By Riley Fontana
Hometown Weekly Reporter
The Westwood Wolverines took on the Billerica Memorial Indians in the first round of the Division Two Boys Soccer State Championships. Westwood left everything on the field, forcing two overtime periods and penalty kicks. Billerica was able to come out on top 2-1 and advance to the next round.
Westwood was able to keep Billerica from scoring thanks to goalie and Senior Captain AJ Alex, who turned out countless shots on goal. Seniors Charlie Martin and Hugh Nicholson were key players on defense, keeping Billerica from obtaining a scoring position. Junior Leo Chilangwa was a key player on offense, fighting through the Billerica defense to put shots on goal. Junior Matt Rosa and Sophomore Jack Tateosian were in the attacking zone, fighting for possession of the ball. The first half ended with a 0-0 score.
Westwood kicked into high gear for the second half, fighting even harder against Billerica. Junior Nico Castro fought with several opposing players for control of the ball, and Chilangwa began to break up Billerica’s plays. Billerica scored the first goal with 35:15 left in the second half. Senior Captain Matt Preti was a vital player breaking apart plays, and forcing Billerica to change their game. With 19:21 left in the half Junior Trevor Ferreira scored the tying goal, and the second half ended with a 1-1 tie.
The first overtime changed the energy on the field. Westwood fans rushed from their seats to the edge of the stands, cheering every second of play. Ferreira broke up countless Billerica plays, pushing Westwood into the attacking zone. Junior Owen Rezek was able to put up a huge scoring attempt, to be turned away by the Billerica goalie. Goaltender Alex was showing off his skills, blocking several shots by Billerica. The first overtime ended with no scoring updates.
Westwood fought with everything they had in the second overtime period. The offense and defense worked as one, communicating and placing the ball for each play. Rezek was able to attempt another shot but was turned away again. The stands were screaming for every player in possession of the ball, bringing up the on-field energy. Alex put up more saves and the defense tried their best to quell Billerica’s scoring attempts. The second overtime ended with the same 1-1 tied score.
Penalty kicks are where the game concludes. AJ Alex was a star the entire game and was a key player in blocking out Billerica's attempts. Matt Preti, Charlie Martin, Trevor Ferreira, Lexi Michalalcos and Owen Rezek were able to net goals, unfortunately, a final kick by Billerica’s goalkeeper put them on top. Billerica Memorial walked away with a 2-1 win.
The Westwood Wolverines boy's soccer season and playoff run ends here. They fought hard all season and left everything on the field against Billerica. Westwood proved how hard they can fight to win. They are planning for next season and wishing well to all graduating seniors in their future endeavors.
