Boys’ soccer started their season 1-7. Three wins, nine ties, and five losses later, the Tigers barely squeaked into the playoffs as the 31st seed in the MIAA Division 1 tournament. Two months after that, they defied all odds to bring home their first-ever state championship title.
Saturday, Nov. 23, boys’ soccer pulled off the ultimate underdog story, defeating the Saint John’s of Shrewsbury Pioneers 2-1 to claim its spot in history as the first team over 30th-seed to win the playoffs.
“I’m proud of these boys,” said senior Gabino Talisayon, the goalie. “The way we all turned it around this season is all I can really say.”
The game started at a blistering pace. Just minutes in, senior Seth Rao scored the opener off a perfectly placed corner kick from senior Ross Toma, a captain along with senior Santi Cuervo. Rao’s goal set the tone, and North never let up. Impressively, it marked Rao’s first non-penalty kick goal of the season.
According to Rao, head coach Roy Dow deserved much credit for his and the team’s success. “He knows the game better than anyone I know,” said Rao. “If you do what he says with 100 percent effort, he will turn you into a better player.”
Later in the first half, Cuervo doubled the lead with a brilliant finish. Cuervo received a dime from Rao off a corner and, after a couple of touches, slotted the ball right past Saint John’s’ goalie, making the game the Pioneers’ to lose.
North’s defense, led by Talisayon, weathered multiple attacks from Saint John’s. Talisayon’s defining moment came when he deflected a penalty kick, immediately diving into a stunning sliding save with his right leg to seal the play.
Talisayon played a pivotal role in the team’s playoff run, delivering an outstanding performance by saving eight penalty kicks and conceding only three goals throughout the tournament.
North maintained control of the ball for the majority of the game, launching a relentless offense with numerous shots and corner kicks that put Saint John’s defense under constant pressure.
While Saint John’s managed to sneak a goal past North’s defense late in the game, cutting the lead to 2-1, the Tigers maintained their composure, controlling possession and keeping the pressure on their opponents until the final whistle.
“Our togetherness and passing made this team win,” said Dow. “We learned that hard work and effort shows in our play.”
After 15 years of coaching boys’ soccer at North, Dow led the team to its first-ever championship win.
“He inspires us with his speeches, drills, and attitude,” said Talisayon.
According to Dow, the momentum from this win will be used to fuel the team for many more years. “We have a really talented group of underclassmen that I think are ready to fill the gaps next year,” said Dow.
“We don’t see a difference between the underclassman and seniors,” added Rao. “I believe each one of those guys will keep this team on top next year.”
