2017 HockomockSports Boys Soccer Awards

2017 HockomockSports Boys Soccer Awards

2017 HockomockSports Boys Soccer Awards

2017 HockomockSports Boys Soccer Awards 2017 HockomockSports Boys Soccer Awards 2017 HockomockSports Boys Soccer Awards 2017 HockomockSports Boys Soccer Awards 2017 HockomockSports Boys Soccer Awards 2017 HockomockSports Boys Soccer Awards 2017 HockomockSports Boys Soccer Awards 2017 HockomockSports Boys Soccer Awards 2017 HockomockSports Boys Soccer Awards 2017 HockomockSports Boys Soccer Awards 2017 HockomockSports Boys Soccer Awards 2017 HockomockSports Boys Soccer Awards 2017 HockomockSports Boys Soccer Awards 2017 HockomockSports Boys Soccer Awards 2017 HockomockSports Boys Soccer Awards 2017 HockomockSports Boys Soccer Awards 2017 HockomockSports Boys Soccer Awards 2017 HockomockSports Boys Soccer Awards 2017 HockomockSports Boys Soccer Awards 2017 HockomockSports Boys Soccer Awards 2017 HockomockSports Boys Soccer Awards 2017 HockomockSports Boys Soccer Awards 2017 HockomockSports Boys Soccer Awards 2017 HockomockSports Boys Soccer Awards 2017 HockomockSports Boys Soccer Awards 2017 HockomockSports Boys Soccer Awards 2017 HockomockSports Boys Soccer Awards 2017 HockomockSports Boys Soccer Awards 2017 HockomockSports Boys Soccer Awards 2017 HockomockSports Boys Soccer Awards 2017 HockomockSports Boys Soccer Awards 2017 HockomockSports Boys Soccer Awards 2017 HockomockSports Boys Soccer Awards 2017 HockomockSports Boys Soccer Awards 2017 Hocommy was one of the premier forwards in the hockomock league and we will miss him. komockSports Boys Soccer Awards 2017 HockomockSports Boys Soccer Awards 2017 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

Nathaniel Cardoza
 
Oliver Ames senior Nathaniel Cardoza has been selected as the 2017 HockomockSports.com Boys Soccer Player of the Year. The center midfielder was a force in the middle of the pitch for the Tigers, who won the Kelley-Rex division title and reached the Division 2 State Final for the third time in the past four years. Cardoza was also selected as an All-American and was selected as the Hockomock League MVP by the league’s coaches.

Cardoza finished the regular season as one of the top point producers in the Hockomock, producing four goals along with a league-best 15 assists. He finished third in the Hockomock with 19 points and was one of three captains for Oliver Ames, which won its first-ever Kelley-Rex title. Cardoza also won a Davenport division title during his sophomore year.

“Nathaniel has a remarkable demeanor and is a leader on several different levels,” said OA head coach John Barata. “Nathaniel leads by example and at times he must lead verbally. Yet other times he just takes the team and puts us on his back and takes us to the next destination. Although he has garnished all these awards – he is still humble and passes on praise to his teammates and supporters. Another great testament to the kind of group we have here at OA. We will miss Nathaniel very much but wish him well on his next journey.”

Cardoza was the top two-way midfielder in the league, imposing his will on offense by setting up teammates and setting the offense in motion. Defensively, he made it difficult for opponents to attack up the middle and he was able to turn defense into offense.

“Nathaniel capped an impressive four-year career with a terrific senior season for the Tigers,” said HockomockSports.com Editor-in-Chief Ryan Lanigan. “It seemed that Nathaniel was always at his best in the biggest moments and he has a very bright future.”

Cardoza is the third Oliver Ames player to earn HockomockSports.com Player of the Year honors for Boys Soccer and the third player from the Kelley-Rex divison since 2013. Cardoza was also named to the 2017 HockomockSports.com Best XI team, becoming the first player to be selected three times.

Honorable Mentions: Sam Hyland (Mansfield), Tyler Mann (King Philip), Gabe Pinhancos (North Attleboro)


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.

2017 HockomockSports Boys Soccer Awards
2017 HockomockSports Boys Soccer Awards
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

F – Shane VandenBoom, Foxboro
 
F – Walisson de Oliveira, Milford
 
M – Griffin Roach, Canton
 
M – Gabe Pinhancos, North Attleboro
 
M – Tyler Mann, King Philip
 
M – Sam Hyland, Mansfield
 
M – Nathaniel Cardoza, Oliver Ames
 
D – Sam Nugent, Mansfield
 
D – Chris Lawrence, Oliver Ames
 
D – Cam Vella, Oliver Ames
 
GK – Brendan Matracia, North Attleboro
 

 
 
 
 

HockomockSports.com Best XI


Shane VandenBoomShane VandenBoom – Foxboro – Forward
Foxboro junior Shane VandenBoom emerged as one of the top attacking options in the Hockomock during this past season. With big shoes to fill due to the graduation of Anthony Barreira, VandenBoom thrived in his attacking role for the Warriors. He scored a team-high 12 goals and added a team-high nine assists, both of which were top five in the league. He finished with 21 points, two points off the league leader. “Shane has with ability to beat you with pace with the ball and he’s great finisher with a high soccer IQ,” said Foxboro head coach Joe Franchino.

 


Walisson de OliveiraWalisson de Oliveira – Milford – Forward
Milford sophomore Walisson de Oliveira had a tremendous debut season for the Scarlet Hawks. After playing the first half of the season deep in the midfield, the sophomore was switched to a forward role midway through the season and tormented opposing defenses the rest of the way. He was second in the league with 14 goals and added three assists, finishing fifth in the Hock with 17 points. “Wally is a tremendous player,” said MHS coach Brian Edwards. “His ability to put his stamp on any game this season was incredible. I’m expecting big things from him next season.”

 


Griffin RoachGriffin Roach – Canton – Midfield
Canton junior Griffin Roach emerged as one of the top playmakers in the Hockomock League this season. After recording six points as a sophomore, Roach had a break out year on the pitch for the Bulldogs, who made the postseason for the second straight year. The midfielder scored 10 goals and had five assists for 15 points, which ranked inside the top 10. “Griffin is a complete player who can take over a game,” said CHS coach Danny Erickson. “He is naturally gifted but his work ethic is what has brought his game to the next level.”

 


Gabe PinhancosGabe Pinhancos – North Attleboro – Midfield
North Attleboro senior Gabe Pinhancos was the anchor of the Rocketeers midfield, and also a top attacking option for the 2017 Davenport division champions. Along with strong defensive play, Pinhancos was one of the league’s best scorers with 14 goals (second most) and two assists, finishing with 16 points. “What makes him so special is his understanding of the game,” said North head coach Geoff Burgess. “Obviously he is skilled and can finish, but it was his ability to be in the right places at the right times, make the right runs or passes when it counted that makes him so valuable.”

 


Tyler MannTyler Mann – King Philip – Midfield
King Philip senior Tyler Mann capped off a great career with the Warriors with a strong final season. Last year’s league MVP and HockomockSports.com Player of the Year helped lead the Warriors to a second-half surge and earn a home playoff game. He led KP with 12 goals while adding a pair of assists. “Tyler has proven once again that he’s one of the top attacking players in the league,” said KP head coach Nick Gale. “His ability to adapt and become an effective attacking wing player opened up a lot for him and for us this season.”

 


Sam HylandSam Hyland – Mansfield – Midfield
Mansfield senior Sam Hyland was a key piece in the middle of the pitch for the Hornets, who had yet another successful season in 2017. Hyland was vital in the Hornets’ most potent attacking method – set pieces. Whether it was his long throw-ins, or being a target on corner kicks, he was someone opponents had to game plan for. “Sam is a great leader on and off the field,” said MHS coach Steve Sheridan. “On the field, his vision and passing go hand in hand with controlling the midfield for us. He is unselfish and gets everyone involved in the offense.”

 


Nathaniel CardozaNathaniel Cardoza – Oliver Ames – Midfield
Oliver Ames senior Nathaniel Cardoza has been a huge reason for the Tigers’ success over the past four years, and it was very apparent why during the 2017 season. In his fourth year on varsity, Cardoza was a reliable player on both offense and defense, and helped lead the Tigers to their first-ever Kelley-Rex title. While his defensive contributions were immeasurable, his offensive talents were on display through his four goals and league-high 15 assists. “Whether Nathaniel is in the back, the midfield, or up front he is simply stellar,” said OA head coach John Barata.

 


Sam NugentSam Nugent – Mansfield – Defense
Mansfield junior Sam Nugent stepped into the role of center back and thrived for the Hornets in 2017. After graduating one of the top center backs in the area in Max Gurnon, MHS head coach Steve Sheridan said he was confident Nugent could fill the shoes – and he did. His strong defensive skills helped the Hornets allowed just 18 goals all season (second in the Hock). “Sam had huge shoes to fill in the center back this year (Max Gurnon), and I think he filled them quite nicely!” Sheridan said. “He knows his angles well and his speed makes up for all in the back, he’s tough to beat 1-v-1.”

 


Chris LawrenceChris Lawrence – Oliver Ames – Defense
Oliver Ames senior Chris Lawrence anchored the best defensive unit in the league and helped the Tigers win their first-ever Kelley-Rex division title. Playing in the center of the defense, Lawrence was vital in winning challenges both on the ground and in the air. He was a big reason that OA allowed a league-low 15 goals during the 2017 campaign. His long throw-ins also became a staple of OA’s offense as well, as he finished with six assists. “Chris helped us to a very successful season,” said OA coach John Barata. “He led the defense that gave up the least amount of goals in the Hock.”

 


Cam VellaCam Vella – Oliver Ames – Defense
Oliver Ames senior Cam Vella made the transition to center back this season and thrived in the role. After patrolling the midfield for two years, Vella was switched to defense out of necessity and delivered in a big way. Vella and his center back partner Chris Lawrence become the first two defenders from the same team to be named to the HockomockSports.com Best XI in the same season. “His intelligence, skill and harmony with the ball made him one of the best players in the league,” said OA coach John Barata. “He sacrificed individual greatness to ensure that the team had the best chance to win.”

 


Brendan MatraciaBrendan Matracia – North Attleboro – Goalie
North Attleboro’s Brendan Matracia showed hard work can pay off as the senior regained the starting job in goal this season and had an outstanding year. Matracia worked his way back to become the starter this season and helped the Rocketeers win their first ever Davenport division title. His ability to come off his line proved vital for a defensive line that allowed just 19 goals while he was in net. “He obviously worked hard to improve his skills and his confidence in the goal because he came back and had turned most of his weaknesses into strength,” said North head coach Geoff Burgess.

 

HockomockSports.com Second XI


Matt AlvaradoMatt Alvarado – Oliver Ames – Forward
Oliver Ames senior Matt Alvarado capped a memorable career with another strong season for the Tigers. Ever since his sophomore year, Alvarado has produced some of the most memorable goals in the league. When he gets anywhere near the area, he is a threat to find the back of the net. Whether it be on a shot, or pouncing on a loose ball, Alvrado has a true nose for goal. He scored seven goals and had four assists in the regular season. “Matty is a special player with tremendous talent,” said Oliver Ames coach John Barata. “He has started to develop his potential over the last couple years.”

 


Will HalbenWill Halben – Attleboro – Forward
Attleboro junior Will Halben continued to be one of the top scoring threats again this season after emerging on the varsity scene last year. Despite being the main focal point of opposing defenses, Halben still found ways to help the Bombardiers and score goals. The junior led the Bombardiers in scoring, finding the back of the net a team-high seven times while adding a pair of assists. “Will possesses great speed and his work rate is super high,” said Attleboro coach Peter Pereira. “He played a few different positions and always gives 100%.”

 


Brett BeaulieuBrett Beaulieu – Taunton – Forward
Taunton junior Brett Beaulieu was a bright spot for a Tigers team that improved as the season went on. While the Tigers searched for the right mix of players, Beaulieu proved to be a constant in the midfield for head coach Taylor Whitters. He was the leading scorer for the Tigers, finding the back of the net nine times (eighth most in the league) and added four assists for a total of 13 points. “He is a witty and selfless player,” Whitters said. “He is constantly working for the betterment of the team and has fantastic tactical awareness. He is extremely coachable and humble.”

 


Ryan KelleyRyan Kelley – Foxboro – Midfield
Foxboro senior Ryan Kelley emerged as a top playmaker during his final season with the Warriors. After moving from a deep role in the midfield to an attacking spot, Foxboro’s offense instantly clicked and became one of the most dangerous groups in the league. Kelley possesses strong skills with the ball on his feet, and finished the season with three goals and four assists, but set up more goals than credited for. “Ryan was a captain, a box to box midfielder, and he was the engine of the team,” said Foxboro head coach Joe Franchino.

 


Paul CorcoranPaul Corcoran – Canton – Midfield
Canton junior Paul Corcoran followed up his breakout campaign a year ago with another stellar season in 2017. After being named Underclassman of the Year a season ago, Corcoran became a focal point of opposing defenses. But the mixture of skill, speed and finishing ability made it difficult for defenders to contain him. He scored a Hockomock-best 15 goals and added eight assists. “Paul is a dynamic soccer player who deservedly attracts a great deal of attention from every opponent,” said CHS coach Danny Erickson. “His ability to score from anywhere in the final third makes him a huge threat.”

 


Tyler MeloTyler Melo – Stoughton – Midfield
Stoughton senior Tyler Melo worked tirelessly in the midfield for the Black Knights in the 2017 season. Despite a tough season overall for the team, Melo’s skill on the ball and his decision making made him a constant threat going forward. Whether it was attacking with the ball at his feet, or spraying the ball around to teammates, Melo was among the best at doing so. In the Black Knights’ lone win of the season, Melo was one of two goal scorers to help Stoughton beat Norwood at home.

 


Michael BaurMichael Baur – Sharon – Midfield
Sharon sophomore Michael Baur continued to be one of the bright young stars in the league based on his play during the 2017 season. After showing flashes last year, Baur impressed with his on-ball skills and pinpoint precision passing. He was a key piece during the Eagles’ division-winning team a season ago. When it comes to set pieces, Baur was among the best at putting balls into the area, and putting the ball on target. He had six goals and four assists for the Eagles this season.

 


Matt RongioneMatt Rongione – Foxboro – Defense
Foxboro senior Matt Rongione fit in perfectly with the Warriors’ defensive unit. After a switch from the midfield to the back line, Rongione – a senior captain – helped anchor one of the best defensive groups in the league. Foxboro allowed just 15 goals against in the regular season, best in the Davenport division, and second in the Hockomock. He chipped in offensively with one goal and four assists. “Matt can play multiple positions and has a great left foot.” said Foxboro head coach Joe Franchino. “On top of that, he also has tremendous pace.”

 


Mike RoweMike Rowe – King Philip – Defense
King Philip senior Mike Rowe was a reliable option in the back for the Warriors during the 2017 campaign. With a void to fill at center back due to graduation, Rowe made a seamless transition from midfield to defense. He was a big reason why KP had a tremendous finish to the season. “Mike was one of our most consistent players all season,” said KP head coach Nick Gale. “He stepped into a center-back role and never missed a beat. His steady defending and ability kept us on course through a season that saw many injuries and adjustments on our back line. He was excellent.”

 


Zach MatraciaZach Matracia – North Attleboro – Defense
North Attleboro senior Zach Matracia took his game to another level in 2017, helping the Rocketeers clinch their first league title in a decade. Positioned at right back, Matracia gave Big Red’s backline stability while also providing the team with an attacking option coming out of the back. He was a dangerous option on set pieces, scoring a pair of goals this season along with three assists. “He was able to play from end line to end line,” said NAHS coach Geoff Burgess. “Zach can cross with both feet, a skill that is rare in high school. He can also take people on in 1-v-1 situations, and create offense on his own.”

 


Ethan KantorEthan Kantor – Sharon – Goalie
Sharon junior Ethan Kantor followed up his stellar sophomore season with another solid year in net for the Eagles. Time and time again, Kantor could be called upon to make game-changing saves. After helping the Eagles win the division a year ago, Kantor stood tall as one of the league’s top netminders again this season. He does well to control his area, and his ability to come off his line makes it difficult for opposing offenses to try to play over the top or through balls. In 15 games played this season, the junior posted a 1.46 goals against average.

 


Walisson de Oliveira
 
Milford sophomore Walisson de Oliveira has been selected as the 2017 HockomockSports.com Boys Soccer Underclassman of the Year. In his first year on varsity – and first in the United States – de Oliveira became one of the most dangerous goal scorers in the Hockomock League.

De Oliveira played multiple positions throughout the season before head coach Brian Edwards moved him up to striker. That would be the last position change as de Oliveira tormented defenses from his first game up top. In his first game up top, he scored a hat trick against Attleboro in a 3-0 win.

“Wally is a tremendous player,” said Milford head coach Brian Edwards. “His ability to put his stamp on any game this season was incredible.”

Once he moved up top, he became a prolific goal scorer and finished second in the league in goals scored with 14 – one off the league leader. He also help set up his teammates, accounting for three assists, giving him 17 points – fourth in the league and most among underclassmen.

“Walisson’s combination of size and skill made him the perfect target forward for Milford,” said HockomockSports.com Editor-in-Chief Ryan Lanigan. “Whether he was collecting the ball at his feet with the back towards goal and turning and finishing, or being a dangerous target on set pieces, Walisson was very dangerous.”

De Oliveira is the second Milford boys soccer player to win the HockomockSports.com Underclassman of the Year award, joining Mike Da Silva (2012). He’s the sixth Milford athlete of any sport to win it (Julia Masionis, girls soccer; Aidan Wilde, baseball; Emily Piergustavo and Jess Tomaso, softball).

Honorable Mention: Joe Cusack (Foxboro), Sam Stowell (Franklin), Michael Baur (Sharon)


Coach of the Year

Coach of the Year

John Barata
John Barata

Oliver Ames head coach John Barata has been selected as the 2017 HockomockSports.com Boys Soccer Coach of the Year. For the third time in the past four years, Barata helped the Tigers reach the MIAA D2 State Final, falling in double overtime to Concord-Carlisle. Barata led Oliver Ames to an 11-1-4 league record to win the program’s first Kelley-Rex division title, and the program’s fourth division title in the past six seasons.

“Oliver Ames entered the season with high expectations, and that can be tough on a program. But Coach Barata kept his team focused on the task at hand and came through with a division title and another state final appearance,” said HockomockSports.com Editor-in-Chief Ryan Lanigan. “OA had a lot of talented pieces, and Coach Barata put the pieces of the puzzle together perfectly. It was a great season for OA.”

Oliver Ames finished 15-3-4 overall, allowing a league-low 15 goals against. The Tigers earned the fourth seed in D2 South, winning a pair of games at home in the postseason, including one in overtime against Walpole. OA went on to beat the state’s top ranked team, Nauset, in the South Semifinals, and then beat Pembroke to win the sectional title.

It’s the third time that Barata has earned Coach of the Year honors, after winning it back-to-back in 2012 and 2013.

Honorable Mention: Geoff Burgess (North Attleboro), Joe Franchino (Foxboro), Steve Sheridan (Mansfield)