By Lawson Vaughan and Maddie Jewett

Celebrating the final goal. Photo credit: Laura Meyers.

On Fri., Nov. 10, the Collegiate boys varsity soccer team yet again captured the VISAA Division I championship, beating St. Christopher’s School at City Stadium in double overtime, 2-1.

This was not their first meeting with St. Chris this season, though, as Tues., Oct. 24 was boys varsity soccer’s Senior Night against their rival. That game kicked off at 7:00 p.m. under the lights at City Stadium, and the boys won 4-1. Since it was Senior night, 11 Seniors started the game. The first goal, scored by co-captain Charles Nolde (’24), was a header, bringing the game to 1-0 by halftime. In the second half, Quinton Sullivan (’24) assisted Shaan Agarwal (’25), who scored on a header as well, putting them up 2-0. The Saints crept back up on the Cougars in the 59th minute with a goal from senior Greyson Dicosmo (’24), making the score 2-1. The Cougars then fought for a third goal to get back the lead. Nolde scored the third cougar goal with a header, a much needed one after the attempted Saints’ comeback.

Soccer boys celebrating after a goal. Photo credit: Laura Meyers.

The next day The Match interviewed two Juniors on the team, Agarwal and Peter Hartman (’25) about their season and the previous night’s game. Hartman, who is new to the team, commented on the bond the team has: “I love the environment.” Hartman’s favorite part of the game was when Joshua Parker (’25) had a fast breakaway to put the Cougars in a comfortable lead and secure the victory at 4-1 (previewing his game-winner in the championship game two weeks later). When reflecting on the atmosphere at City Stadium, Agarwal said, “It’s definitely nerve-wracking, but when you have fans supporting you, you forget about the nerves.” Overall, the players felt that the energy from the students kept the boys’ energy high.

Lower School teacher and junior varsity coach Page Chapman said, “A highlight was to watch the boys compete together as a group, all 11 players out on the field at one time, but as well as the support from the bench, and the student body was absolutely awesome.” Overall, the night was one filled with energy and excitement on and off the field.