By Robby Barberio
As soccer season comes to an end, our middle school teams both posted winning records for the season. Congratulations to the Middle School Boys’ Team for finishing in first place in the Atlantic Cape Junior High League with an undefeated record of 8 wins, 0 losses, and 3 ties. The Middle School Girls’ Team finished its season with a record of 5 wins and 4 losses.
The Middle School Boys played a tie-breaker game at home on November 1 to determine first place in the League. The Cougars came out with a 2-0 victory over The Pilgrim Academy. 8th grader Micah D’Anna scored both goals. The Girls finished their season on October 26 with a game against Alder Avenue Middle School.
Both teams welcomed new coaches this year –Becky Pineo as the Middle School Girls’ Coach and Silas Nixon as the Middle School Boys’ Coach.
Pineo, originally from Lewiston, Idaho, has coached soccer, basketball, softball, and tennis. She coached at Cumberland Christian School, Pleasantville High School, and Buena Regional High School.
“One reason I decided to coach at ACS is the love I have for the sport of soccer!” Coach Pineo said. “But above all getting to glorify Jesus through coaching is my passion!”
Nixon coached his first-ever team this year. Born and raised in Northfield, New Jersey, he played soccer as a youth and always enjoyed watching soccer. He attended his first-ever ACS soccer game last fall and expressed an interest in coaching to Athletic Director Pam Hitchner. A few days later, Mrs. Hitchner asked him to coach. After praying about it, Coach Nixon decided to take the position.
“Coach Nixon did a great job with the team and the boys worked hard under his leadership,” Hitchner said. “Last year, the team had a strong group of 8th graders who moved up to high school, but the players who moved up into active playing time this year really improved in their skills and teamwork. It was exciting to watch them play.”