Sports
Peabody Boys’ Soccer Seeks to Extend Championship Streak
Pat Ryan, Colin Mahoney and Mike Chiappini anchor strong core group of veterans expected to lead the Tanners.
Any opponent thinking that significant graduation losses would keep the Peabody High boys' soccer team out of Northeastern Conference championship contention this season should consider this: 14 seniors return from .
The Tanners (14-4-2) have now claimed five straight titles under the direction of veteran coach Stan McKeen, dating back to their final season in the Greater Boston League (2006). Four consecutive NEC crowns have ensued and, despite the graduation of six starters and nine players overall from last year’s tournament qualifier, McKeen expects Peabody will remain part of the championship conversation.
“We should be OK. Our goaltender is back and we should be very strong in the midfield. We took a hit on defense, but we have the potential to be strong in the back. The group we’re in has the stronger teams all on one side. Danvers, Beverly, Salem, Gloucester and Marblehead are all very good programs and we play each other twice. It’s going to be a very competitive group,” McKeen said.
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Senior Pat Ryan returns in the Tanners’ goal looking to build on a season in which he posted six shutouts and yielded just 26 goals (1.30 gaa) in 20 games. Senior captain Zack DaSilva (D/Sweeper) is the most experienced returnee in the back. Senior Tiago Brasiliero (D) and juniors Scott Myers (D) and Shawn Bernardo (D/Stopper) also logged important minutes last season.
Senior captain and NEC All-Star selection Colin Mahoney (8 goals, 7 assists) returns as the Tanners’ top scorer and is the acknowledged leader of a solid unit of midfielders. Senior captain Alec Cerqueira is adept at both midfield and striker while senior John Ramsey and junior Tommy Drover add quality depth.
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Senior captain Mike Chiappini collected seven goals and three assists last season and returns as the Tanners’ top striker. Junior striker Vlasi Duni adds to the offensive mix.
The Tanners augment their league schedule with rugged non-league matches against Acton-Boxboro, Masconomet, Billerica – all Division 1 North Sectional qualifiers last fall – along with defending Division 2 State Champion Concord-Carlisle and Everett. Peabody kicks off the season Saturday (5:30 p.m.) at home against Acton-Boxboro in the second half of a girls-boys doubleheader.
