Over the last few matches, the Boys Varsity Soccer team has shown promising form, winning 4–1 in their previous five games. The road to the playoffs is a challenging one, but hope permeates the locker room. After years of stability and success, the question now is: how is this year’s younger team performing and adapting in the current season?
The recent schedule has been favorable for the Mustangs, with decisive wins versus ISL teams in the past three weeks. Defensive center midfielder Nicholas Pittarelli ‘27 said that, at their October 15 game at St. Mark’s, the team’s “second half aggressiveness” carried through and provided a decisive 5-0 win. Their recent winning streak has been defined by their energetic early offense and composure in the second half. Despite early-season ties and losses, the team is transitioning into a period where it must win every game for the rest of the season to make the playoffs. Some consistent trends during this stretch are, as Sam Li ‘28 notes, their “making opportunities” for their teammates and strong defensive play. This impressive run highlights the team’s growing confidence as they strive to secure a playoff spot in the remaining matches.
The soccer team has historically been very successful in the ISL, winning the championship last year and going undefeated to secure it. Their success has come from their strong defense and fundamental play. After losing their first ISL game in over a year on October 4, Pittarelli said that the team is looking to turn this loss into a motivator as well for the rest of the season.
Ben Pierog ‘28 and Charlie Pons ‘26 both agreed that “morale is high” heading into the final stretch of the season, and the team needs to focus “both mind and body” to win every game to give them a shot at the playoffs. Li also said that “building team chemistry” is one of the main things that has helped them maintain morale, especially when facing challenging opponents such as Nobles and Brooks to round out the season, who are currently sitting in first and second place in the ISL, respectively. Henry Brown ‘29 credited their high morale and chemistry for their win on October 18 versus Rivers. They hope to build upon their current ambition as they enter the home stretch of their key games.
After coming up short in the NEPSAC finals last year, the team hopes to regain its previous form and bring home the championship with a strong performance to close out the season. For Pons, “improving consistency” is one of the primary goals for the end of the season, and the team is working to match their high aspirations both on the field and in practice. After last year, when the team lost many of its top players, new players have stepped up to fill the gaps, such as Lucas Gomes ‘27 and Pittarelli. Brown is among the freshmen who have brought energy and dedication to the team. He credits his teammates, like Jasper Wylie ‘29, for staying devoted and elevating the play and the vitality of the team.
Boys’ Varsity Soccer’s recent success underscores the importance of resilience and team chemistry, suggesting that adaptability will be key. As the season reaches its crucial stage, they hope that, if they maintain focus and consistency, their current squad can replicate the high level of play the team achieved last year.