2021 HockomockSports Boys Soccer Awards

2021 HockomockSports Boys Soccer Awards

2021 HockomockSports Boys Soccer Awards

2021 HockomockSports Boys Soccer Awards 2021 HockomockSports Boys Soccer Awards 2021 HockomockSports Boys Soccer Awards 2021 HockomockSports Boys Soccer Awards 2021 HockomockSports Boys Soccer Awards 2021 HockomockSports Boys Soccer Awards 2021 HockomockSports Boys Soccer Awards 2021 HockomockSports Boys Soccer Awards 2021 HockomockSports Boys Soccer Awards 2021 HockomockSports Boys Soccer Awards 2021 HockomockSports Boys Soccer Awards 2021 HockomockSports Boys Soccer Awards 2021 HockomockSports Boys Soccer Awards 2021 HockomockSports Boys Soccer Awards 2021 HockomockSports Boys Soccer Awards 2021 HockomockSports Boys Soccer Awards 2021 HockomockSports Boys Soccer Awards 2021 HockomockSports Boys Soccer Awards 2021 HockomockSports Boys Soccer Awards 2021 HockomockSports Boys Soccer Awards 2021 HockomockSports Boys Soccer Awards 2021 HockomockSports Boys Soccer Awards 2021 HockomockSports Boys Soccer Awards 2021 HockomockSports Boys Soccer Awards 2021 HockomockSports Boys Soccer Awards 2021 HockomockSports Boys Soccer Awards 2021 HockomockSports Boys Soccer Awards 2021 HockomockSports Boys Soccer Awards 2021 HockomockSports Boys Soccer Awards 2021 HockomockSports Boys Soccer Awards 2021 HockomockSports Boys Soccer Awards 2021 HockomockSports Boys Soccer Awards 2021 HockomockSports Boys Soccer Awards 2021 HockomockSports Boys Soccer Awards 2017 Hockomock. HockomockSports Boys Soccer Awards 2021 HockomockSports Boys Soccer Awards 2021 HockomockSports Boys Soccer Awards HockomockSports Attleboro Canton Foxboro Franklin King Philip Mansfield Milford North Attleboro Oliver Ames Sharon Stoughton Taunton HockomockSports HockomockSports HockomockSports HockomockSports HockomockSports HockomockSports HockomockSports HockomockSports HockomockSports HockomockSports HockomockSports HockomockSports HockomockSports HockomockSports HockomockSports HockomockSports HockomockSports HockomockSports HockomockSports HockomockSports Your source for comprehensive coverage of the Hockomock League. We provide recaps, features, standings, schedules and much more.
HockomockSports Your source for comprehensive coverage of the Hockomock League. We provide recaps, features, standings, schedules and much more.
HockomockSports Your source for comprehensive coverage of the Hockomock League. We provide recaps, features, standings, schedules and much more.
HockomockSports Your source for comprehensive coverage of the Hockomock League. We provide recaps, features, standings, schedules and much more. TheSunChronicle.com ESPNBoston.com

2021 HockomockSports Boys Soccer Awards
 
Oliver Ames senior Mathias Taylor has been selected as the 2021 HockomockSports.com Boys Soccer Player of the Year. Taylor was a rock in the midfield for the Davenport division-winning Tigers and was one of the most steady and consistent players in the league. A three-year player for head coach John Barata, his versatility was key in Oliver Ames’ success both this year and in the past two seasons.

Whether it was on the offensive end or the defensive side of the ball, Taylor seemed to always come through in the clutch. He controlled the pace and play from his central midfield position, spraying the ball around the pitch to set up teammates for success. If he wasn’t pushing up to orchestrate the offense, he was sitting in front of the defense to deny opposing teams. He was also chosen as the Hockomock League MVP, and All-State, All-Region, and All-American by the United Soccer Coaches.

“Mathias was a force to be reckoned with and will be a major void next season,” Barata said. “He is an All-American and will leave a massive hole on the field. We may need to fill it with a couple of players. We were lucky to have him here at OA.”

He saw a lot of minutes up front as a sophomore but has been a mainstay in the Tigers’ midfield in each of the past two seasons. He was one of the very few players with valuable varsity experience to start the season and his leadership, both on and off the pitch, helped a young Tigers squad pick up right where the program left off. He scored five goals and had a league-best 11 assists in the regular season.

“Mathias’ skill goes far beyond the stats, he really can take control of the game,” said HockomockSports.com Editor-in-Chief Ryan Lanigan. “He’s such a steady presence in the middle of the field and that really showed with so many young players on Oliver Ames this year. Not only was he very good defensively, but he was also the engine of the game and really set the whole offense in motion.”

Taylor is the third player from Oliver Ames to win this award, joining Nathaniel Cardoza (2017) and Davis Stapleton (2013). It marks the third time a player from the Davenport division has won, joining Milford’s Leo Coelho (2019) and Walisson de Oliveira (2018).

Honorable Mentions: Terry O’Neill (Franklin), Cashel Stuger (Attleboro), Jake McCabe (Canton)


Editor’s Note: The HockomockSports.com Awards are selected strictly by our staff and have no affiliation to the official Hockomock League all stars. Please note players are listed by position.

2021 HockomockSports Boys Soccer Awards
2021 HockomockSports Boys Soccer Awards
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

F – Matt Angelini, Foxboro
 
M – Mathias Taylor, Oliver Ames
 
M – Jake McCabe, Canton
 
M – Matt Hyland, Mansfield
 
M – Nick Ribeiro, Milford
 
M – Terry O’Neill, Franklin
 
M – Rex Cinelli, Franklin
 
D – Cashel Stuger, Attleboro
 
D – Chris Tocci, Milford
 
D – Riley Rebello, Taunton
 
GK – Kevin Gomes, Milford
 

 
 
 
 





HockomockSports.com Best XI


Matt AngeliniMatt Angelini – Foxboro – Forward
Foxboro senior Matt Angelini capped a memorable four-year career with a strong senior season. One of the most experienced players in the league, Angelini has been making plays for the Warriors since he was a freshman. He has a knack for the goal, a very dangerous player in the final third. He was Foxboro’s leading scorer, just one of four players to reach double figures in goals this year with 11, adding five assists for 16 points (tied for fifth in the Hock) in the regular season. He showed the ability to strike from distance or get in the mix in the area and find a way to be in the right spot at the right time. “Matt is a threat to score from anywhere on the field with his ability to strike the ball from distance,” said Foxboro head coach Dan Ambrosio.


Mathias TaylorMathias Taylor – Oliver Ames – Midfield
Oliver Ames senior Mathias Taylor racked up the accolades this year after a stellar final year on the pitch for the Tigers. Not only was he named HockomockSports Player of the Year (see above), he earned EMass All Star honors and he was recognized by United Coach Soccers as an All-American. He was key in setting up OA’s dangerous attack, registering a Hockomock-best 12 assists during the regular season to go along with five goals. “Mathias was a force to be reckoned with and will be a major void next season,” OA head coach John Barata said. “He is an All-American and will leave a massive hole on the field…We were lucky to have him here at OA.”


Jake McCabeJake McCabe – Canton – Midfield
Canton junior Jake McCabe was one of the most dangerous players on the pitch in the Hockomock League this season. After a solid first two years, McCabe had a breakout year and tormented defenses with his skill and ability to finish. A combo of speed, skill, and finishing helped him to 16 goals (13 in the regular season which was tied for the most). He also had nine assists to finish with a team-high 25 points. “This incredibly hard-working junior has been an impact all three of his seasons but this year he took off,” said Canton head coach Danny Erickson. “He scored the critical goal in both the State Quarter-Final and Semi-Final Rounds of the MIAA tournament to propel the Bulldogs to their first-ever trip to the state finals.”


Matt HylandMatt Hyland – Mansfield – Midfield
Mansfield senior Matt Hyland was the lynchpin in the middle of the pitch for the Hornets, capping an impressive career with a solid final year. A talented player both with the ball at his feet and in the air, Hyland really stood out for a Mansfield squad that won eight games and tied for second in the Kelley-Rex division. He finished with six goals — half of which were game-winners and another that salvaged a point — and added three assists to lead the Hornets in scoring. “Matty was the team leader on and off the field,” said Mansfield head coach Steve Sheridan said. “Our offense flowed through him, he had the vision to see the open man and where the goalie was positioned.”


Nick RibeiroNick Ribeiro – Milford – Midfield
Milford junior Nick Ribeiro was one of the most technically gifted players in the league this year, a key piece for the Kelley-Rex division-winning Hawks. Ribeiro was a mainstay in the 11 for the Hawks this year, orchestrating the offense from his central midfield position. Milford is one of the best possession-based teams in the league and Ribeiro’s calm demeanor with the ball on his feet is a big reason why. He had two goals and one assist. “He shows it’s not all about size in that midfield role,” Milford head coach Antonio Pinto said. “Our ball winner and glue to this team, he brings out intensity and physicality every game. Nicky never takes a second off in a game or practice always fighting hard and giving 100%.”


Michael RussoTerry O’Neill – Franklin – Midfield
Franklin senior Terry O’Neill had another great year controlling the midfield in the heart of the Panthers’ lineup. A three-year starter for head coach Fran Bositis, O’Neill consistently plays at a high level and can be counted on to make the right choice each and every game. Sitting in a defensive midfielder role, he shored up one of the best defensive units in the league and added a team-high six goals along with one assist. “Terry was our best player, our hardest worker, and an excellent leader both on and off the field,” Bositis said. “He has an excellent understanding of tactics and he was the player for us who set the tone both offensively and defensively. Everything we did went through Terry.”


Rex CinelliRex Cinelli – Franklin – Defense
Franklin sophomore Rex Cinelli was a towering presence in the Panthers’ back four, making his squad one of the hardest teams to score against in the Hock. The lone underclassman selection in the Best XI, Cinelli partnered with Aidan Griffith to form the best center back duo in the league. He logged a ton of minutes this season and consistently made good decisions in the air and with his tackling. He also added a pair of goals and four assists for Franklin, who finished second in the Kelley-Rex. “Rex was very consistent throughout the year,” said Franklin head coach Fran Bositis. “He was a lockdown defender for us and did a great job of winning 50-50 balls whether they were on the ground or in the air. He certainly had a big impact on the success of our team defense.”


Cashel StugerCashel Stuger – Attleboro – Defense
Attleboro senior Cashel Stuger had one of the most impressive seasons among players in the Hockomock League this fall. After getting his feet wet at the varsity level during last year’s abbreviated season, Stuger stood out as one of the best defenders in the league and the entire region. He dominated in the air and helped transition the Bombardiers from defense to offense with his quick play out of the back. He scored twice and had one assist this season. “He’s one of the best defenders I have had the pleasure of ever coaching,” said Attleboro head coach Peter Pereira. “Cashel had a complete game package. He missed six games and we lost five of those — he will be missed.”


Chris TocciChris Tocci – Milford – Defense
Milford senior Chris Tocci capped a memorable four-year career with the Hawks with another league title. A starter since his freshman year, Tocci won a division title every year with the program. He was a big leader for the Hawks off of the field and led by example on the pitch with his work ethic and skill. He was terrific in the air, turning away cross after cross. And he could also put the ball on the ground and play out of the back when the possession-based Hawks needed him to. He finished with six goals this season. “Chris is the type of defender coaches dream of having…great with the ball at his feet, not afraid to go into a challenge, has speed, and his aerial ability is incredible,” said Milford head coach Antonio Pinto. “He is the most complete defender I have gotten to coach.


Riley RebelloRiley Rebello – Taunton – Defense
Taunton junior Riley Rebello did it all for the Tigers this season, playing nearly every position. He started the year seeing a lot of minutes at striker but could transition to center back whenever head coach Taylor Whitters needed it. He saw more minutes at center back as the year went on but his skill was on full display through his versatility. He makes good decisions with his challenges and is confident with the ball at his feet, scoring three goals to go along with four assists for seven points. If the Tigers were in need of a goal, Rebello was a player that Whitters could count on to move from the heart of the defense up to a target striker, and he wouldn’t miss a beat with the transition.


Kevin GomesKevin Gomes – Milford – Goalie
Milford senior Kevin Gomes finished off a solid career with the Hawks, a factor in net all four years. He was a member of four division championship squads, including winning the Kelley-Rex crown this year. His athleticism and reactions made him one of the best pure shot stoppers in the league. For the regular season, he allowed just 14 goals in 17 games played. “He might be our unsung hero of the team,” said Milford head coach Antonio Pinto. “He makes incredible saves that keep us in games. One of the most acrobatic keepers I have seen at the high school level. He works incredibly hard every day at practice with assistant coach Mike Da Silva and they spend countless hours before and after practice working together, and it shows.”





HockomockSports.com Second XI


Erik ValdovinosErik Valdovinos – Canton – Forward
Canton senior Erik Valdovinos won’t soon forget his great senior season, helping the Bulldogs reach the program’s first ever state final. A key piece in the attack, Valdovinos’ speed and skill wreaked havoc on defenses in the Hockomock League and beyond. He had the ability to turn a simple play into something dangerous and had a knack to finish in the big moment. “Valdovinos’ speed caught the eye of Hock foes during last year’s COVID-shortened season but his game reached a whole new level this year,” said Canton head coach Danny Erickson. “As a co-captain, he scored 11 goals and added five assists this year including a monster game in the first round of the State Tournament in a 3-1 win over Woburn.


Clide NeauClide Neau – Oliver Ames – Forward
Oliver Ames senior Clide Neau might have been the top “newcomer” in the league this year, shining in his lone season for the Tigers. It took less than five minutes for Neau’s impact to be felt, scoring moments into the first game of the year. His speed and skill gave OA a strong target forward while giving opposing teams fits. Despite missing a couple of games, Neau finished third in the league in scoring with 13 goals (tied for league-best) and six assists for 19 points. “Clide has the ability to break down defenders with pace, skill, and desire,” said Oliver Ames head coach John Barata. “He will be sorely missed next season but excited to see what the next level will bring!”


Dylan BaidDylan Baird – Canton – Midfield
Canton senior Dylan Baird was such a steady presence in the midfield for head coach Danny Erickson and the Bulldogs this season. A seasoned veteran, Baird (three goals, three assists) brought confidence and consistency to the pitch game-in and game-out, a key cog in the middle of the pitch that helped the Bulldogs reach their first-ever state final. “This senior captain moved from the attacking side of midfield this year to the holding midfield role and that move helped the Bulldog pivot all of the way to a state final,” Erickson said. “He played every meaningful minute of all 23 Bulldog games this season, bridging a strong back line with a lethal attacking group. Without Dylan’s soccer, those two groups would never have connected to the level they did.”


Case MillikenCasey Milliken – Oliver Ames – Midfield
Oliver Ames freshman Casey Milliken showed no fear in his first year playing high school soccer. Not only did he fit in, but he shined in the lineup for the Davenport division-winning Tigers. His skill level fit right in at the varsity level, a confident touch on the ball, and great vision to move the ball around and keep possession for the Tigers. His high soccer IQ was on full display throughout the year, always finding the right place to be to finish near the net. He finished with a league-leading 21 points on 10 goals and 11 assists. “Casey is a wonderful player with a great soccer IQ,” said OA head coach John Barata. “His ability to be in the right place at the right time helped him become the leading scorer for the Hockomock!”


Esvin MoralesEsvin Morales – Attleboro – Midfield
Attleboro junior Esvin Morales is one of the most crafty midfielders in the league, always finding a way to make an impact on the game. His skill with the ball at his feet was nothing new to his teammates or Hockomock League opponents. He controls the ball well and connects with teammates, often the one to play the final ball through for a chance on net. He scored three goals, all on free kicks, and recorded a team-high five assists. “Esvin was the heart of the team,” said Attleboro head coach Peter Pereira. “He is a three-year varsity player. He has great touch, fantastic knowledge of the game, and works extremely hard.”


Alex VecchioliAlex Vecchioli – Attleboro – Midfield
Attleboro sophomore Alex Vecchioli had a sensational season for the Bombardiers, emerging as one of the most dangerous offensive players in the league. Vecchioli picked up right where he left off after a solid rookie season in 2020, this year scoring a team-high 10 goals to go along with two goals. He showed the ability to finish with both feet, making him incredibly hard to mark. He was named HockomockSports.com Underclassman of the Year (see below) for his outstanding year. “Almost all of his goals were for winning or tying the game,” said Attleboro coach Peter Pereira. “He is a force on the field and his work rate is outstanding. He has great timing and possesses a lot of soccer ability. He has the best attitude and was elected as captain by his teammates.”


Rhys DavisRhys Davis – Sharon – Defense
Sharon junior Rhys Davis was a bright spot for the Eagles this season, a rock in the back for head coach Scott Nathan. In his third year with varsity, Davis is a captain and was named team MVP for his play. He is a steady presence in the back and makes a lot of good decisions. “Rhys gives 110% all the time, no matter the situation,” Nathan said. “His effort is one of the qualities that makes him a great leader. He played through an injury the whole first half of the season but he was still the most impactful player on the pitch. He was our most valuable player this season, no if’s or but’s about it.”


Brody RosenbergBrody Rosenberg – North Attleboro – Defense
North Attleboro senior Brody Rosenberg had a standout year at center back for the Rocketeers, who continued their reputation as one of the toughest defenses to breakdown. Rosenberg brought a veteran presence to a young North Attleboro lineup, consistently playing at a high level throughout the year. “His leadership was instrumental to our success, especially in the second half of the season,” said North Attleboro head coach Geoff Burgess. “Brody led by example in training and during games. He was a model teammate and worked harder than most. His greatest attribute was his voice. He was essentially a coach on the field and he organized the back line earning nine clean sheets.”


Aidan GriffithAidan Griffith – Franklin – Defense
Franklin senior Aidan Griffith had a standout out season this fall, emerging as one of the best defenders in a league known for tough defenses. He partnered with Rex Cinelli to form the best center back duo in the league. His veteran leadership was key throughout the season and his ability to come away with the ball on key challenges was a big reason the Panthers allowed less than a goal a game this year. “Aidan was the leader of our defense and also played a big role in initiating our attack,” said Franklin head coach Fran Bositis. “Aidan has great feel for the game and he was very good at making defensive adjustments on the field. He was very calm under pressure and always made good decisions on the field.”


Sean McCarthySean McCarthy – King Philip – Defense
King Philip senior Sean McCarthy was a leader both on and off the court this year for the Warriors. A very unselfish play, McCarthy did a lot of things that didn’t show up in the box score, working hard from kickoff to the final whistle. That set the tone for the rest of his teammates too. “Sean is a tenacious one-on-one and team defender with an excellent soccer IQ,” said King Philip head coach Mike O’Neill. “He excels at breaking the lines with his passing and can be very dangerous carrying the ball forward and picking out a killer pass. As a captain, Sean lead by example and showed his younger teammates what it means to compete in the Hock.”


Tyler RocchioTyler Rocchio – Attleboro – Goalie
Attleboro sophomore Tyler Rocchio had a breakout campaign this past fall, shining in net for the Bombardiers. Despite it being his first year starting at the varsity level, Rocchio looked like a veteran. He was confident off his line, strong with the ball at his feet, and seemed to make one or two ridiculous saves each game. He had five shutouts this season in 20 games played. “He plays with great confidence and has a very good knowledge of the game with good skills ability,” said Attleboro head coach Peter Pereira, noting Rocchio was selected as Team Rookie of the Year. “He has a great future ahead of him. I am looking forward to seeing his growth the next couple of years.”


2021 HockomockSports Boys Soccer Awards
 
Attleboro sophomore Alex Vecchioli has been selected as the 2021 HockomockSports.com Boys Soccer Underclassman of the Year. A two-year starter already for the Bombardiers, Vecchioli was sensational right from the get-go, all the way through the postseason.

Vecchioli can play in a variety of roles in the attack, fitting in both at striker but also in an attacking midfield position. It didn’t matter much where he was on the pitch, he found a way to make an impact on the game. Based on his game, you’d never know he was a sophomore; he played like a seasoned veteran.

“He is a force on the field and his work rate is outstanding,” said Attleboro head coach Peter Pereira. “He has great timing and possesses a lot of soccer ability.”

As a freshman, Vecchioli led the Bombardiers in scoring during the COVID-shortened season with four goals and an assist. He picked up right where he left off and was one of the most dangerous players in the attack this year, scoring 10 goals to go along with a pair of assists.

“It seemed like Alex came up with a big goal or created the big play whenever Attleboro needed it this year,” said HockomockSports.com Editor-in-Chief Ryan Lanigan. “He’s so confident on the ball and can really put opposing defenses under pressure. He was a handful to deal with this year and it’s only going to get tougher for the rest of the Hock.”

Vecchioli is the first Attleboro boys soccer player to win the HockomockSports.com Underclassman of the Year award and is the fourth Bombardier across all sports to do so. He joins Kyle Murphy (football, 2013), Sarah Deyo (basketball, 2015), and Eoin Kelleher (baseball, 2017).

Honorable Mention: Rex Cinelli (Franklin), Casey Milliken (Oliver Ames), Tyler Rocchio (Attleboro)


Coach of the Year

Coach of the Year

Danny Erickson
Danny Erickson

Canton head coach Danny Erickson has been selected as the 2021 HockomockSports.com Boys Soccer Coach of the Year. Erickson guided the Bulldogs to a second place finish in the Davenport division and a remarkable postseason run to the D2 State Final.

A member of the Massachusetts High School Soccer Coaches Hall of Fame (2014), Erickson had his squad playing its best soccer at the right time of the year. The Bulldogs finished just shy of the Davenport division title and earned the 21-seed in the brand new state-wide tournament, which saw Division 2 expand from just EMass.

“There aren’t many coaches that have the success that Danny has had over the years, and this will be one of the most memorable seasons in a career full of them,” said HockomockSports.com Editor-in-Chief. “The Bulldogs are always so prepared and buy-in to his style every year. Despite a slow end to the regular season, Canton turned it on for the most important time of year and that’s a credit to Coach Erickson.”

Canton started the postseason with an upset of Woburn and then took another long trip and put on a great show with a 4-0 thumping of Agawam. The Bulldogs knocked off Amherst-Pelham in the Round of 8 and then prevailed in penalties against top-seeded East Longmeadow to earn the program’s first-ever state final appearance. Canton ended the season with a loss to West Springfield in the final.

Honorable Mention: Peter Pereira (Attleboro), Fran Bositis (Franklin), John Barata (Oliver Ames)