Alumni Spotlight- Roach with a Season to remember

Patriot League Defensive
Player of Year
That's a BIG honor!

The entire CHS Boys Soccer community was so proud of Griffin Roach (class of 2019), when he headed off to play NCAA D1 Soccer at Boston University after finishing up an amazing Bulldog high school career.

After playing a major role in the squad during his freshmen season under legendary Terrier coach Neil Roberts, many things would shake up the next few seasons included Covid-19 and the retirement of the coach who recruited him. Griffin showed amazing grit and resilience through that stretch and it paid off in a big way during this, his 4th season at BU. 

After a slow start to the 2022 season, the Terriers caught fire down the stretch falling in only 3 of their final 12 games. Much of that success was thanks to a stingy defending core that was anchored by Griffin. The Terriers recorded 9 shutouts on the season (9th nationally). Griffin was recognized by the Patriot League as the first player in the history of the conference to earn three straight Defender of the Week honors. 

Griffin, who currently stands as the 5th all-time leading scorer for the Bulldogs, has represented his family, school and high school team with class and excellence.

Griffin in action for the Dog's

Check out some of his additional accomplishments-

• 2022 Scholar All-American- 2nd in BU History
• 2022 Patriot League Defender of the Year- 5th in BU History
• 2022 All-Region Third Team
• 2022 Scholar All-Region First Team
• 2022 All-Conference Team
• 38 games played, 32 games started, 2,948 minutes (career)
• Despite playing in the back, he scored his first collegiate goal in a win over Bucknell 
• Accounting Major with a 3.54 GPA

We caught up with Griff recently and he had this to say about his memorable season-

"This was definitely the most memorable year I've had at Boston University.  I am planning on returning to BU in the fall and take advantage of my 5th year of eligibility*. I couldn't be more excited.  I'm happy to continue to represent CHS soccer at this level for another season. We have a lot of guys returning and we look to build on the success we had this year. I know all of us have eyes on the Patriot League Championship."

Everyone in the Bulldog Soccer community is behind Griffin as he and his teammates look to 2023. Good luck Griff!

*Note- Due to the lost season caused by Covid-19, NCAA collegiate athletes were all granted a 5th year of eligibility. 

Captains named for 2023 campaign

Matt DeVito containing a 
dangerous Milford player

The CHS Boys Soccer program is proud to announce our 2023 team captains- Matt DeVito, Zaza Francoeur, and Nick Ruggeri.

This group of three rising seniors all bring their own leadership styles with them to the role of captain. They have been handed the important responsibility of helping to lead the program on to our next chapter- a chapter that will be new, exciting and challenging- as the program is saying goodbye to a class of 13 seniors who have made a major impact in the past few seasons.  They have a great opportunity to make a big difference as we begin a new journey. 

Zaza Francoeur skying
over a Milford player 
winning a head ball

Congratulations to all three of them as they begin this important work as leaders and difference-makers! 

Matt DeVito- It's hard to point at another Bulldog who worked harder last off-season at improving his game than Matt.  His drive and commitment are only part of what makes him a great leader.  Matt has a very high standard for himself and provides a great model for his teammates on how to be accountable. His teammates certainly know how much Matt cares about them and the success of the team. Matt trains and plays in the off-season with Scorpions soccer club. 

Zaza Francoeur- Zaza is a great teammate who knows how to put team first. He also has a very positive and thoughtful leadership style. He has the unique ability to hold those around him accountable to high standards while also building them up. He is all upside! He is also a physical presence that earns the respect of those around him. Zaza is currently excelling on the hardwood for the Bulldog Boys Basketball team. 

Nick Ruggeri- Nick started every game in goal for the Bulldogs during the 2022 season. Having someone with his soccer IQ and passion in the goalkeeping position is such a huge positive for our team. Nick knows how to balance his voice with fire and support of his teammates. He currently is competing for the CHS Swim team.  He also trains and plays in the off-season with Commonwealth Football Club. He is the third Ruggeri brother to serve as a CHS Boys Soccer captain- a program first!

Nick Ruggeri in action in the Bulldog goal during the 2022 season