C-C Boys' Soccer Team Singing Familiar Tune

Visitors to the Concord-Carlisle boys' soccer team's Web site are greeted by an instrumental version of the Van Halen classic "Jump." Perhaps Queen's stadium anthem "We Are the Champions" would be more appropriate.

The Patriots enter this fall having won two of the past four Division 2 state championships. Since 2003, Coach Ray Pavlik's teams have been D-2 North finalists twice ('03 and '05) and North champions three times ('06, '07, '09).

On Thursday, Concord-Carlisle took the first steps in adding to its dynasty, opening practice for the upcoming season. The Patriots had a morning session at Emerson Playground and an afternoon practice on the turf at Doug White Memorial Field.

Boys' soccer was joined Thursday by the rest of the C-C athletic teams – except for football, which started on Monday – in opening practice for the fall.

"It's always fun to get back together," said Pavlik, who designed the Patriots' Web site, which is complete with schedule, results, rosters and even a link to watch games live. "We've had a pretty good roll here."

Winning certainly isn't anything new for the Patriots, who won the Dual County League small division in 2007 and again last year. Concord-Carlisle has enjoyed a winning season each of the past 25 years, Pavlik said.

The dynasty started under Jack Murray, who was 280-70-60 in 19 years as coach. He retired following the 2001 season and Pavlik took over the next fall.

Nothing about the program's winning ways has changed since.

"With this program, with the success we've had, the expectation is always that we're going to do well," Pavlik, a 1992 CCHS graduate and former team captain, said. "We've had a history of doing well and the past few years we've taken it to another level."

Again this fall, the Patriots open as favorites in Division 2. Then again, how could they not?

A total of 14 players return from last year's squad that finished the season 17-3-3. Of the returners, Pavlik said seven contributed to the Patriots' title run.

So, again teams will play their best to knock off the Patriots. That's fine, Pavlik said, C-C players are fully accustomed to playing with a target on their backs. It's possibly one of the first things learned when joining the varsity team.

Many deal with the pressure just fine.

"It's certainly something we're used to," Pavlik said. "It means every game is going to be a battle. Every team's going to be prepared to play you.

"Any time we come back [after winning a title], we know people are going to be sort of looking at us. We've got a target on our backs. But in terms of how we prepare we don't really prepare any differently."

Concord-Carlisle opens the season Sept. 13 at home against Acton-Boxborough. But the team's first test will come much sooner. The Patriots will host their annual preseason jamboree on Sept. 2. Lincoln-Sudbury, Reading Memorial and Woburn are all scheduled to attend.