Boys' Soccer Ends Mixed Season With 9 Wins

The boys’ varsity soccer team had yet another great season this past fall, finishing with a final record of 9-3-6. Unfortunately, the team fell one win short of qualifying for the NEPSAC Division 1 tournament. However, the team achieved many other goals, and they were satisfied with the season overall.

Upper Alistair Matule explained this sentiment. “We had high expectations given the significant amount of talent on the team, and to a certain degree we fell short of those expectations, but overall it was a fairly successful season," he said.

This year’s roster contained many returning players, which allowed for a strong team chemistry. There were also quite a few new players, including six postgraduates. Under the leadership of the captains, seniors Devin Moore and Trevor Cosgrove, the entire team quickly formed a strong bond. Senior Brian Moriarty commented on how united the team was this season. “We had a lot of fun during practices, and our good chemistry led to good play on the field during games," he said.

Strong leadership was consistent on the team throughout the entire season. Dean of Residential Life AJ Cosgrove and Coach John Hutchins were both veteran coaches, and their experience contributed to the team’s success. The captains were also important to the team. Many players agreed that both captains were reliable and supportive to every player.

“The team competed tirelessly in every game. At any given time, all eleven guys on the field were ready to work their hardest to help the team, and that led to the success we had.”

Matule explained the captains' impact on the season. “[The] team’s success can be significantly attributed to the leadership of the captains, and we look forward to continuing that legacy under next year’s captains,” he said. The combination of both the captains and the coaches was the backbone of the players this season.

After starting off the season with two solid scrimmages, the team felt ready to take on the real competition. Unfortunately, they ended up losing their first two games to Milton and Loomis. Although Exeter started with two losses, the games were decided by only one goal, which was better than the previous season’s 0-5 and 0-3 losses.

The team rebounded from their tough start with a 0-0 tie to Lawrence Academy and then three wins in a row. Exeter’s offense clicked in their third win when they crushed St. Paul’s School 6-1. The boys found the back of the net when they completed multiple good passes, spreading the opposition’s defense out.

Exeter had a lot of success in scoring this season, but it was their defense that ultimately won the games for them. With many exceptional defenders and skilled goalkeeper upper Max Gross, other teams found it hard to put goals up on the board against Exeter. The team gave up a total of only 21 goals this season, averaging just over one goal allowed each game. With such a strong defensive front, the team shut out their opponents in seven games.

Upper Tarek Khartabil fends off the opposing team. (Photo Credit: Rachel Luo)

Following the team’s three-game winning streak, they played four close matches against tough competition. Exeter won two of these four games, beating both New Hampton and Northfield Mount Hermon. Many of the players agreed that their win against NMH was the most exciting game all season. The game was tied 1-1 until the last seconds, when the team drew a penalty. Moore kept his cool and capitalized on the penalty kick, winning the game.

Upper Max Gross expanded on the excitement behind their victory against NMH. “That was the most important game because we were playing against a talented team that had a better record than us. Everyone stepped up to the occasion that day, and we had to, in order to be competitive. It was a game that we probably were not favored to win but we were able to because of our dedication to working hard as a team,” he said.

After their phenomenal game against NMH, the boys had a series of away games. Even though they had to ride the bus to games as far as Deerfield, they still came out with two wins, one loss and a tie. Similar to the rest of the season, all these games stayed close and came down to the wire. But it was Exeter’s hard work and grit that allowed them to rise about their opponents and get the win.

Asante attributed the team’s strength to their willingness to work hard this season. “The team competed tirelessly in every game. At any given time, all eleven guys on the field were ready to work their hardest to help the team, and that led to the success we had.”

Going into the last game against Andover on E/a, the boys knew they needed a win to secure their spot in the playoffs. Exeter took the lead first with a pair of goals, but Andover returned late in the game with three consecutive goals. With tensions running high, the game became overly physical and players from both sides suffered from injuries.

Moriarty, stepping in for injured goalkeeper Gross, made a spectacular save in the final seconds of the game after running back down the pitch from the corner kick. Unfortunately, the team’s final possessions were unsuccessful and the team lost 3-2.

For many players, it was tough to end their Exeter soccer careers on a loss to Andover, but they still had many other moments and memories to be proud of. The senior players agreed that their time on the team has been an experience that they will never forget. As for the younger team members, they have high hopes for next season and cannot wait to get started.

Newly selected captains Gross, Quintin DiStefano and Tarek Khartibil have big shoes to fill, but they will try and lead the team to the playoffs next year. Other underclassmen players plan to work hard over the offseason and will play in the summer, aiming to increase their chances for success next year.