Boys’ soccer tied Needham 2-2, Nov. 11 at home after an aggressive start on the offensive side of the ball.

In the first minutes of the game, sophomore Henry Bake, North’s goalie, saved a penalty kick to keep the game scoreless. After many aggressive drives by both of these teams, North’s defense finally cracked, and with just over two minutes left in the first quarter, Needham scored the first goal of the game. 

Two minutes into the second quarter, however, North came surging back led by Sophomore Rob Nicolazzo drove to the net, passed it to junior Will Rooney, a  co-captain with senior Jay Sharma, and Rooney was able to score the first goal for North of the game. 

“Both of our goals came from getting the ball forward quickly and under control, and getting bodies inside the penalty box to get on the end of service,” said special education teacher Roy Dow, the head coach, “We were able to combine and string some passes together, and our wingers and outside backs started to have some success getting at their outside backs.”

At the start of the second half, North fouled a Needham player and forced Baker to make another spectacular save to preserve the tie. However, a minute later, junior Theo Hoffman made an outstanding defensive play to prevent a Needham offensive drive from starting. 

During the third, North had a strong offensive attack but was not able to capitalize. The game remained tied, 1-1, heading into the fourth. 

As the final quarter began, senior Aidan Auclair broke clear and sent it to junior Emerson Tut and scored, putting North up 2-1. However Needham responded by breaking through North’s tight defense at 13:43 to tie the game.

“Overall, there was much growth from the group this season,” said Dow,  “Our seniors lead by example for us all year, and we hope we were able to give them an enjoyable senior season in the strangest of times.” 

The Tigers varsity soccer team hopes this win adds to their great season this year.