The OA soccer team has been on a roll this season, a roll that has carried them through the playoffs. They took down several teams including number 14 in the nation, Nauset, to earn a spot in the state championship. They will compete for the title on Saturday at 12:30 pm against Concord-Carlisle at Fitchburg State College. It will be the seniors’ last game playing together. Captain Nathaniel Cardoza says “It’s an exciting time and it’s also a sad time. I have been playing with these guys for almost 14 years and, going into this game, it is going to be emotional.”
The hours of practice and the hundreds of games they have put in together will come to an end after just one more game. The seniors will all go their separate ways in college and in life. However, the bonds they have developed over the years will live on forever. “I’m willing to take a bullet for these guys,” says Nathaniel.
The team is ready to face off in the championship game, and have been cherishing the last practices they have together. “I know we will leave everything out on that field,” says captain Chris Lawrence. The rest of the team feels the intensity of the game and will fight for their leaders. It should make for an entertaining and emotional game, as the team is composed of mostly seniors.
It will take effort and heart to win this game, which is exactly what the Tigers have. When asked to choose a word that describes this season so far Chris said “Dedication.” Everyone on the team is dedicated to the team effort and will do anything for the victory on Saturday afternoon.
For many on the team, this game is about more than soccer. It is about everything they have put in- not only this season but for their whole lives. Nathaniel says “This season I was able to see and shape myself into becoming a better person.” In the end, that is what it is all about. Soccer has formed so many precious moments that Nathaniel has even called, “Life changing”. These moments won’t be forgotten and this state championship will certainly be one of them. Be there to support the team and make it memorable for the seniors and yourself.