The Gloucester boys’ soccer team’s season has come to an end after a 2-2 tie against Bishop Fenwick. After the team’s decisive loss against Beverly, they were knocked out of the tournament. The final game of the year corresponded with Gloucester’s senior night.
Senior captains Dylan Smith and Stefano Numerosi, along with Jeremiah Bushfield, Cade Cooper, Gavin Grammas, Ian Bush, Gunner “Gundog” Alves, Marcio Depaula, Kellen Moran, Wesdra Dasilva were honored before kickoff. Moran’s 10-year sister Maeve sang a touching rendition of the National Anthem.
Fenwick opened the first half with 2 goals, celebrating in front of the Gloucester bench. However, the Fishermen had been in a position like this before when in a home game vs Saugus earlier in the season, 2 first half goals scored by the Sachems were met by 6 in the second half by the Fishermen.
The very next play Dylan Smith buried Gloucesters first goal of the night, reinvigorating the offense. After expert defense by Gloucester centerbacks Kellen Moran and sophomore Seamus Linehan repelled another Fenwick attack, the midfield brought up the ball and junior Dylan Rochford put another banger into the back of the net shortly before the close of the half.
The whole second half was controlled by Gloucester with impressive triangle passes and overlapping runs, the Fishermen continued to put pressure on the Fenwick keeper. Along with excellent play by the seniors, juniors Dylan Rochford and Logan Lichtenwald, sophomores Seamus Linehan, Elder Tiul Rask, Finn Costa, and freshmen Shane Widtfelt all showed up big for Gloucester.
In the closing minutes, an open shot by Wesdra Da Silva was sent over the crossbar. As Bishop Fenwick kicked the ball out of their goal line, it appeared that Gloucester would have one final chance to come out with the win. Dylan Smith sent the ball sailing to the back post where Logan Lichtenwald lept up and managed to get his head on the ball but narrowly missed the goal. The whistle was blown and emotions were high.
Those 10 seniors put their whole hearts into the season ever since the first games of summer league in July, so it was hard to say goodbye. For many of the boys, this will be the last time they will get to represent Gloucester sports, and each of them will be missed during the next upcoming soccer season.
