Boys’ soccer team’s historic season comes to a close

After a season in which they outscored their opponents 57-12, going unbeaten through 21 games with a 17-0-4 record, the Canton High School boys’ soccer team’s exciting state tournament run came to an end last week with a 2-0 loss to defending Division 2 state champion Concord-Carlisle at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Quincy.

It is fair to say the Bulldogs had the best season in their 28-year program history as they dominated opponents with their exceptionally sound defense and explosive offense. They captured the Hockomock League Davenport Division title, the first-ever Hockomock Classic Cup, and won the south sectional championship for the first time in program history.

The team’s only loss came Wednesday night in the Eastern Mass finals — against a Concord-Carlisle team that went on to win its second consecutive state title three days later against central champion Nipmuc.

Canton performed well defensively throughout the first half, putting lots of pressure on the defending champs. The Bulldogs’ offense also had no trouble finding their forwards, but they were unable to find the back of the net.

In the second half, Concord-Carlisle netted an early goal as the Bulldogs found themselves trailing for only the third time all season.

“It was kind of a gut check,” head coach Danny Erickson said. “I thought it had the effect of putting us on our back foot instead of waking us up. [Concord-Carlisle] got a lot of momentum, and from that point on they looked like a team that had been to a state championship the year before, and we looked like a team that was hoping to make something happen.”

This time Canton could not make a comeback. With just 12 minutes left to play, the Patriots knocked in another goal and secured a 2-0 victory to advance to the Division 2 state finals. Canton fought hard until the end but couldn’t break down the C-C defense.

“I think we were organized defensively,” Erickson said. “I think Concord-Carlisle had a difficult time breaking us down, but overall I don’t think it was our best performance. When you get to that level and you don’t play great, you’re not going to win.”

Canton will now lose six outstanding seniors who will be missed next season: AJ Waterman, Igor Perun, Nate Seto, Ramon Ambrosio, Loris D’Orio, and TJ Lennon.

“Each and every one of them will certainly be missed,” Erickson said, as he reflected on the major impact the senior class had on the rest of the team.

Erickson said he will always remember this team for not allowing a loss all season until the semifinals of the state tournament.

“We all had an incredible time and an incredible journey this year and it was something we will all remember,” he said. “It was an unselfish group of guys who will forever be in the Canton High history books.”

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Posted by Tony Catinella on Nov 25 2010. Filed under High School, Sports. Both comments and pings are currently closed.