Photo by Olivia Dubin
Olivia Dubin
Sports Reporter
As a swarm of blue and orange filtered into the stands Sunday evening, the Boys’ Varsity Soccer team kicked off against Acton-Boxborough under the lights. After a hard fought 80 minutes of play, South came out victorious with a 1-0 win.
After an evenly matched 1st half, Acton-Boxborough could no longer keep up with the Lions speed, skill, and intensity. At the 70th minute, Junior Tyler Russell vollied a floating ball into the back of the net through the jostled opposition’s defensive line. Additionally, throughout the entire game junior Dennis Pecherskiy proved to be a powerful asset to the Lions, weaving through the midfield with ease.
“As a team we did a great job with ball movement. We passed around the other team and in triangles with ourselves. We also pressed the other team very well. Everyone gave it there all which led us to eventually work them into the ground,” junior captain Joey Cohen said.
Not only was the offense ferocious, but the defense held rock solid throughout the game, denying Acton-Boxborough any goals, despite their relentless offense.
“Our outside backs, Joey [Cohen], Ben [Kiritsy], John [Wendlandt], and Tomas [Nelson] didn’t stop applying support up and down the field, the whole game and our center backs, especially Isaac [Enelamah] stood tall and stayed strong the whole game. We kept a clean sheet and scored a goal, a winning formula every time,” senior caption Max Plottel said.
But, it was not only the physical skill and grit that led to the Lions victory; the team dynamic has shifted dramatically since last season, from one of negativity to one of encouragement. The shift has had a colossal effect on the boys on and off-field relationships.
“This year we are playing as a team and for each other. Last year there was a much lesser sense of community. This year we have a positive team culture and a real soccer community. The team dynamic this year is much healthier,” said Plottel.
While it is still early in the season, the boys still look to add more wins to their 2-3-1 record and improve their game. As they continue training during the season, they are working on their consistency and communication in games. However, the future in the “Lion’s Den” is bright.
“This win will improve our mental game a lot. It proves that we can compete with the top teams in the DCL when we play as a team,” said Cohen.
Come to support the Newton South Boys’ Soccer team as they take on perennial powerhouse Concord Carlisle away this Tuesday, 10/2.
