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Going into the final Middlesex League regular season game of the year against host Arlington on Oct. 28, the Winchester High girls soccer team (13-4-1) was seeded seventh in the MIAA Division 1 power rankings that came out the day before.
The Spy Ponders, however, were able to avenge a 2-0 loss to the Red & Black less than two weeks ago to beat them by the exact same score. But the loss didn’t change the fact that the Winchester girls had already captured the Middlesex League title for the fifth straight year. It only affected their unbeaten league record, which ended up at 11-1-1.
They are scheduled to take on non-league Masco at Knowlton to complete the regular season on Nov. 3, starting at 4 p.m. The Chieftains had already defeated them the first time around in Boxford on Sept. 17, 2-0.
After Coach Michelle Ross’ team shutout Burlington on Senior Night, Oct. 12, 5, they defeated Belmont (2-1, Oct. 14), Arlington (2-0, Oct. 19) and Wilmington (2-0, Oct. 21).
Around those wins, current top seed Wellesley (12-1-2) took care of the locals on Oct. 17, 2-0. But a week later, they defeated Natick, last year’s Division 1 state champions, 2-1.
Throughout this league championship season, the Winchester girls have scored 41 goals, while conceding only 13 in 18 games.
“We have demonstrated the ability to generate offense, while remaining competitive defensively,” said Ross. “The Middlesex League has always been widely regarded as one of the most competitive in the state, and this year is no different with four of its six Division 1 teams ranked in the Top 20.”
Ross went on to say that the team’s success throughout the last two months “has been a collective effort, with scoring contributions spread all around the roster,” while adding, “it’s a testament to the dedication of the seniors, who have fostered a family-like atmosphere, where every player feels valued. A total of 14 of the team’s 18 healthy players have recorded multiple goals or assists this season. This balanced production reflects the team’s depth, unselfishness and commitment to one another.”
Beyond its success on the pitch, the Red & Black have also earned the United Soccer Coaches Team Pinnacle Award – one of the sport’s highest honors – for the third consecutive year. It nationally recognizes excellence in academics, ethics and on-field performance. They are only one of 43 soccer programs nationwide to receive this honor.
“This award is very significant to us, more than any single win or individual accomplishment,” said Ross. “At its core, it’s a team honor that beautifully parallels our team-first mentality. It represents the collective spirit that defines our program, which is the belief that success is built not on individual accolades, but on shared effort, mutual trust and the willingness of every player to put the team above herself. Each and every player is essential to our success.”
The Winchester girls now look to carry that unity, resilience and team-first mentality into the playoffs, following that aforementioned final game of the regular season against non-league Masco at home on Nov. 3.
Joe McConnell is a longtime, award-winning sports editor for numerous North Shore publications. He has been covering Winchester sports for the News since November 2024 and is currently its Sports Editor. He can be reached at editor@winchesternews.org.
