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Inevitably, only one team can win the state championship in each of the five girls soccer divisions. But that doesn’t diminish the accomplishments of the other postseason participants. They earned the right to be there in the power rankings system that has measured high school teams in all sports for the last three years.
In Division 1 this year, a total of 36 squads qualified for the playoffs, including the Winchester Red & Black, who were the 12th seed after compiling a 14-1-3 regular season record. They then shutout Westford Academy (10-6-1, 21st seed) in the Round of 32, 2-0 to begin the postseason.
But last Saturday night (Nov. 9), the Winchester girls lost a heartbreaker to host Needham (15-4-1, fifth seed) in the Sweet 16, 2-1.
Playoff soccer games decided by one goal are the norm. The outcome could go either way, but for the proverbial bounce of the ball.
Michelle Ross, the Winchester first-year coach, can’t believe the season is over. It was a fun ride that could have gone on for a few more days.
“The team accomplished far more than I expected after losing so many (seniors) last year, plus (coach) Rick Emanuel, who had been with the program for 13 years,” Ross said after the Needham game. “I strongly believe that this team was able to accomplish so much this fall thanks in large part to the support from the parents, the town and the soccer program in general (from youth to high school).”
Ross credits field hockey coach Michelle White, volleyball coach John Fleming and Athletic Director Marc Arria for serving as sounding boards throughout her first season as a varsity coach. She leaned on them for advice, and they were right there to guide her through the process.
In last Saturday night’s hard-fought playoff showdown, the Red & Black put up a valiant fight, but ultimately fell to the Needham Rockets by the narrowest of margins.
Despite relentless pressure, the visitors couldn’t overcome Needham’s early two-goal lead. But they still exited the tournament with heads held high and a season full of remarkable achievements behind them.
Winchester was the dominant team for the first 15 minutes of the game, pinning the Rockets in their own end, while firing off several quality shots. Just three minutes into the game, senior captain Lila Savage launched a powerful strike from 30 yards out, only to be denied by Needham keeper Natalia Ly.
Five minutes later, Savage tested Ly once more, but the keeper was equal to the task again. Despite a promising start, the Winchester girls were unable to capitalize.
Needham broke the deadlock with just over 18 minutes left in the first half, when sophomore Isabelle Marino sent a pinpoint corner to junior Hannah Levine, who headed home the game’s first score. Nine minutes later and still in the first half, Sydney Kalaw doubled Needham’s lead.
“I think the disappointment of not scoring first after dominating early was tough on the team,” said Ross. “But the girls came out for the second half with renewed urgency, pressing the Needham defense once again with grit and determination.”
Their efforts finally paid off 13 minutes into the second half, when Savage played a perfectly timed through ball to senior captain Lucca Ventura, who sent a precise shot to the top far corner of the net to trim the deficit in half.
The Red & Black kept the pressure on, outshooting Needham in the second half, 11-4, but were frustrated by the crossbar and two other near misses. Despite out-possessing and outplaying the Rockets, Winchester couldn’t find the final touch to secure a tie to force overtime.
“The Needham midfielders were impressive,” said Ross. “They (smoothly) settled balls out of the air and also headed them effectively, while using their bodies well to shield off opponents. They are a well-disciplined team, and in this game that was the difference. They were clinical in finishing plays.
“While they’re disappointed with the result, the girls should still hold their heads high,” added Ross. “They showed grit and passion out there, proving that they belong on this stage.”
Winchester came into the season as underdogs, and emerged as Middlesex League champions.
“Our season was a testament to teamwork, proving that when a group of determined athletes plays with unity and heart, they can accomplish more than anyone expected,” said Ross.
After losing eight seniors last year to graduation, including three EMass All-Stars and an All-New England goalkeeper, the Red & Black faced the additional challenge of adjusting to new leadership after longtime coach Rick Emanuel retired.
But the girls rallied around those losses to play like a cohesive unit. Their success came from a powerful combination of teamwork, resilience and determination, according to Ross.
This season was also one for the record books. The team went undefeated in the Middlesex League, and scored an impressive 52 goals, while allowing just seven. The Winchester defense helped record an unbelievable 15 shutouts.
“As I reflect on this memorable season, we will take pride in adding to the program’s legacy by embodying a spirit of unity and excellence that will inspire future teams for years to come,” said Ross.
