The Boys’ Varsity Soccer Team played incredibly last fall, ending the season with an impressive 12-0-5 record. The team lost six seniors going into 2019 fall, which may mean shift in team dynamics and strategy this year. After a grueling preseason of conditioning and tryouts, the team took on 5 new players in a mix of both offensive and defensive positions.

Under Mr. Pedreschi, Mr. Goodrich and Mr. Wade (who is not returning this fall) the boys were able to place 5th overall in the Independent School League (ISL) Class B and make the New England’s Division B playoffs, unfortunately losing to Middlesex in the quarterfinals. The team’s success came from their depth and range of both skill sets and age. 

This fall, two of their three top scorers are returning. Both Max Strong ’20 –– who led the team with ten goals –– and Jack Goodrich ’20 –– who tied Mark Bruni ’19 with five goals and five assists –– will continue to lead the Groton attack. 

One of the two goalkeepers, Jack Pedreschi ’21, will also return. Last year, Jack, along with Rajit Khana ’19, made crucial contributions to the team’s success, locking down the defense and allowing only 14 goals compared to the 34 goals shots that season.

“Having fallen short in last years quarter-final game against Middlesex, this years team led by Captains Gilintaba Canca ’20 and Max Steinert ’20 has both the experience and talent required for what should be another successful season,” says Mr. Pedreschi. The two seniors have impressive soccer skills and are also models of great leadership and teamwork. 

Max speaks of the success of last season as anticipated by an early victory against Belmont Hill. “Belmont Hill always has a very strong team and normally dominate us every year, but in one of our first games of the season, we beat them 5-2…This win set the tone for the rest of the season.” 

Gili hopes that they can continue the success, through “building on our performance from last year…looking to solidify their beliefs with a top four finish.” Since the team also made the playoffs last year, an achievement in itself, they hope to “advance deeper into the tournament” this year.

We should be excited to watch the boys grow throughout this fall, and expect a strong season. The team “will again look to compete with the best the I.S.L. has to offer” says Mr. Pedreschi.