Saint John’s Seta Tah moves past a sliding Rowan Miller. (Photo/Evan Walsh)
NORTHBOROUGH – In hopes of one day becoming champions, Algonquin athletes first had to tackle Day One.
On August 18, the Algonquin Regional High School campus was abuzz: runners were trotting around the school’s perimeter, athletes returned to organized activities, and on the turf behind the school, Algonquin’s two soccer teams gathered for the first time this season, each hoping to lay the groundwork for a successful year.
After a long offseason of strategizing, Chris Kirwan, the head coach of the girls’ soccer program, was ready for the season to start. Now in his second year at the helm, Kirwan hopes to improve on his team’s 7-10-2 record last year, develop team chemistry, and strengthen the program for years to come.
Algonquin’s Olivia DeMember moves the ball up the field. (Photo/Evan Walsh)
“Going into the new season, I just revisit the strengths we had from last year, reinforce that, and spend a lot of time looking at film from last year. You come in with this strategy, but you also come in with 30 new players – a new class coming in that could provide a boost to the program, from JV right through varsity,” he said.
The Titans graduated nine seniors last year – including Dylan Lochhead, who now plays for Boston College. In their place, a squad of six seniors will step up, led by captains Rebecca White, Lily Dumont, and Ella Timmins. “They’ll spearhead everything that has to do with team culture,” said Kirwan.
Two players focus on the ball while colliding mid-air. (Photo/Evan Walsh)
Outside of the captains, there’s still plenty of talent. Shailyn Ryan and Caity O’Hearn will be difference-makers.
“We’re all here together. You’re going through the same tryout as everyone else. The culture has to start on Day One, because when you’re in games, you’re going to be looking at your teammates for support. We want to know who we’re going to be, who we’re going to battle with,” said Kirwan.
Algonquin’s Vincent Vitorino prepares to strike the ball. (Photo/Evan Walsh)
The boys’ team – coming off a CMADA Class A championship and 12-4-3 season – looks to continue its momentum into this year. The Titans will have to do so without Zach Ruthfield and Caden Hansen, two of last season’s top scorers in the Midland-Wachusett League. Without the goal production, Algonquin will play a different brand of soccer.
“We have a different team this year – a younger team. We have three seniors. We’re going to play more conservative soccer. We had some of the top scorers in the league last year, and we’re not going to be able to replace those goals, so we have to be careful on defense. We have to play a little bit more conservative. We can’t give up as many goals,” said Fred Zupicich, the head coach of the boys’ soccer program.
In net, the Titans will turn to junior Frazier Bosch, who had an excellent season for the Titans last year. Other returners include Alexander Deschaine, Abhi Padala, and Eligio Coniglio. Over 30 freshmen tried out for the team during Monday’s practice. Zupicich has heard it’s a “very talented class.”
Algonquin Titans: 2024 CMADA Class A Boys’ Soccer Champion
Though the faces will be slightly different, Zupicich’s expectations remain the same for his group.
“I don’t believe in rebuilding years. For us, we’re trying to make the playoffs. We’re a Division 1 school, and our expectations are to make the playoffs and make a run in the playoffs. We want to be a top-25 team. That’s it,” he said.