image description

Soccer Domain Academy Teams Go 3-3 at BCC

Community submissionPrint Story | Email Story
It was an action packed and high quality weekend of soccer for Soccer Domain Academy teams as some squads’ seasons drew to a close. Six games were played over the course of three days at Berkshire Community College, resulting in three victories and three defeats.
 
SDA U11 Boys v GPS Stateline 
SDA started the game strongly and was hopeful of a repeat of its convincing win from earlier on in the season. The hosts valued and retained possession well and moved the ball with efficiency in order to get into advanced positions.
When GPS did get the ball, SDA seemed to stand off and allow them time and space, also an ill disciplined defensive shape could have proved costly for the home team. Despite this, SDA was the team to force the break through and went into half-time ahead 1-0..
The second continued in the same light. As an evaluation, it wasn’t the best spectacle, but SDA created numerous chances and a second goal before the full time whistle topped off a cagey but effective performance.
 
SDA U11 Boys v GPS MA West
A second game in second days for the U11 boys could have been a challenging affair but at the beginning of the game it was clear to see that the group were up to the task. Again SDA retained the ball well and a much improved, organized defensive shape made for a solid team performance.
SDA was clearly the better team throughout and looked calm and composed in possession, a 3-0 lead at half-time was a fair reflection on the proceedings. SDA continued its impressive form throughout the second half and increased their lead. The game concluded with SDA running out convincing 5-0 winners on the day and taking maximum points away from its weekend games.
 
U14 Boys SDA v FC Massachusetts 
The first half started fairly slowly but an early goal put SDA 1-0 up against a very physical GPS MA West side. After the goal, SDA started to take control of the game, moving the ball quickly into offensive areas of the field. This led to the second goal in the first half, SDA looked very relaxed and dominant as it added a third before half time.
The home team continued to play with the same attacking desire in the second half, creating chances but not being able to put the ball in the net. A lapse of concentration and miscommunication in the back lead to the visitors first goal. This was followed up with a great finish to make the last 10 minutes of the game very interesting. SDA were resilient in their game plan throughout the last 10 minutes and achieved a well-deserved three points
 
SDA v GPS 
A slow start to the game for SDA saw GPS dominate possession in the early stage. With 12 minutes gone, GPS made it 1-0 with a good finish. SDA started to move the ball well bringing their wingers into play on regular occasions, a 1v1 chance forced a tremendous save from the GPS goalkeeper.
In the second half SDA dictated the pace of the game moving the ball quickly from midfield areas into threatening areas. As the time was ticking away SDA continued to create more and more chances and a slight change of formation, showed positivity and determination to get back into the game. SDA created many chances but could not find their equalizing goal. Full time SDA 0-1 GPS.
 
 U14 Boys SDA v SFC New England
A very slow start to the game from SDA saw SFC control the pace and create early opportunities to take the lead. The team shape was a big concern early on after being discipline in the weeks before. As the game progressed SDA settled down into a better team shape.
The home team started to get into some advanced and threatening areas of the pitch. With SDA getting in behind the back line, some good covering defending from SFC resulted in the hosts being awarded a corner. The ball was delivered into the box, guided home by the center midfielder to make it SDA 1-0 SFC. Both teams created chances in the second half, with SDA being denied of two penalties and hitting the crossbar on two separate occasions. SFC got in behind the defense a number of times and punished SDA with three well taken goals to win, 3-1.
 
U13 Girls vs FC Boston Scorpions
With many players unavailable a squad of 12 was set to face FC Boston Scorpions. SDA didn’t start with the intensity that was required and conceded early on. However, the girls worked hard off the ball and caused the opponents problems on the attack. Unforced errors were a common theme from both teams.
Technically it wasn’t the prettiest of performances from either side but credit to some heroic defending from both sides, the score line was kept at 1-0.
 
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

MassDOT Project Will Affect Traffic Near BMC

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Prepare for traffic impacts around Berkshire Medical Center through May for a state Department of Transportation project to improve situations and intersections on North Street and First Street.

Because of this, traffic will be reduced to one lane of travel on First Street (U.S. Route 7) and North Street between Burbank Street and Abbott Street from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday through at least May 6.

BMC and Medical Arts Complex parking areas remain open and detours may be in place at certain times. The city will provide additional updates on changes to traffic patterns in the area as construction progresses.

The project has been a few years in the making, with a public hearing dating back to 2021. It aims to increase safety for all modes of transportation and improve intersection operation.

It consists of intersection widening and signalization improvements at First and Tyler streets, the conversion of North Street between Tyler and Stoddard Avenue to serve one-way southbound traffic only, intersection improvements at Charles Street and North Street, intersection improvements at Springside Avenue and North Street, and the construction of a roundabout at the intersection of First Street, North Street, Stoddard Avenue, and the Berkshire Medical Center entrance.

Work also includes the construction of 5-foot bike lanes and 5-foot sidewalks with ADA-compliant curb ramps.  

Last year, the City Council approved multiple orders for the state project: five orders of takings for intersection and signal improvements at First Street and North Street. 

The total amount identified for permanent and temporary takings is $397,200, with $200,000 allocated by the council and the additional monies coming from carryover Chapter 90 funding. The state Transportation Improvement Plan is paying for the project and the city is responsible for 20 percent of the design cost and rights-of-way takings.

View Full Story

More Pittsfield Stories