Boys’ Soccer Plays Perfectly Against Deerfield in 3-0 Victory

This past Saturday, Big Red boys’ soccer defeated Deerfield Academy 3-0. The victory not only continued the team’s winning streak, but also placed Exeter as the sixth best prep school among all prep schools in the nation.

Senior Josh Desmond said that although the score shows that Deerfield was not as challenging as previous opponents, their players managed to still pressure the team.

“Deerfield didn't play at the same caliber as teams like NMH, Worcester, or Loomis, but they certainly put up a fight, even with the challenging task of being away,” Desmond said. “They played off counter attacks with their best strikers, and we like to do the same. We both like to score in transition, that is, quick goals that follow only two or three passes up the field. This led an exciting back and forth battle for control in the middle of the field.”

Senior Max Rerkpattanapipat echoed Desmond’s sentiments and added that the all athletes went into the game only imagining a victory.

“We were extremely motivated going into the Deerfield game,” Rerkpattanapipat said. “There was a lot at stake [in terms of ranking wise] plus any time we get to play Deerfield we absolutely want to beat them.”

Lower Quintin DiStefano agreed. “Deerfield was a very hard-working team. While they weren't the most skilled, they were a very tough side to play against. They really put us to the test, and we answered strongly.”

Rerkpattanapipat noted that the team’s performance against Deerfield was especially impressive because mistakes from previous games were not repeated.

“We played an outstanding game, connecting passes that ultimately led to great chances on goal,” he said. “It was a total team effort and we couldn't be more happier with the win.”

"We played an outstanding game, connecting passes that ultimately led to great chances on goal."

Players also reflected upon the highlights of the game.

Desmond said that he was especially impressed by senior and co-captain Ted Hart’s goal, particularly because Hart scored it with ease, regardless of the physical defensemen of Deerfield.

“The first goal was just Ted doing his thing,” Desmond said. “Their defense liked to play a very physical game, which was great for Ted, because nobody can out-body Ted.”

DiStefano said that upper Matt Asante’s goal was equally exciting.

“The highlight of the game was Matt Asante's goal. The ball popped out to him at the top of the 18 off a corner kick and he rifled it home, and then hit the shmoney dance for the celebration,” DiStefano said. “It was priceless.”

Desmond also noted that senior Nick Baughan, who replaced upper Henry Behrens temporarily because of Behrens’ sickness, executed a new position and responsibility with remarkable composure and skills.

Although the victory against Deerfield was thrilling, this past Wednesday, the team faced a hard 1-6 loss against Berkshire Academy, the best prep school team in the country and arguably the most challenging opponent the team will face this season.

“A loss is a loss so we're gonna move on from this game and get back into our flow and play like we always do against Tabor this coming Saturday,” Rerkpattanapipat said. “We are going to keep working hard and finish off the season strong and get into the tournament. And you never know, we might get a second chance at these guys, and if we do, we'll make the most of it.”