Hayward Cup Championship: Mason Martin hammers Anna Maria CrossFit

In the much-anticipated final game of the adult co-ed recreational soccer league season at The Center, more than 50 fans and spectators anxiously awaited the arrival of the referees to start the championship match. With great expectations, Team Mason Martin took the initial kick against Team Anna Maria CrossFit in the battle for the Paul "Ace" Hayward Championship Cup.

Unexpectedly, Anna Maria CrossFit dominated the ball to start the game. Striking hard and striking fast, Ryan Moss took the first shot near mid-field for Team CrossFit. The soccer ball sailed just over the crossbar.

With the support of family, Mason Martin's Lexi Braxton Sato played to win, taking a shot that went just right of the post. Rico Beissert followed with shot of his own for Team CrossFit that soared just left of the post.

Lighting up the field, Beissert carried the ball down the field to find teammate Will Kretzmann in the box. Beissert's crossing pass was just out of Kretzmann's reach, resulting in a save by starting goalie Ben Sato.

Beissert was not to be denied. On his next touch of the ball, Beissert's missile shot hit the next with the assist by Jessica Williams for Team Anna Maria CrossFit's first, and only goal of the game.

Behind early in the championship match, L. Sato and Anthony Barberio were determined to tie up the game and prove why Team Mason Martin finished the season at the top of the ranking. Shots by L. Sato and Barberio missed the mark, giving Kretzmann another chance at a goal.

B. Sato saved the shot by Kretzmann giving Mason Martin's Tara Stutts the opportunity to fire off a shot. Going off of the hands of goalkeeper Olaf Krause, Barberio took the corner shot that whizzed by the mob in the box before deflecting off of a defender to tie the game 1-1.

Staying in the game, Beissert fought hard against Nick Sato who was called for a foul, giving Beissert a free kick opportunity. Mason Martin's strong defense denied the goal for Anna Maria CrossFit.

Despite the aggressive defensive attack by JT Goode, Barberio hit his second goal of the game with just under eight minutes left in the first half of play.

Team Anna Maria continued to stay in the game with an amazing saves by Kraus on two shots by Barberio. N. Sato was called for a foul against Goode, but Goode's team could not capitalize on the scoring opportunity.

Known for his cherry picking success this season, Team Captain Frank Agnelli tried to get control of the ball near the goal, searching for his first goal of the game. Agnelli would be denied by Kraus.

Striking again, Barberio's rocket shot ricocheted hard off of the cross bar. Nate Welch was called for a foul against Goode. Once again, Team Anna Maria could not make anything happen on the field.

With no time on the scoreboard clock, the referees kept the official clock on the field. Surprise newcomer to the league Ted Hurst hit Mason Martin's third goal of the game to close out the half, giving his team a two-point lead.

Hoping to capture the win in the last 20 minutes of regulation play, Team Anna Maria CrossFit started on offense. Its offensive run would be cut short by Team Mason Martin.

After two minutes of play, Barberio scored the fourth goal of the game for his team. Agnelli quickly followed with his only goal in the championship battle. Hurst struck again, but Krause stopped the goal, keeping his team in the hunt.

With a four-point lead, Mason Martin changed it up in the goal. N. Sato took over the keeper responsibilities, while B. Sato took to the field.

Charles Buky, for Mason Martin, and Oliver Petereit, for Anna Maria CrossFit, both made their defensive presence known on the field, while Allison Burnham was an offensive threat for CrossFit.

In scoring position, Kretzmann took a free kick that hit hard onto the back of a Mason Martin defender. Barberio took advantage of the free ball, moving it quickly down the field with Matt Jeronimo hot on his heels. Jeronimo's pressure forced Barberio to change direction and pass the ball to L. Sato.

Barberio's pass drew Kause to the left corner of the net giving L. Sato more than half of the net to gently place the ball for the goal.

In what was touted as his last soccer game, Lyn Clark fought hard to get the soccer ball to his feet by the goal. Clark's controversial leadership style has moved his teams in the past to the top of the ranks for many seasons, including a championship. History would not fully repeat itself Thursday night for Clark and Team Anna Maria CrossFit.

Leading by six goals, spectators could see the wind go out of the sails of the Team Anna Maria CrossFit team. Team Mason Martin put the seventh nail in the coffin with a goal by Welch to take the victory and the capture the championship cup.

Sun Scoreboard

Tuesday, Jan. 24

Adult Co-Ed Volleyball

Anna Maria CrossFit 2
Beach to Bay 0
(game 1 25-21, game 2 25-19)

Air & Energy 2
Intechgrate Systems 0
(game 1 25-13, game 2 25-17)

Thursday, Jan. 26 – Paul "Ace" Hayward Cup Championship Game

Adult Co-Ed Soccer

#1 Mason Martin 7
#3 Anna Maria CrossFit 1

Saturday, Jan. 28

Youth Flag Football: 8 to 10-Year-Old League

Salty Printing 20
Cloud Pest Control 6

Lancaster Design 18
Slim's Place 13

Bark Real Estate 20
Truly Nolen 14

Youth Flag Football: 11 to 13-Year Old-League

Anna Maria Oyster Bar 0
Miller Electric 28

Progressive Cabinetry 21
Tyler's Ice Cream 14

Youth Flag Football: 14 to 17-Year-Old League

Air & Energy 25
Sign-A-Rama 19

Intechgrate Systems 24
Duncan Real Estate 14