Evelyn Lona and Cate Coleman, for Air & Energy. John Monetti and Leighton Francis worked the field on defense for Pink & Navy.

The fans and Coach Zaccagnino cheered Pink & Navy’s Cale Rudacille’s goal. Rudacille was supported by teammates Savanna Coba and Jack Zaccagnino.

The third goal of the game came from Hanna Daley for Air & Energy. This was Daley’s first career goal. Coach Coleman instructed his Air & Energy players as Daley dribbled down the field.

Mason Moss, for Air & Energy, denied a second goal for Pink & Navy at the goal at the beginning of the second half of play.

Rudacille scored his second goal of the game. With team assistance by Sterling Holiday, Jesse Zaccagnino scored for Pink & Navy.

Air & Energy finished the game strong with offensive and defensive spirit by Jazzy Sparks, Caroline Wettstein, Taylor June Lehy and Mikira Hightower.

Instructional league play will continue for two more weeks with the four teams meeting head-to-head in four games to close out the season. Fun & More Rentals lead by Coach James Lynch and LaPensee Plumbing, Pool and Air coached by Steve Perry will met for the final game on Monday, Oct. 26 at 6:30 p.m.