Push for Playoffs
Cleats laced, shinguards on, and jerseys tucked. With all eyes on football and field hockey, Hackley Boys Varsity Soccer demolished Browning soccer 5-0 at the Sting. Even before then Hackley Boys Soccer has been turning heads. In a scrimmage versus French American School, Boys Soccer stunned the audience with a 5-1 victory. The team was looking like one of the strongest in school history. An idea was brewing in the minds of the team’s loyal fans and players, could this be the year?
Fast forward to Alumni Day, Hackley Boys Varsity Soccer triumphed over Poly Prep 5-2 providing a morale boost for a team fighting for first place in a highly competitive Ivy League Prep division. A well-needed victory for an injured Hornets team. After coming of a 0-0 tie to Collegiate in extra time, Coach Sawkins switched up the game plan to use two attackers instead of one. This strategy helped the team prevail victorious with striker Dan Paradis(’23) in his second game back scoring a hat trick with 2 additional goals from striker JT Goswami(’23). This game tied the most goals in one game this season for the team.
Goalie John Churchill continues his amazing string of games with multiple acrobatic saves to get the crowd on their feet. Steven Li(’23) and Clifford”Cliff” Chapman(’24) had great showings as they provided assists as well. Varsity midfielder Tyler Mook(’25) said, “The crowd was electric and it was great to get a win at home in front of the alumni. We have to move on to the next games to come.”
From watching preseason, this is a team that isn’t looking for a second-place trophy. The energy junior Fritz Lauerwald(’23) brings is incredible and he is always pushing his team to get better as well as helping some of the younger members of the team. Hackley also defeated Trinity 2-0 on their journey to first place. With a stellar performance from senior captain Callum Stewart-Wood(’22) and the defense as a whole. With center-back, Caleb Bae(’24) injured Coach Sawkins looked to freshman Jack Perlman(’25) to take on a starting role. Jack Perlman more of an attacking player(1 goal on the season) has paired nicely with Fritz Lauerwald on the backline for many great defensive games. The underclassmen are progressing nicely with multiple starting appearances by them.
On Saturday, the Hornets took down first place Fieldston 3-2 in extra time, with the game-winner coming from Fritz Lauerwald(’23) from around the midfield line. The team looks to take the top dog position, win the league, and punch their ticket for NYSAIS.
