~ Submitted by Virendar Kaushik for the 2021 BHS Varsity Soccer team
There is an old adage that adversity builds character. If true, the Bedford High School Varsity Soccer team has character (and is full of characters!).
Taking a “next player up” mentality, the Bucs captured their 4th straight DCL Foley (formerly DCL Small) title after a 1-0 win over Newton South on Senior Night at Sabourin Field.
The Bucs (7-2-4) fought through a season that saw nearly a dozen players, including 3 of the 4 team captains, miss games due to injuries. Receiving contributions from the entire roster, Bedford combined their typical strong defensive game with enough offense to capture the league title.
Of note, Boys Varsity Soccer tied the school record of 4 straight league titles set by three other BHS programs (Girls Basketball, Rifle, and Cheer), highlighting a major accomplishment for the soccer program.
Some highlights from the season
Sept 11, 2021, Bedford vs Austin Prep 3-0 win
The Boys and Girls Soccer teams each played and raised money for the Tunnel to Towers Foundation to honor the military and first responders. Senior Captain Max Alper netted two goals and Sean Morrison added a beautiful header off a corner kick from Devan Kaushik to lead the offensive output. Junior Captain Luca Melfi, Morrison, and Senior Captain and goalie Evan Squire kept Austin Prep off the scoreboard with strong defensive play.
Sept 21, 2021, Bedford vs Weston 4-1 win
Senior Captain Dylan DiGangi was all over the field scoring two goals, assisting on another, and creating multiple opportunities for teammates. Kaushik netted a goal, and freshman Spencer Goss scored his first varsity goal to complete the scoring. Strong defensive play from Will Campbell, Austin Cullis, and Ian Grove kept Weston at bay.
Sept 28, 2021, Bedford vs Boston International 5-0 win
Squire posted another “bagel”, while DiGangi (2), Cullis, Melfi, and Goss netted the other goals in the dominating win. Eshan Pandey (assist) and Max Mezheritskiy provided relentless pressure up top as Tomas Ou (assist), Ariel Navon, and Miles Herzog controlled the midfield.
October 7, 2021, Bedford vs Boston Latin 4-0 win
Ansh Aggarwal, in his first varsity start (goalie), shut out the Wolfpack. Spencer Goss netted 2 goals, including a beauty from 20 yards out, around the goalie, and from a difficult angle. Alper and DiGangi rounded out the scoring, while Tomo Liou and Akira Ung controlled the midfield and defensive zone, respectively.
October 15, 2021, Bedford vs Lincoln-Sudbury 0-0 tie
Bedford held a potent L-S attack scoreless as Owen Goss, Morrison, and Melfi played lockdown defense. Squire made a number of saves, including a highlight reel, fully prone, mid-air get late in the game that preserved the tie.
October 21, 2021, Bedford vs Newton South 1-0 win
On Senior Night at Sabourin Field, Bedford clinched the DCL Foley division with a 1-0 win over Newton South. Kaushik scored the Bucs’ goal on an assist from Owen Goss. Garrett Stanton and Christian Hill provided the pressure up top; Herzog, Alper, and Ou controlled the midfield; and Melfi and Morrison made key tackles in the defensive zone.
The win ensured that the Senior players would graduate never knowing the feeling of a second-place finish.
To secure the league title, the Bucs needed the entire roster this season. Key contributions were also made by Sawyer Elliott, Owen Savage, Ronan Melfi, Jake Bowman, and Raphael Mense. Senior Arnav Thotangare suffered an ACL injury in July, and though unable to play this season, served as the heart of the team.
Tournament Play Begins the Week of Oct. 25
While winning a fourth consecutive league title is significant, the Bucs still have unfinished business. They will play in the DCL tournament the week of Oct 25th. The following week, Bedford will open play in the Division 2 state tournament (moving up from Division 3).
Congratulations to the Senior Class, the entire team, and good luck in postseason play!
Loading ...
