BY LILIANA JIMENEZ

A tough 4-1 loss to Concord-Carlisle ended the Panthers’ 2023-24 season. 

While BHS Boys’ Soccer didn’t win the MIAA tournament, they made it further this season than they had in previous years. As Panther cheers echoed across the field, the BHS Boys Varsity Soccer steadily climbed the ranks of the MIAA tournament this year. Their success helped them climb the ranks of D1 High School soccer, leaving a legacy behind for upcoming Panther players.

As the team moved on from the Sweet 16 stage to the Elite 8, and as competition became more vigorous, their chemistry only improved. This was evident in the playoff game against Newton South.

“We were the twenty-fifth seed and they were the eighth,” McCarthy recalled. “They had a penalty call in the first ten minutes and they scored, then again three minutes later.”

Trailing 2-0 in a do-or-die game, the Panthers knew they needed to step up.

“I just thought this could be our season done,” said McCarthy.

Quick goals by Gustavo and McCarthy tied the score. 

“Then we had some hope going into the second half,” McCarthy said. “Five minutes later, Wilson scores too, winning us the game against Newton South.” 

The Panther Boys’ victory resulted from countless hours spent on the training ground. The success of this squad not only lies in the team but also in their preparation. 

“Every day we were always on the field and working out together and preparing for the season in any way we could,” said Sophomore Thomas O’Neill.

The players measure their success not through goals or wins but rather through the unseen threads that stitch the team together. Behind all the footwork and well-thought-out plays lies the determination and grit that separate this team from the rest. At the bottom of this, and perhaps every successful team, lies a powerful bond that extends past the playing field. 

“I think what helped is that we both shared a goal to go far in the playoffs,” said De Leon. “We didn’t prioritize individuals, but rather the team as a whole.” 

Captain Owen McCarthy and Wilson De Leon both emphasize this crucial connection when talking about the effects of an on and off-field relationship throughout the playoff season. 

“Every day we were always on the field and working out together and preparing for the season in any way we could,” O’Neill said.

The dramatic and unexpected comeback against Newton was followed by the crushing, season-ending loss to Concord-Carlisle. 

“To have a season that successful was great personally for me and I’m sure for Wilson too,”  Panther co-captain McCarthy waxed coolly. “I think it was definitely great for the younger guys too because they see what the level is for them in the next years, and what they have to look for to achieve.”