By GALE CARROCCIA

The undefeated Johnston Recreation staff kicked off its third annual friendly soccer game against the recreation department youth soccer leagues’ coaches and parents last Sunday evening at the Johnston High School field. Usually, the kids are the center of attention, but as the season comes to a close, the field was changed for parents to kick up a little fun, get some exercise and, of course, face their own challenge.

"We are now using baseball fields to play soccer, but next fall 2008, we will have two much-needed new soccer fields, one practice field and one full size field, a place to call home, a real soccer community," said Johnston Recreation Department Director Dan Mazzulla Jr.

Before the start of the game, parent and coach Spencer Ingram said he has been coaching for the past eight seasons, and has a son Bryce that plays soccer for E.B.O. Hauling and a daughter Brittany that plays for Pezzuco Construction.

"It is good exercise playing soccer, and is a world game," said Ingram.

Mark Gilmore and Glen Carroll served as referees for the challenging game. Matt Lafazia, supervisor of the Johnston Recreation staff, guarded the net and had a couple of good saves for his still-undefeated team. Parent Robert Andreoli was the goalkeeper for the coaches and parents team.

In the first half, Rick Delfino, who is a night and weekend supervisor for the Johnston Recreation staff, scored first, followed by John Lafazia.

For the coaches and parents team, first to score was Russell Lebeuf, followed by Ernie Valentine, who is a coach for the 5- and 6-year-olds team Rondeau Kickboxing and the 9- and 10-year-olds team Samsyd Windows. He also has a daughter, Brittany, who plays soccer; he also serves as a referee for the younger leagues.

Parent Dan Robbins offered the assist for Ernie.

At the end of the first half, the score was tied 2-2.  

New relief goalie in the second half was John Lafazia. And as the second half got underway, Johnston Recreation had an explosion of goals, starting with Joe Manzillo scoring twice. Rick Delfino scored the last goal, keeping the coaches and parents team at bay for the third consecutive year.

The final score: Johnston Recreation 5; coaches and parents 2.

A good time was had by all and, at the end of the contest, all the players shook hands in anticipation of next year’s challenging game – hopefully to be held on Johnston's new soccer fields.

On Thursday, Nov. 8, a banquet is being planned at Lombardi's. Trophies will be given out to the kids and the coaches will get sweatshirts.