STARSTRUCK – The New Hampshire Stars U14 team finished second in a recent 18-team tourney which involved teams from throughout New England. Players include, front row from left –Danny Caruso, John Burke, Kyle Gracia, Craig Gurley, Emmanuel George, Steve Carroll, Ben Lessard and Nick Schibley. Back row from left – coach Tom Labonville, Bobby Hoppe, Chris Thompson, Chris Bugsch, ConnorHyde, Ian Downing, Jamie Zajac, Brandon Rickerand coach Tom Zajac. Owen Hawkins is missing from the picture. (Courtesy Photo)

NASHUA – The New Hampshire Stars U14 boys advanced to the finals of the premier division in the 18-team Nashua World Cup Tournament during Columbus Day weekend, finishing second to the FC Dragons of Rehoboth, Mass.

Following a pair of scoreless ties against Inter SC Boston and FC Roma of Chlemsford, Mass., the Stars beat South Shore Select, 3-0. Jamie Zajac put in two goals, and Danny Caruso also scored.

In the quarterfinals at Stellos Stadium they fell behind, then beat FC Puma of Northborough, Mass., 3-1. Emmanuel George tied it on a penalty kick, and Nick Schibley and Zajac also scored.

In the semis, the Stars edged Blackwatch of Rhode Island on penalty kicks from Connor Hyde, Zajac, George, Ben Lessard of Allenstown and Brandon Ricker. Hyde tied the match at 1-1 late in regulation, taking a pass from Zajac in the last minute of the game. Keeper Craig Gurley made a fantastic save on Blackwatch’s first penalty shot to earn the win.

Atired Stars’squad lost in the finals to the FC Dragons later that day, 2-0.

Carroll, Bobby Hoppe, Lessard and Ricker kept the midfield under control, and George, Caruso, John Burke and Schibley were strong on offense. Gurley was outstanding in goal.

The U14 Stars, coached by Tom Labonville and Tom Zajac, play in the New England Premier Youth Soccer League and improved to 4-1-0 following a recent 2-1 win over Seacoast United.