Griffin Roach (2019) finishes up decorated career at BU

Ever since Griffin Roach was in elementary school, he had visions of playing D1 Soccer in college. With the support of his family, he became that rare student athlete who set a very high goal at a young age and then put in the work needed to make that goal a reality. After a very successful high school career with the Bulldogs, Griffin went on to play for Boston University where he had an amazing five-year (Covid) career, culminating in a historic season this past fall for the Terriers. 

The 2023 season saw Griffin play a huge part in arguably the most successful season in BU Men's Soccer history. The team won the Patriot League title- both in the regular season and the conference tournament- an unprecedented accomplishment. The team ultimately fell to Syracuse in the NCAA tournament. The Orangemen were defending National Champions so no shame in that!

Griffin had a very successful rookie season for the Terriers back in 2019 before the Covid outbreak and a coaching change provided some pretty big changes and challenges. Griff battled through- as he does with anything- and emerged from mid-college-career uncertainty to finish off with historic seasons in 2022 and 2023. 

Check out this list of accolades earned by Griffin during his time as a Terrier.  If you don't just scan this list, but really read it, you will be amazingly impressed by the level of success Griffin really achieved. 

• 2023 College Soccer News All-America Third Team
• 2023 United Soccer Coaches Scholar All-America First Team
• 2022 United Soccer Coaches Scholar All-America Third Team
• 2023 ECAC Defensive Player of the Year
• 2x Patriot League Defensive Player of the Year (2022, 23)
• 2023 United Soccer Coaches All-Atlantic Region First Team
• 2022 United Soccer Coaches All-Atlantic Region Third Team
• 2x All-ECAC First Team (2022, 23)
• 2x All-Patriot League First Team (2022, 23)
• 5x Patriot League Defensive Player of the Week (10/17/22, 10/24/22, 11/1/22, 9/4/23, 10/2/23)
• 3x Patriot League Academic Honor Roll (2019, 21, 22)

Griffin is one of the all-time Bulldog greats, currently sitting in a tie for 5th place on the all-time scoring list here at CHS (32g, 20a- 52pnts).   But beyond that, he is one of our finest role models.  His work ethic is 2nd to none.  His success at BU is a direct result of the work he put in- much of which happened with nobody watching.  

Griffin had this to say about his college soccer journey and the role CHS Soccer played-

"Playing soccer at Canton High School provided me the ability to play for a storied high school program. Canton High taught me all about pride, hard work, and team comradery. Learning these qualities at a young age allowed me to excel at Boston University." 

CLICK HERE for Griffin goal clip

We are so proud of Griffin!

Four Dogs set to Captain 2024 team

The CHS Boys Varsity Soccer Team is excited to announce the naming of our captains for the 2024 season- Max Eagles- '25, Owen Morrissey- '25, Vlad Francoeur- '26, and James Howard- '26. All four of these young men are wonderful role models.  All four earned Honor Roll status during the first academic term this year. 

This quartet takes the leadership reigns from Matt De Vito, Zaza Francoeur, Connor Harney and Nick Ruggeri, who have all joined the ranks of CHS Boys Soccer alumni!

Max Eagles

The four new captains have a big task ahead of them as they look to lead the team in bouncing back from a frustrating 3-11-4 campaign this past fall. The combination of two seniors and two juniors is designed to help next year's young team build strong culture and to encourage more off-season work. 

Max Eagles- Class of 2025

Max has been around Canton Soccer for his entire life. Max really found his groove this past season as a permanent fixture on the right side of the Bulldog lineup. By season's end, he was really making a big difference in all facets of the game. His older brother Carson captained the 2022 team and it is now Max's turn to inspire and lead his teammates.

His teammates felt he would be a great captain because of his care, intensity, and love of the game. 

Vlad Francoeur

Vlad Francoeur- Class of 2026

Vlad has made quite an impact in the Bulldog attack over the past two seasons notching 7 goals and adding 4 assists during his 9th and 10th grade seasons. A natural striker- who has bounced around outside of his natural #9 position quite a bit his first two seasons- Vlad is poised to have a big season in 2024.

He plays his club soccer for Seacoast United and will be working hard this spring to take his next step as a goal-scorer. His older brother Zaza was a captain of this past season's team. 

His teammates felt he would be a great captain because of his voice, passion and commitment to training. 

James Howard

James Howard- Class of 2026

James emerged this fall as a dominant force in the Bulldog midfield.  His ability to dominate the air while also maintaining possession for his teammates separated him from many of his peers this season. Two consequential head ball goals during the 2nd half of the season really highlighted his growth. James is a very hard worker in practices.  He has a great will to win and to compete. He is a poised yet passionate competitor who demands the most of himself and his teammates. 

His teammates felt he would be a great captain because he is a GREAT soccer player, who knows the game, and cares greatly about what the next two years of our program are going to look like. 

Owen Morrissey

Owen Morrissey- Class of 2025

The heart and soul of our central midfield over our past 30ish games, Owen has been the one consistent force in that area of the field during that stretch. A true Bulldog, Owen has shown that he is willing and committed to doing whatever is necessary during season and on game day, to help his team succeed. Adding the element of a dominating off-season of training and hard work is the final remaining piece to Owen leading his team to great heights during his senior season.

Owen was a unanimous choice of his teammates to be a captains. Just some of the reasons his teammates gave as to why they felt he would be a great captain were- He fights. He cares. He will hold us to a high standard. He knows the game and he pushes you to be better. 

If these four young men work together and commit to success, there is little doubt that CHS Boys Soccer will have a great fall in 2024!

Three Dogs honored by Hockomock

Big shoutout to three of our Boys Varsity Soccer players for recently being honored by the Hockomock League. 

Zaza Francoeur and Nick Ruggeri were selected as Hockomock League All-Stars. while Brennan Vallely received Honorable Mention. 

Francoeur- a senior- led the 'dogs in scoring this season, posting 6 goals. He served as captain of the team and lead this group with class and positivity. 

Ruggeri- also a senior- was the Bulldogs keeper all season long. He kept the team in many games throughout the season with brilliant goalkeeper performances.  Also a captain, Ruggeri's passion for the sport is unmatched. 

Vallely- just a freshmen- played virtually every minute of every game as a center-back for the 'dogs. His ability to neutralize our opponent's transitional play was sublime, while his vision on either side of the ball is exceptional. His future is bright!

Season update- 9/21/23

The Bulldog Boys Soccer team has played well and been competitive in each of the past three games since opening the season with a 1-0 win over North Attleboro, but the results have not followed suit.

Canton 1, Sharon 1 at CHS on Sept. 12th

Dogs struck first with a goal by Zaza Francoeur but the Eagles netted a goalazoo to earn the draw. 

Canton 0, Taunton 1 at CHS on Sept. 14th

Dogs had a great night playing some of their best soccer of the young season but could not find the net and allowed a lone goal to determine the game. 

Canton 1, Stoughton 2 at SHS on Sept. 19th

The Dogs walked through the first half, ultimately surrendering two goals before waking up in the 2nd frame- playing some great soccer and cutting the lead in half on a Zaza Francoeur goal with five minutes to play. Some late pressure almost resulting in the game-tying goal but the game ended in a tough loss. 

Things don't get any easier as the squad travels to Milford Friday. 

Dogs start season with big road win

The CHS Boys Varsity Soccer team took to the field at North Attleboro Thursday night with a whole new look- 7 new members of the starting line-up from the 2022 seaason. The team certainly had some uneasiness to start, but settled down throughout the game and ultimately took home a hard-fought 1-0 win. 

Despite losing sophomore James Howard to a knock on the ankle just 15 minutes into the game, the 'dogs figured some things out and battled the senior-laden Red Rocketeers for 80 minutes. The goal came midway through the 2nd half when freshman Sam Siegal attacked a head ball in the box and sophomore Vlad Francoeur nailed a side-volley just inside the far post on a beautiful finish. 

Too many great performances to acknowledge but shoutouts to Miles Jereb, Brennan Vallely and Matt De Vito who were very efficient in the back in front of keeper Nick Ruggeri. Those four were critical to the clean sheet. 

The 'dogs host Sharon and Taunton next week on Tuesday and Thursday night respectively. 

Important Meeting for those looking to Join CHS Boys Soccer

We are excited to be hosting an informational meeting for any CHS student looking to join the Boys Soccer program in the fall. 

All of the info you need for the meeting can be found on the flyer found at the link below. 

CLICK HERE for a flyer 

Bousquet stepping down

Coach Bonnie
Bousquet

It is with mixed emotions that we announce that CHS Boys Soccer JV Coach Bonnie Bousquet is moving on from her coaching duties to focus on other professional endeavors at CHS.

Coach Bousquet has been one of the longest serving JV coaches (if not the longest serving) in our program's history.  She joined our Bulldog staff as a first year teacher/coach in 2017 and has dedicated the past six autumns to working with our JV Boys Soccer student athletes.  Prior to joining CHS, Bousquet had a great soccer playing career culminating in her contributing greatly for the Western New England University Golden Bears. 

Despite our JV program almost always facing opponents with older players (our program primarily being made up of Freshmen and Sophomores while our opponents are primarily made up of Juniors and some sophomores), Bousquet has worked tirelessly to help develop the boys and give them the best soccer experience possible. 

Coach Bousquet with her 2021 Bulldogs

CHS Boys Varsity Soccer Coach and Athletic Director, Danny Erickson had this to say upon Bousquet's announcement- "Bonnie has been so important to our program.  She has been a great role model. Her professionalism and care have combined to make her an impactful coach. She has always worked to develop her players for the next level but never forgotten that their experience at JV is also something they should cherish and enjoy. She really has been the perfect JV coach.  We will miss her more than she could imagine. I want to thank her publicly for all she has done for the program and our student athletes and wish her the best."