Andover Boys Soccer Team Captures Regional Crown

The boys soccer team scored two goals in the second half Friday, and that was enough to catapult the team into the state semifinals for the first time in decades.

Buoyed by goals by junior Greg Mitchem and senior Will Neef, and by the play in the middle of Jonah Yousif, Andover powered past to capture a regional title.

"Lake Shore pushed us to the limit in the first half," Andover head coach Geoff Parkinson said. "They carried the play in the first half."

Parkinson gave credit to his players, who "responded really well" to adjustments their coach made. "They've been great all season," he said.

Parkinson singled out the play of Yousif, who "just controlled the middle," playing what Parkinson said was one of the best games "I've ever seen him play."

Yousif, a senior, said: "I couldn't have done it without the rest of these guys. It's the whole team."

The Barons players had a strong cheering section that kept up the chatter all game long, then stormed the field after the game to celebrate with the team.

Andover takes on Avondale on Wednesday at Avondale in the state semifinals. The teams have met twice already this year, splitting the matchups one game apiece.