By HockomockSports.com Staff

2025 Hockomock League Boys Soccer Preview

Attleboro

2024 Record: 5-9-4
2024 Finish: Missed postseason
Coach: Peter Pereira

Attleboro competed with some top teams and had some very close results, but ended up on the outside looking in for both the division title and the postseason. A strong group of returners is hoping to change that this year.

The Bombardiers bring back one of the most experienced back lines in the league. Senior Mason Prive has a ton of varsity experience and is among the most talented central players in the league. Classmates Jack Smith, Jacob Fairweather, Sam Smith, and Max D’Amico bolster a defense that will look to be one of the stingiest units in the Hock. Senior Keagan Gray played in 12 games in net last season while senior Aidan Shields is competing for minutes between the sticks.

The midfield also features plenty of experience, with seniors Jonas Marques, Jonathan Esteban, Kevin Cristi, and Boden Proulx all competing for time. That depth in the center of the pitch will give longtime head coach Peter Pereira the flexibility to match up with different opponents and keep a high work rate throughout games. Up top, the Bombardiers return firepower with seniors Drew Ribeiro and Corvengdjimy Thomas leading the attack. Thomas, a 2024 HockomockSports Best XI selection, has already shown he can be a game-changer with his ability to take on defenders and finish and had a team-high 11 goals last season. Ribeiro provides another consistent scoring option and is someone opposing defenses will have to constantly keep an eye on in the area. Senior William Coogan adds another strong option up front while junior Jaedyn Beland, after two years in the back four, will look to provide an additional punch up top with his speed and skill.

“This is a committed group of players that will put the work in to be the best,” said Pereira. “We have a veteran group that is ready to compete this fall, and it should be a fun season.”

Canton

2024 Record: 6-9-3
2024 Finish: Missed postseason
Coach: Danny Erickson

Canton is aiming to bounce back this fall after a 6-9-3 campaign, returning a strong core of players that gained valuable experience a year ago. With a mix of proven seniors and talented younger players, longtime head coach Danny Erickson has reason to believe the Bulldogs can push their way back into both division title and playoff contention.

Up front, senior captain Vlad Francoeur returns as the team’s leading scorer and will once again be the focal point of Canton’s attack. Francoeur’s ability to finish and create chances makes him one of the league’s top offensive threats, and he earned HockomockSports Second XI honors last year after registering seven goals and four assists. On the other end of the pitch, senior captain James Howard anchors the back line, bringing leadership and defensive toughness that will be key in close games. His size is a plus helping to handle corners and set pieces.

Between the posts, senior Dylan Wright returns in goal after gaining experience last fall, giving the Bulldogs stability at a critical position. Behind him, four underclassmen keepers are working hard to provide depth and competition in training. The Bulldogs are hopeful that their style of play will be bolstered by a year of experience, as a large group of returning players look more comfortable on the ball and capable of sustaining possession. At the same time, Canton still plans to move forward quickly in attack, combining possession with pace and direct play when opportunities arise.

“After struggling a bit to get results the past couple of seasons, this group is ready and hungry,” said Erickson. “We are excited to see what we can accomplish together.”

Foxboro

2024 Record: 1-17-0
2024 Finish: Missed postseason
Coach: Christopher Gagne

Foxboro enters a new era this fall with head coach Christopher Gagne taking over the program. The Warriors were very young last season and are aiming to take a significant step forward, leaning on a strong senior class and a large group of juniors eager to take on expanded roles after gaining valuable experience over the last two seasons.

Senior keeper Henry Griffin anchors the back, bringing leadership and reliability in goal. Classmates Chuck Lavallee and Ethan McHugo return to the back line, providing experience and stability, while Timothy Kerzner-Greenwell and Cameron Pelletier will play key roles in controlling the midfield. The Warriors also return juniors Adam Bougoussa and Adam Taj, both expected to make important contributions. Incoming freshman Tommy Brown is a newcomer to watch and is set to see plenty of varsity minutes right away.

Gagne is preaching a possession-minded approach, combining fast-paced ball movement with an emphasis on unpredictable attacking play. Defensively, the Warriors will lean on their senior-led leadership and a conservative structure designed to handle pressure.

“My general outlook on this season at Foxboro is that we are going to have a strong results-oriented season for two reasons,” said Gagne. “One is because of the large returning junior and senior class who have been playing together since they were in grade school and the second is because of the new coaching staff and structure that’s been put in place. Of course I don’t want to give any secrets away but we are looking forward to a competitive season.”

Franklin

2024 Record: 16-5-1 (Kelley-Rex division champions)
2024 Finish: Reached Div. 1 state quarterfinals
Head Coach: Nick Goldman

Franklin enters the new season with plenty of momentum, coming off a run to the Division 1 state quarterfinals and the program’s third straight Kelley-Rex division crown. In just his second season, head coach Nick Goldman is tasked with guiding the Panthers through another transition year after graduating a sizable and talented senior class that included two HockomockSports.com Best XI selections and two more Second XI honorees.

Despite the heavy losses, the Panthers always find a way to reload and they return a strong core that should keep them in contention. Up front, Jason Proenca and Andre Missagia will be relied on to generate chances and provide scoring. Senior Josh Rappa picked up a ton of experience last year and adds another weapon in the attack and will look to build off a promising campaign. Defensively, Franklin has an experienced trio in Jackson Labella, Deacon Eglintine, and Zach O’Mohoney O’Sullivan, who will be key in maintaining the Panthers’ identity as a hard-working, organized group that doesn’t give up many goals (just 26 goals against in 43 games over the last two years). Senior Casey Flynn will play a crucial role in net, giving Franklin both leadership and shot-stopping ability at the back.

Goldman expects his group to be well balanced, with the ability to create goals in different ways while staying disciplined defensively. With a mix of returning veterans and younger players looking to step into larger roles, Franklin hopes to remain among the Hock’s elite.

“For the second year in a row we have graduated 15 seniors,” said Goldman. “In order to be successful in a very competitive Hockomock League we will need strong leadership from our captains and senior class, as well as some underclassmen to step up and contribute.”

King Philip

2024 Record: 4-9-5
2024 Finish: Missed playoffs
Coach: Mike O’Neill

King Philip may have finished below .500 last season, but the Warriors were better than their record suggested, with several narrow one-goal defeats against quality opponents. With a strong senior core and a talented junior class stepping into bigger roles, KP is looking to get back into the playoff picture and compete in the Kelley-Rex division.

The midfield is expected to be a strength, led by senior Marco Amorim. After missing much of last season due to injuries, Amorim is healthy and ready to be a dominant presence in the center of the pitch. Senior Nick Longobardi gives the Warriors a true No. 9 up top, bringing intensity and scoring ability to the attack. Senior captains George Blakesly (defense/midfield) and Brent Schneider (goalkeeper) provide leadership and accountability, with Schneider coming off a great season last fall and ready to be a steadying presence at the back.

KP also has a promising junior class. Striker Greyson Perachi is poised for a breakout season and has the tools to become one of the league’s top scorers, while midfielder Max Van Hoesen is expected to make a major impact in the middle of the field. In the back, seniors Ryan Love and Ben Cochran and junior Jacoby Penabad are transitioning from other positions but are quickly growing into reliable defenders.

“We are hoping for a bounce-back season this year,” said O’Neill. “I think the new schedule we are playing will showcase the depth and the competitiveness of the Hockomock League around the state. Playing our rivals in the league once instead of twice will also raise the intensity of the matchups. Every game is a derby now!”

Mansfield

2024 Record: 16-4-2
2024 Finish: Reached Div. 2 state semifinals
Coach: Steve Sheridan

After delivering the best season in program history last fall, Mansfield faces the daunting question of where the program goes next — and head coach Steve Sheridan is hoping the answer is “up.” The Hornets rode a veteran group all the way to the Division 2 state semifinals, where they fell in overtime to rival Oliver Ames, and now the challenge is reloading after graduating eight senior starters who were all impact players.

The good news is that there is plenty of talent back to build around. Senior captain Troy Lasbury-Casey, a HockomockSports.com Second XI selection, returns in net after a standout junior season and will once again anchor the back. Fellow captains Brandon Gardner and Dom Nassif give the Hornets leadership in the midfield and attack, while a strong group of sophomores gained valuable experience last fall. Aidan Norige and Jack Howard both return after seeing time in the backline as underclassmen, helping to offset some of the graduation losses including Best XI selections Matt Sullivan and Cooper Austin.

In the middle of the pitch, Sujay Gaddam joins Gardner to provide control and stability, with Noah Aranes, Connor Fernandes, and Cody Silver bringing pace and width on the outside. Silver is very dangerous inside the area and has a knack for finding the ball in dangerous spots. Ryan Johnson’s versatility will be another asset as he is expected to contribute all over the field, from defense to midfield to attack. In goal, junior Danny Fleming is set to push Lasbury-Casey and give Mansfield depth.

The Hornets signaled their readiness for another strong campaign by capturing the 2025 Whaler Invitational during the preseason, a good sign for a team looking to reload quickly and remain among the state’s best.

“Not sure where we go after last season, but hopefully up,” Sheridan said. “With graduating eight starting seniors, it’s going to be tough, but I think we’ll be alright with our returning guys.”

Milford

2024 Record: 11-5-4
2024 Finish: Reached Div. 2 Round of 16
Coach: Antonio Pinto

Milford made one of the biggest turnarounds in the league last fall, bouncing back from a five-win season in 2023 to finish second in the Kelley-Rex division, just two points behind Franklin, and pulling off an impressive 4-0 upset on the road over Dartmouth in the state tournament. With much of that young core back, the Scarlet Hawks are aiming to build on last year’s success and compete for the division title again this fall.

Senior striker Danny Da Silva, a HockomockSports.com Best XI selection, headlines the returners and will once again be the focal point in the attack. A four-year varsity player, Da Silva combines a high soccer IQ with reliability in big moments, and Milford will lean heavily on his ability to create and finish chances. Defensively, senior captain Gianelli Caccin returns for his third year as a starter at center back, bringing toughness and leadership to the back line. He’ll be paired with junior Gui Quaresma, a towering presence in the heart of the defense, to form one of the league’s most experienced center back pairings. Sophomore Victor dos Santos steps in to fill the void in goal for his first year as a starter.

In the midfield, the Scarlet Hawks return several important contributors. Sophomore Marcos Da Silva is back after gaining valuable experience last year, while junior Mayck Moreira is looking to build on a strong campaign. Junior Bryan Ribeiro and senior Brunno Esteves also return to provide depth and experience in the middle of the pitch. Together, that group will be tasked with connecting Milford’s defensive strength to its potent attack — and have the experience to do so.

Head coach Antonio Pinto believes his team’s effort and attitude will set the tone this fall. The Scarlet Hawks pride themselves on bringing intensity on both ends of the field and making it difficult for any opponent to find rhythm.

“Hopefully we can be a very hardworking team that makes it tough for anyone to play against us,” said Pinto.

North Attleboro

2024 Record: 5-9-4
2024 Finish: Missed postseason
Coach: Geoff Burgess

North Attleboro heads into the fall looking to take a step forward after a 5-9-4 campaign last season. With a strong group of seniors back across the field, longtime head coach Geoff Burgess believes the Red Rocketeers have the pieces to be more competitive in the Davenport division and make a push toward the postseason.

The Rocketeers return experience at every level. Senior John Gillis anchors the defense from his central spot and will be counted on to organize the back line, while fellow seniors Colin Boyer and Gavin Hickey add strength and depth alongside him. In the midfield, senior Tyler Dameron returns to run the show and will be key in linking the defense to the attack. Dameron has a lot of varsity experience and will be pulling the strings in the midfield. Senior Connor Foley provides another steady option in the middle while junior Tyler Brayley is set to step into a larger role as well. Up front, senior Parker Peri leads the line and is expected to be a consistent scoring threat, joined by senior Lucas Mastin as another striker option. In goal, North has a competition on its hands, with senior Nick Jackson and junior Zach Lapointe both battling for the starting job.

Burgess and the Rocketeers are aiming to open things up more offensively this year, while still building on the team’s defensive foundation. The focus will be on bringing intensity from the opening whistle, an area that cost North in close games last fall.

“We are in the process of discovering who we want to be as a team,” said Burgess. “Our style should include some possession and solid defense, but we are planning to open things up this season to try and score more goals. Our focus will be on our level of intensity during each game.”

Oliver Ames

2024 Record: 18-2-2 (Davenport division champions)
2024 Finish: Division 2 State Champions
Coach: John Barata

We said last year that it was hard to imagine the target on OA’s back getting any bigger, but here we are. The Tigers completed another superb season in thrilling style, capping the year with an overtime win over Hingham to claim the program’s third straight Division 2 state championship. A talented group of returners knows everyone in the Hock will be bringing their best when they play the Tigers this fall.

As always, there are key holes to fill after graduation — including the loss of HockomockSports.com Player of the Year Luke Churchill — but OA’s championship pedigree remains. Senior keeper Zack Gilson, who backstopped last year’s remarkable defensive record (six goals against as a team in 22 games), returns to anchor the back line and give the Tigers experience at one of the most important spots on the field. He’ll be supported by a defensive unit that has important pieces returning, including senior Alejandro Landaverde, who started at center back last season, and senior Connor Hedrick, whose versatility and experience give the Tigers options across the pitch. Juniors Jacob Fierocyzk and Lukas Hallama also picked up invaluable experience during last year’s state title run, jumping into the lineup during the season and holding their own at outside back.

Offensively, the Tigers will look for new names to step forward and provide scoring punch. Seniors Nick Babanikas and Cyrus Hanjani are among veteran players that will have big roles, while Josh Braz Fereira adds energy and creativity to the attack. The search for consistent goal scorers will be the central challenge for this year’s group, but the Tigers have proven over the years that they can adapt and find ways to win.

“I’m excited to see this new group of players establish themselves in the program,” said longtime head coach John Barata. “While we may have a different look and feel compared to recent years, our focus on competing at the highest level hasn’t changed. With continued hard work…and hopefully a little luck…we’ll put ourselves in position to reach the playoffs and contend once again. I’m proud of the effort and attitude our boys have shown so far, and I’m confident it’s going to be an exciting season.”

Sharon

2024 Record: 11-5-3
2024 Finish: Reached Div. 2 Round of 32
Coach: Scott Nathan

Sharon was right in the thick of the Kelley-Rex division title race last fall, pushing the battle into the final week of the season. With a strong core of players returning, the Eagles look poised to contend once again and establish themselves among the league’s top teams.

The Eagles will be led by their three senior captains. Diego Martinez, one of the Hock’s top midfielders, sets the tone in the center of the pitch with his skill, vision, and leadership. Classmates Leo Yin and Peter Lerner provide a strong defensive foundation, giving Sharon balance at both ends of the field and the experience needed to compete in big games. They’ll be supported by a veteran cast that includes Sam Buder, Josh Cabral, Xander Simon, Zack Abdelkader, Neel Kapur, and Greg Pavlov, all of whom bring important experience and depth.

Several new faces will look to make an impact this season as well, including Adam Cvecka, Damian Gorea, Noam Grinberg, Tiegan Jones, Ian Kelly, Jusenly Lorthe, Om Patidar, Tushar Raina, Arjun Singhania, Prithvi Siva, Zach Tamkin, and Matt Vincent. That group should give head coach Scott Nathan added options and competition across the pitch.

With Martinez orchestrating the midfield and a veteran defensive group organized by Yin, Lerner, and the returning midfielders, Sharon has the talent and leadership to make another push at the Kelley-Rex crown.

“The Hock is among the strongest leagues in the state. There is no weak team and every game is competitive! You can’t ask for anything more than that. The boys and I can’t wait to get after it!” said Nathan.

Stoughton

2024 Record: 7-8-3
2024 Finish: Missed postseason
Coach: Dan Rudolph

Stoughton is shaping up to be a potential dark horse in the Davenport this fall. After narrowly missing out on the postseason last year, the Black Knights bring back a strong core of experienced players and are eager to take the next step and make a run at the playoffs.

Head coach Dan Rudolph has a group that not only returns several varsity players but also has the depth to compete in one of the league’s toughest divisions. Defender Philipe Dos Santos will anchor the back line, while midfielder Kyle Garrity provides control in the middle of the pitch and forward Cameron Wilson offers a proven attacking option up top. Newcomer Klight Jean-Francois is a player to watch, bringing fresh energy and talent into the lineup. In goal, Cameron Pierce is set to take on the starting role and provide stability between the posts.

With balance across all three lines and a roster full of players who love the game, Stoughton’s enthusiasm has been evident early in the year. That energy, combined with experience and depth, makes the Black Knights a team no one in the Davenport can afford to overlook.

“This is a group that loves the game, and the enthusiasm has been great so far,” said Rudolph.

Taunton

2024 Record: 0-16-2
2024 Finish: Missed playoffs
Coach: Rui Estrela

Taunton enters year two under head coach Rui Estrela with a focus on building a foundation for the future and continuing to make the Tigers competitive in the Hockomock League. After a challenging 2024 campaign, Estrela is confident that a mix of returning veterans and promising newcomers will help set the tone for what he hopes will be a turning point season.

The Tigers bring back several important pieces, including forward Anderson Catley, central midfielder Nick Dorr, and defenders Louis DaRosa, Christian Rodriguez, and Benny Freitas. That experienced defensive unit will be counted on to provide stability and leadership as the team looks to find its rhythm. In the midfield, newcomer Marcos Tavares is a player to watch as he looks to slot in alongside Dorr and give Taunton more control in possession. In goal, Quincy Curtis steps into the starting role and will be a key piece in organizing the defense.

Taunton aims to play a clean, possession-based style of soccer that gives players the freedom to be creative going forward. Estrela believes the defense, anchored by the veteran core, can be the backbone of the team, while the speed up top could be one of the Tigers’ biggest strengths in the attack.

“We have some good young talent that will need to gain some varsity experience going forward,” said Estrela. “I feel very good about where the team is heading and with some hard work, dedication, and discipline I truly believe this could be a very interesting season for Taunton.”