For the first time in nine years, the Westford Academy Boys’ Varsity Soccer team made it to the playoffs after a 9-2 record at the end of the 2023 season. Although they lost in the first round to Boston Latin, the team is ready for redemption in the 2024 season.
Over the summer, the team was busy with captains practices, team bonding activities, and unofficial preseason scrimmages against Chelmsford, Acton-Boxborough and Central Catholic.
“The preseason went well. We had 95 players registered for tryouts, which is fantastic for the program,” head coach Jeff Lamy said. “The boys have been working hard on their fitness and touches, and are looking forward to starting games. Overall, I am pleased with the team’s performance.”
The two senior captains, Nihal Mark and Alex Xiang, have their priorities straight when it comes to making sure the team is on the same page all season by staying focused on their main goal: to reach the playoffs and win the state championship.
The team expects that the competition will be strong as always in the DCL, but they are confident that they are more than ready for it. With around eight seniors graduating last year, there are spots for some new players this season, with a couple upperclassmen joining the varsity team.
“As a team, we are confident heading into the year,” Xiang said. “We have great team chemistry and understand each other and the team system well. I personally believe that we can be very successful if we play our way.”
Many of the starters on the team have been playing with each other since they were kids so they are looking forward to enjoying one last season together and hopefully making it count.
Lamy shares his excitement for the upcoming fundraiser game in late September dedicated to supporting women’s cancer research.
“I’m looking forward to our Kicks For Cancer game on September 28th against Wayland. It’s a great event and all of the teams in the league play at Concord Carlisle,” Lamy said. “We have the 7pm game which means it will be an amazing atmosphere.”
Boys’ Soccer had their first two official games of the season against Lowell and North Andover, resulting in a 1-1 record to start off the 2024 season. WA lost 2-0 against Lowell and won 4-0 against North Andover. Their next game will be Saturday, Sep. 14 against Billerica at Billerica Memorial High School.
“The boys are excited and looking forward to the season,” Mark said. “We are fueled by our sad loss in the playoffs last year. I can see our team having a lot of success with a lot of experience in our team.”
