UMass Boston’s men’s soccer team concluded the season victorious after winning the Little East Conference title against their frenemy Western Connecticut University Nov. 8.
The Beacons drowned the Anchormen, whom they lost the title to last season, with a 4-1 semi-final victory Nov. 5. The opponent definitely thought this would be an easy win, considering their last victory, but this paved the way for an efficient offensive play. The Beacons came out strong as they punched the last nail into Rhode Island’s coffin.
Junior Ryan Doherty put on a show, displaying his superior shooting skills as he scored three goals — his first ever career hat-trick — which was instrumental to their overall outcome.
Doherty stated, “I’ve been working hard all year. It was great to score three goals and help team win the game. I’m happy how the season’s going — a bit disappointed [we’re] not winning the regular season, but the conference is all that matters. Just gotta keep the same energy.”
In the first half, sophomore Eduardo Chirico opened the scoring as senior Ryan Lima assisted Chirico with a pass, who chipped it off right through the Anchormen’s goalkeeper giving the Beacons a 1-0 lead. They started hard and fast, cornering the opponent in the early minutes of the game.
Chirico stated, “We have been practicing a lot. I started playing defensively, then coach saw me playing offensively better. I could help my teammates, score some goals … No matter what comes, whoever comes, we are going to win.”
The second half started with a 3-0 Beacons advantage. The Anchormen scored one goal in the second half as they tried to gain their momentum back. Doherty drowned their hopes and aspirations in the 53rd minute as he netted his third goal of the game and fourth for the team, completing his hat-trick and securing the win.
This paved the way for their championship win on Nov. 8 as they traveled to Danbury, Connecticut for the playoffs.
The first half saw a defensive battle between the Wolves and the Beacons. Both teams tried their best to score, but neither of them were successful. First year goalkeeper Nolan McKenna was an absolute force in the post, and he did not let a single kick from the Wolves through.
The second half saw both teams desperate to score. Doherty helped open the scoreboard as he assisted Junior John Arruda score the first goal of the game. This gave the Beacons a 1-0 advantage over the Wolves.
The Beacons’ winning goal came from Chirico. As Sophomore Felipe DeAndrade made the most of his corner kick opportunity, his pass found Chirico’s golden foot. This brought the team up to a 2-0.
The Wolves tried their best, and they netted their first and last goal of the game during a penalty kick during the final moments of the match, leaving no time to score again.
This is the team’s fifth LEC championship win and first since they took home the title in 2022. The Beacons literally gave their blood, sweat and tears. The team dealt gracefully with every injury, and new players stepped up.
Coach Jake Beverlin is the back bone of the men’s soccer program. His guidance and love keep the team grounded and pushes them to their absolute best. The players and their team chemistry is what sets UMass Boston apart from other programs.
The title is just a recognition of all the hard work the Beacons put in.
