Saturday, Nov. 8, the Brunswick High School (BHS) boys’ soccer team competed against Chesapeake Science Point High School (CSPHS) in the state semi-finals held at Laurel High School. After an intense 80-minute match, BHS emerged victorious with a 4-1 lead over CSPHS.
Senior, #10, Chris Vasquez Molina scored three of the four goals, showcasing his offensive prowess.
While junior, #7, Gabe Cabeza contributed the remaining goal.
Then three goals were set up with precise assists from senior, #11, Gabe Paschalides, and the fourth goal from Molina, demonstrating excellent teamwork.
The standout players of the game were the defensive unit, which included freshman, Alex Tully (0), sophomores Landon Hajjar (14), Logan Conrad (9), Jack McGoldrick (45), and seniors Sullivan Givens (4), and Drew Thiede (13). Their coordinated effort prevented CSPHS from creating scoring opportunities and maintained the team’s momentum.
Throughout the game, the boys displayed exceptional physicality with the ball and maintained consistent momentum after each goal. Controlling possession primarily in the midfield third allowed more scoring chances, and effective ball clearing from the defensive third helped set up the early goals in the first half.
Despite no goals being scored in the second half, goalkeeper, Alex Tully, made several 9 crucial saves, particularly stopping multiple attempts on goal from CSPHS, contributing significantly to the team’s defensive strength.
Then senior captain, Drew Theide, believed all players played well individually, and as a team. Theide said, “We came out with a lot of energy and stayed focused throughout the entirety of the game.”
Additionally, this Saturday could be some of the seniors last game, so they are giving this state championship game their all.
“I’m looking forward to playing Liberty in the final again and getting a chance to come out on top this time,” Theide said. “More than anything though, I’m looking forward to stepping out onto the field and getting to play with these guys one last time.”
Coach Baker, the head boys’ soccer coach for BHS, has led the team to state games four times in the past five years.
“[all four goals] really got the team pumped up. I really think the whole defense did really well against CSPHS’s number 22,” Baker said.
Leading up to games Coach Baker looks at film and identifies key plays on the opponent’s team, such as CSPHS’s number 22. “Alex Tully made a great save late on one of his [CSP’s number 22] shots…” Baker said. “Landon Hajjar and then the rest of the defensive group did a really good job on number 22 to shut him down the whole game.”
Make sure to support them this Saturday, Nov. 15, at 12 p.m., for the state championship game located at University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC).
