2018 Captains Named

The annual CHS Boys Soccer Banquet was held at CHS on Sunday night. It was a great night of honoring the 2017 Varsity and JV teams. It was also a great venue for announcing the captains of the 2018 team. Next year's captains will be Paolo Ruggeri, Griffin Roach and Paul Corcoran.  All three are members of the class of 2019.

Ruggeri brings a passion for the game to the role of captain.  He eats, drinks and sleeps soccer. His love of the game is contagious.  He has been a 2-year starter and has been on the team since his freshman year. He has been critical to the team's defensive play in each of those seasons. Career stats- 6 goals, 3 assists, 9 points.

Roach, who earned All-Hock, All-EMASS and All-State honors for the 2017 season, will be looked to for inspiring the team with his incredible work ethic and determination to win.  He is also the captain of the Bulldog Lacrosse team in the spring. Career stats- 17 goals, 11 assists, 28 points.

Corcoran has led the team in scoring for the past 2 seasons and led the entire Hockomock in scoring this season. He has been recognized as a Hockomock League All-Star for both his sophomore and junior seasons. Career stats- 25 goals, 10 assists, 35 points (tied 13th in program history). 

All three have led the program through great improvement over the past 3 seasons:

2015- 3-10-4
2016- 8-7-5
2017- 10-5-4

They will be looking to  lead a large and talented senior class to even better things in 2018. 

CHS Soccer Alum in need of our thoughts and support

CHS Boys Soccer Community- 

Just sharing news about an alumnus in need of our thoughts, prayers and support. 

Spencer Cox class of 2015 is in the battle of his life as he fights an aggressive form of cancer. He is currently in a clinical trial to try to attack this horrible uninvited guest.

Despite serious injury and personal tragedy during his time as a Bulldog soccer player, Spencer left a major mark on the program. He was a huge part of the character that defined the teams he played for. Beyond that he spent the 2016 season helping out with the team. Those of you who know him, know he is one of a kind. 

Please take time this Holiday season to keep Spencer and his family in your thoughts and prayers.

Send good vibes his way. He needs them right now. 


Thanks all. 

Post-Season Honors piling up

The 2017 season hasn't been over for more than a month and the post-season honors are pouring in:

MIAA Sportsmanship Award

Hockomock League Sportsmanship Award- This honor is granted to the team in the Hockomock that best exhibits sportsmanship and class throughout the season. It is determined by a vote by all 12 Hock coaches. The Bulldogs have been honored with this award 9 of the 14 years that it has been awarded.

MIAA D2 Sportsmanship Award- This award- another given for sporting, classy play- is given out annually by the MIAA to one school per division throughout the state. A key component of our program's mission and core principles is sporting/honorable play. It is great to live up to our own expectations.

HOCKOMOCK ALL-STARS- 

Paul Corcoran- Junior- Forward- #10- Paul led the team and the entire Hockomock League in scoring this season posting 15 goals and 8 assists. He finished his junior season tied for 13th in scoring in the program's history and is poised to move up many more slots by the end of his senior year.  Paul was also honored as a Hock All-Star for his sophomore season in 2016.

Roach, coach Erickson
and a lucky fan

Griffin Roach- Junior- Midfield- #17- Griffin was the team's 2nd leading scorer scoring 11 goals and assisting on 5 others for 16 points from his attacking midfield position. His dynamic play paced the Bulldogs all season.

Honorable Mention- Jake Verille- Senior- Midfield- #11- Jake has been a 4-year starter for the Bulldogs scoring goals in all 4 seasons and setting the tone of play from the midfield. He was honored in 2016 as an All-Hock player and represents the team this year as an honorable mention. He scored 3 goals and added 4 assists this season.

EASTERN MASS AND ALL-STATE- 

Griffin Roach was also honored by the EMSCA as an All-State Selection. Only 3 Hockomock players received this honor this season and Roach was the only underclassmen among them. Griffin becomes only the 2nd Bulldog in the team's history to be named All-State as an underclassmen. The other was Damian Kozak (class of 2015).

HOCKOMOCK LEAGUE ALL-STAR CLASSIC-  

Ruggeri, Cruz and a lucky fan

Simon Cruz- Junior- Forward- #15- scored 5 goals and registered 5 assists this season and earned an invite to play in Hockomocksports.com All-Star Classic.


Paolo Ruggeri- Junior- Midfield- #2- scored 3 goals and added 1 assist from his holding midfield role this year. His strong play earned him an invite to play in Hockomocksports.com All-Star Classic.

As any additional honors are announced, they will be added to this blog entry.

PATRIOT LEDGER ALL-SCHOLASTIC-
Griffin Roach was also named to the Patriot Ledger All-SCHOLASTIC team- the first Bulldog named to that team in the past 3 seasons.

HOCKOMOCKSPORTS.COM First Eleven and Second Eleven
Griffin Roach was named to the Hockomocksports.com First Eleven
Paul Corcoran was named to the Hockomocksports.com Second Eleven

Another Successful Alumni Game in the books!

More than 25 Bulldogs from past seasons converged on a chilly Memorial Field on Friday afternoon to take part in the annual CHS Boys Soccer Alumni Game.  Players ranged from the old guy from the class of 1989 all the way through members of the class o2 2017. We broke the players into three teams and played a double-round-robin before playing a semi-final and a final. 

The Champs

The 2017 Championship went to players from the classes of 2003, 2004 & 2007. 

Thanks to all those that came out and participated. Special shout out to Jake Shapiro (class of 2007) for helping organize the event. He was also named the MVP after an extensive voting process. 

This tradition goes back more than 25 years and we are trying to make 2018 the best attended one yet. 

Banquet Set for Sunday, December 3rd

The annual CHS Boys Soccer Banquet is scheduled for Sunday, December 3rd from 6:30-8:30 in the CHS cafeteria.  The event is for CHS soccer student athletes, parents and coaches to get together to celebrate the 2017 season.

Successful 2017 season concludes

This past Tuesday saw the 2017 Bulldog Boys Soccer season come to an abrupt and disappointing end at the hands of league rival Foxboro, as the Warriors downed the Bulldogs 4-1.  After an amazing regular season that saw the Green & White post a 10-4-4 record and ride a six game unbeaten streak into the tournament, the Bulldogs hosted their league rival in front of a packed crowd at CHS's WWII Veterans' Memorial Field. Canton never quite got things going on the night while the Warriors were at their best. The 'dogs trailed for virtually the entire game.  A Griffin Roach goal off a free-kick from 30 yards out cut the Foxboro lead to 2-1 mid-way through the 2nd half but the Warriors capitalized on an offensive-minded Canton team for the rest of the game- resulting in two more goals.

The 2017 season saw the Bulldogs take another huge step forward as a program.  Special thanks go out to our 5 graduating seniors- each of whom made a major impact over their time here- each in their own way.  Congratulations to Chris Milne, Abe Garber, Dillon Anderson, Jake Verille and John Agnitti for all of their hard work, sacrifice, commitment and leadership over their time here.

The Hockomock League recognized 3 players with special league honors.  Paul Corcoran, who led the Hock in scoring, and Griffin Roach were both named Hockomock League All-Stars. Jake Verille was named to the Honorable Mention team. Griffin Roach was also recognized as an All-State player- the first Bulldog since 2014 to receive this honor.

The team also did it the right way......being honored by the Hockomock League as the team in the league that most exemplified good sportsmanship....and receiving a the very prestigious MIAA award for the same behavior.

Congratulations to all 23 members of the team, our coaches, managers, our JV squad and everyone else who contributed to this memorable year.

MIAA Tournament Gets Started Tuesday

The MIAA announced State Tournament Brackets on Wednesday and the Bulldogs are seeded 8th in the D2 South Sectional.  That means the 'dogs will host the #9 seeded Foxboro Warriors on Tuesday, November 7th at 6:30pm at CHS's WWII Veterans' Memorial Stadium.

The Bulldogs just finished a great regular season, posting a record of 10 wins, 4 draws and only 4 losses. The team enters the post-season tournament riding a 6 game unbeaten streak.  The team has also not lost a home game all season long (6-0-2).

The 'dogs are quite familiar with the Warriors as the two teams played to two ties in Hock Davenport action this season. (2-2 at Canton and 1-1 at Foxboro).  Both games were great battles and this 3rd contest should be a great one.

The winner travels to the winner of top seeded Nauset and Greater New Bedford/Somerset.

Bulldogs earn big road win to close out regular season

The 'dogs traveled to D1-tourney-bound Marshfield on Monday and came out with a big 2-0 win.  The team played strong throughout the game, playing into a huge wind in the first half but controling much of the play. Chances were aplenty for the visitors throughout both halves and the 'dogs were able to convert one in each frame. Griffin Roach notched a first half tally on a hard-working, opportunistic chance while Paul Corcoran's 2nd half goal came on a beautiful through ball from Simon Cruz. Abe Garber, Alejandro Correal and Dylan Coyne combined for the shutout in net.

The team is awaiting MIAA seedings which come out on Wednesday morning. Games are expected to begin on Friday/Saturday.

Dog's blank Stoughton in final home game of year

Friday saw the Bulldogs host Stoughton in the final Hockomock League match of the year.  The team exploded for a half-dozen goals and allowed almost no Stoughton chances in the 6-0 shutout win.  The victory allowed the Bulldogs to complete a home game unbeaten regular season- posting a final record of 6 wins, 2 draws and 0 losses at CHS's WWII Veterans' Memorial Field.

Junior Paul Corcoran scored the first 3 goals on the game and added a goal and an assist early in the 2nd half en-route to a 5-point day- which appears to put him in the top-spot on the Hockomock League scoring list.  Also finding the back of the Black Knight goal were fellow Juniors, Griffin Roach and Paolo Ruggeri. Senior Abe Garber and sophomore Alejandro Correal combined to earn the shutout in goal.

The victory, coming on the heals of a 1-1 draw at Foxboro earlier in the week, means that the Bulldogs finish in a tie for 2nd place with Foxboro in the Hockomock Davenport.

The team will travel to Marshfield on Monday afternoon at 4:00pm to conclude the regular season schedule.

Game time shifts this week

Both the JV and Varsity games scheduled on Tuesday at Foxboro will begin at 4:30pm rather than 4:00pm.

Varsity will play at Sam Berns Turf field at FHS
JV will play at the Igo School Field right before FHS

Both the JV and Varsity games scheduled on Friday vs. Stoughton will begin at 3:30 rather than 3:45pm.

Varsity at CHS turf
JV at JFK

Qualified!

Thursday's 2-1 win at Sharon earned the boys a spot in the 2017 MIAA state tournament. The qualification marks the 11th time in 12 seasons that the Bulldogs have punched a ticket to the Big Dance!

The Bulldogs played a great first half against the Eagles which saw Avery Minkin notch his first career goal just 12 minutes in.  He jumped on a loose ball in the box and beat a very good Sharon goalkeeper to the top corner. The 'dogs squandered many chances on the day but the good news was that they created so many.

The Eagles tied it up early in the second when a long throw-in skimmed off a Bulldog head and right to an Eagle striker who calmly passed it into the corner. Both teams created chances from that point on but Canton certainly had the better overall opportunities. With just 12 minutes remaining, Paul Corcoran took advantage of a missed Eagles clearance and hit a beautiful one-time strike to the far post- beating the Sharon goalkeeper. The 'dogs fought off a hungry Eagle attack for the final dozen minutes to earn the 2 points and the tournament qualification.

The back four of Nathan Achildyev, Chris Milne, John Agnitti and Mike Mazzola were very strong on the day.

The 'dogs travel to Foxboro on Tuesday for another key Davenport matchup.

Dogs earn win and draw in two crucial Davenport games

Two home games in 24 hours saw the Bulldogs earn a scoreless draw with first place North Attleboro and earn a 4-3 win over Milford.

Abe Garber earned the shutout for the Bulldogs in the 0-0 draw with NA in front of a huge crowd on Saturday night. It was also a special night as the 1997 Hockomock Championship team was honored at halftime.

The Milford win saw the Bulldog fall behind early before storming back with 2 quick goals- one Paul Corcoran on a great pass by Alejandro Correal. Corcoran's first touch was brilliant before calmly finishing it off. Just a minute or so later, Simon Cruz chased down another great ball from Correal in the box. At first, a Milford back had the ball but Cruz persisted and regained possession and expertly finished his earned chance.  Two second half goals by Corcoran, both provided by Griffin Roach, would prove to be too much for the visiting Scarlett Hawks. Milford would score twice late, but the 'dogs held on for the 4-3 win.  Corcoran's hat trick was his second of the season.

The games followed up a hard fought 0-1 defeat at Kelley-Rex leading Oliver Ames last Wednesday.

The team travels to Sharon on Thursday to face the Eagles in yet another key Davenport matchup.

'Dogs explode for 5 goals on the road

Monday saw the Bulldogs kick-off a big week with a convincing 5-1 road win over Stoughton.  Paul Corcoran scored the first three goals of the game- all coming in the first half.  All three goals were some form of a breakaway where Corcoran (5g, 5a) was able to calmly beat the Black Knight goalkeeper. Fellow forward Simon Cruz (3g, 2a) assisted on two of the goals while a big punt by goalkeeper Abe Garber led to the other.

The second half started right where the first half had ended except this time it was Cruz's turn as he coolly tucked in a left-footed shot to the inside of the far post. This time, Corcoran was the provider of the pass- paying back Cruz's selfless first half play. The Black Knights would take advantage of a Bulldog give-away in their defensive 1/3 to briefly cut the lead to 3 goals before Griffin Roach (8g, 3a) scored the Bulldogs' 5th goal of the game off a nice pass from Dillon Anderson.

Interesting tid-bit- Roach's goal was the 600th Bulldog goal this century!

Other players contributing greatly on the day were Nate Achildyev, TJ McCabe, Nathan Rousseau, and Noah Konzal.

The Bulldogs face Franklin on Wednesday night on the road at 6:30 and host Taunton on Saturday night at 6:30pm

1997 Hock Championship Team to be honored at halftime- Oct. 14th

Members of the 1997 Boys Varsity Soccer team will be honored at a ceremony during halftime of the October 14th game vs. North Attleboro.  Kick-off is 6:30pm.

The 1997 team was the first in the history of the program to win the Hockomock Championship.  The team earned an overall record of 17-3-1 and advanced to the South Sectional Semi-Final before falling to perennial power Duxbury, 2-1.

The season stands as the 3rd best record recorded in the history of the program- and that is stacking up against some other great teams. (See history of the program for great stats about the program.) 

On a personal note- So much of that season is forever etched in my brain.  I will never forget those rainy day games against Old Rochester and Duxbury and the OA win:

• Brendan Ryan's "old school MLS" shootout saves (and fist pump)
• Michael Quin's near post goal on the corner kick (just like I drew it up!)
• AJ MacDonald's bomb from the right flank skimming off the post
• Keith Conroy's calmness in the back
• Richie Daniel's frenetic ferocity up front
• George Thomas leaping into AJ's arms after his amazing header goal 
• The CHS stands filled with a loud, proud crowd
• TOO Many to list them all!

The team established so much for the CHS Boys Soccer program- not the least of which is that hard work can lead to great improvement- as is evidenced by the fact that the 1996 team had posted only three wins.  Great resiliency. A core principle of our current program!

The season also started a 7-year run of tournament qualification and firmly planted the Bulldogs as a top-notch program in the state.  In the twenty years since the historic season, the team has amassed some amazing successes thanks to the foundation laid by this group:

• 17 tournament appearances in 20 years
• 9 tournament runs to the Sectional Semi-Finals
• Overall record of 208-114-69

We are doing our best to locate and notify as many members of the team as possible. If you know anyone from this squad- please share this with them.

The ceremony will take place at halftime of the game on 10/14. A get-together of the team and any family members, after the game. It would be great if members of the team who are planning on attending could reach out to me at ericksond@cantonma.org. 

Home draw wraps up unbeaten week

The Bulldogs hit the field twice in two days to end a busy week of action after starting the week off with a big 2-0 win over Sharon.  Just two days later, the 'dogs headed to Norwood where they earned their first road win of the season- another 2-0 result. The week ended with a home 2-2 draw with Foxboro that would see the home team go up 1-0 early before falling behind 2-1 late and then earning the final goal very late.

The Foxboro draw on Thursday certainly showed the effects of playing at Norwood in 90 degree heat just 24 hours earlier.  The legs were tired which certainly led to some less than great execution on the day. But the team showed lots of character in the draw and kept their home unbeaten streak alive. Goals on the day were scored by Jake Verille and Paul Corcoran.  

The Norwood win came on two goals in the first 15 minutes- one on a penalty by Verille and the other on a great volley by freshman TJ McCabe- his first career goal. Many great performances were had on the day including ones put in by Nate Achildyev, Matt Giglio, Cooper Ashcraft and Noah Konzal. 

The team has another 3-game week coming up as they travel to Stoughton on Monday (3:45), and Franklin on Wednesday (6:30) before returning home on Saturday night vs. Taunton at 6:30.

The team currently sits at 4-2-2 on the season.

'Dogs remain perfect at home

After failing to earn a win in two road Davenport games, the Bulldogs were happy to be back at home Monday night as they blanked Sharon, 2-0 earning goalkeeper Abe Garber his first shutout of the season.

The Bulldogs came out flying early, putting a lot of pressure on the Eagles but lacked the finishing touch. That is until midway through the first half when Paul Corcoran quickly grabbed a ball that rolled over the touchline and hurled it 25 yards up the flank to Griffin Roach, who muscled his way to creating a shot from 10 yards out, beating the Sharon keeper to his near post.  Roach would strike again in midway through the 2nd half when Jake Verille used some creative touches and lots of grit to get to the endline before slipping the ball to Roach who calmly backhealed the ball into the far post netting- an amazing goal. The 'dogs let down for much of the final 15 minutes allowing the Eagles to gain some momentum, but Garber and his backs- John Agnitti, Chris Milne and Mike Mazzola were clean in the box- shutting down each of the Eagles scoring chances.

The 'Dogs improve to 3-2-1 heading into back-to-back games with Norwood (Wednesday) and Foxboro (Thursday).

'Dogs draw in first Davenport match-up

Friday afternoon saw the Bulldogs head to North Attleboro to face the unbeaten Red Rocketeers and despite drawing first blood, the 'dogs would have to settle for a 1-1 draw. 

The Bulldogs dealt with some early NA pressure before settling down and putting some pressure of their own on the home team.  Midway through he 1st period, a John Agnitti free kick was perfectly sent into the box where Griffin Roach flicked it on to Paul Corcoran who calmly headed it past the NA keeper. But the Bulldogs then let down and less than a minute later, a giveaway in the middle third lead to a North Attleboro counter that ended with a goal, despite an initial save by Abe Garber. 

The game would see chances for both teams the rest of the way but both teams appeared to be showing signs of a tough 3-game week. 

Agnitti, Chris Milne and Mike Mazzola were very strong on the day in the Bulldog backline, routinely holding off a very effective NA counter-attacking style. 

The team's record now stands at 2-1-1 with only one game on schedule this upcoming week- at Milford on Tuesday at 6:30pm 

'Dogs bounce back with big win

Wednesday night saw the Bulldogs earn a huge 2-1 win over defending Hock Kelley-Rex Champion King Philip.  The visiting Warriors were able to keep the lion share of the possession on the day, but the Bulldogs were organized defensively and prevented the defending champions from earning many quality chances on the day.

Junior Griffin Roach knocked in a ball struck to the far post by classmate Avery Minkin in the 17th minute of the game, putting the home team on top- a lead they would carry into halftime. 

The second half saw adjustments made by both teams but the scoreline remained the same until Paul Corcoran's throw-in found Roach with his back to the goal at the top of the box.  After a touch to free himself up, he struck a laser into the upper 90, providing a two goal cushion with 11 minutes to play.

The Warriors attacked hard for the final 10 minutes, but Canton goalkeeper Abe Garber came up with a big save to keep the lead at 2-0. A KP goal with 7 minutes left kept Bulldog fans on edge, but the team buckled down and denied KP the game tying goal. Final Score- Canton 2, KP 1.

The win came off the heals of a disappointing performance at Mansfield Monday night that saw the Bulldogs surrender 4 goals. Roach scored both Bulldog goals in the loss- both assisted by Jake Verille. 

The team travels to face unbeaten North Attleboro on Friday at 3:45. 

Season start off on right foot with big win

The season started off with a bang on Thursday night as the Bulldogs were not the most gracious hosts to the Attleboro- notching 3 goals in the first half before earning the 4-2 win over the talented Bombardiers.

Senior captain Jake Verille opened the season's scoring, calmly striking in a Paul Corcoran throw-in on a great turn and finish early in the game.  Junior Simon Cruz, who seemed to be everywhere in Attleboro's box, buried two more goals before the half to give the Bulldogs a comfortable lead at the half.  Perhaps too comfortable, as the 'dogs second half did not feature as much possession and purpose as the first half.  But the team did more than enough in the second half to earn the win.  A defensive mistake (perhaps the only one of the game) led to an Attleboro goal midway through the 2nd but a fantastic finish by junior Griffin Roach quickly restored the 3-goal lead for the Bulldogs.  A final Attleboro goal with just 15 second left in the game was too little too late as the Bulldogs earned the 4-2 win.

Kudos to goalkeeper Abe Garber and backs- John Agnitti, Chris Milne and Mike Mazzola as they neutralized a dangerous Attleboro attack for most of the contest.

The Bulldogs have a busy week ahead as they head to Mansfield Monday night, host King Philip Wednesday night, and travel to North Attleboro on Friday afternoon.

Good luck to our Graduating Seniors

The Canton High School Boys Soccer program proudly congratulates and wishes future successes to our ten graduating seniors- all of whom walked the stage to receive their diplomas tonight. I'm sure they are all destined for great things! We will always be proud to call you CHS alumni!

Below is a list of their future plans. May they all enjoy the next chapters in their lives. They will be missed!

Matt MacKay- University of Vermont

Muhammad Sambo- Wentworth Institute of Technology

Cole Duserick- Mass Bay CC

Pat McLaughlin- Mount Ida College

Matas Leveckis- UMass Amherst

Ben Waterhouse- Syracuse University

Marco Mendes- University of Arizona

Sean Mitchell- Springfield College

Sammy Papakonstantino- Providence College

Danny Hartnett- University of Rhode Island

Go Bulldogs!

2017 Schedule Released

The Canton High School Boys Varsity Soccer 2017 game schedule has been released.  The league schedule includes 16 games- home and away against each of the other 5 Davenport schools and 1 each against the 6 Kelley-Rex schools.  The two non-league games on the schedule this fall are with Marshfield and Norwood.

Below is the schedule. Dates and times are subject to change. Updated schedules are maintained on Canton High School's page on the the MIAA website and the MIAA app.

Thursday, Sept. 7- Attleboro at Canton at 6:45pm
Monday, Sept. 11- Canton at Mansfield at 6:00pm
Wednesday, Sept. 13- King Philip at Canton at 6:30pm
Friday, Sept. 15- Canton at North Attleboro at 3:45pm
Tuesday, Sept. 19- Canton at Milford at 6:30pm
Monday, Sept. 25- Sharon at Canton at 5:15pm
Wednesday, Sept. 27- Canton at Norwood at 3:45pm
Monday, Sept. 28- Foxboro at Canton at 3:30pm
Monday, Oct. 2- Canton at Stoughton at 3:45pm
Wednesday, Oct. 4- Canton at Franklin at 6:30pm
Saturday, Oct. 7- Taunton at Canton at 6:30pm
Wednesday, Oct. 11- Canton at Oliver Ames at 3:45pm
Friday, Oct. 13-North Attleboro at Canton at 3:45pm
Monday, Oct. 16- Milford at Canton at 4:30pm
Thursday, Oct. 19- Canton at Sharon at 6:45pm
Tuesday, Oct. 24- Canton at Foxboro at 4:00pm
Friday, Oct. 27- Stoughton at Canton at 3:45pm
Monday, Oct. 30- Canton at Marshfield at 4:00pm

Mandatory Meeting for all interested in joining CHS Boys Soccer 2017

The CHS Boys Soccer Program will be hosting an important meeting for any incoming 9th-12th grader interested in joining our program in the fall.  The meeting will be held on Friday, June 2, 2017 from 2:45-3:30 in the Distance Learning Lab at CHS.

Avery Minkin- '19

The meeting will include distribution of important information about the 2017 season, summer opportunities and other important information.

Anyone interested is welcome to attend!

Consider being a part of one of the proudest Soccer programs in Massachusetts!

Record over the past 175 games (9 seasons)- 101 wins, 31 ties, 43 losses.

Recipient of the Hockomock League Sportsmanship Award- Nine of the past Twelve seasons!

Guiding Principles- We are at TEAM. We are RESILIENT. We are FEARLESS. We are HONORABLE. We are ALL IN. We are the BULLDOGS.

Any questions or unable to attend?  email coach ericksond@cantonma.org