LEOMINSTER — The epicenter of the Massachusetts soccer world in 2025 is Natick.
In a dramatic Division 1 boys ultimate, Cole Boggis’ purpose with 7:51 left in regulation helped the Redhawks upend No. 1 St. John’s Prep, 3-2, for the varsity’s first boys soccer title and a sweep of the D1 crowns.
“It’s simply phenomenal. Two nice groups and I’m so pleased with my guys,” Natick coach Dan Joseph mentioned. “These guys are essentially the most resilient group I’ve ever been with. We threw every thing at them and St. John’s saved hammering again.”
On the most important stage of the season, the Redhawks’ (17-5-0) finest gamers shone within the shiny solar at Doyle Discipline.
All-America choice Luke Dougherty had a purpose and helped arrange Boggis’ winner. Boggis additionally added two assists whereas goalkeeper Jack Stephens survived a Prep onslaught within the second half, making 9 of his 12 stops within the second half.
In entrance of a raucous crowd, the Redhawks made an early assertion as Boggis reduce by means of the Prep protection and fed Owen Ford for a one-touch end previous Matt Droggitis simply 2:15 in.
Natick’s protection additionally saved the explosive Eagles’ offense in examine for many of the first 40 minutes. Nevertheless it wouldn’t be that approach on the half as Ryan King completed off a nifty again go from Finn McCabe with 2:48 left to tie issues on the break.
The fireworks have been solely starting as St. John’s (19-2-2) got here out of the halftime break intent on taking management. Garrison Murphy had two golden probabilities for the lead within the opening minutes however got here away empty.
One All-American was snakebit at one finish, one other one, nonetheless, gave Natick the lead once more within the forty seventh minute. Daugherty took a Boggus feed and didn’t miss from in shut.
Murphy, nonetheless, was relentless in protecting the stress on the Natick protection, and with 26:33 left, his efforts have been lastly rewarded off an ideal by means of ball from Michael Hutchinson.
The ebb and stream continued as Dougherty simply missed on two shining probabilities halfway by means of however Joseph knew that if he may getting the ball to him, one thing good was coming.
“I knew if we may simply get excessive yet another time, the place it was Cole or Luke, I used to be assured they have been going to fit it,” Joseph mentioned.
That proved to be the way in which the winner got here as Dougherty lofted a go to Boggus, who was in a position to defend off a defender and tuck his shot round Droggitis.
Stephens would deal with the remainder for Natick as he stopped three Prep corners over the ultimate 5 minutes to get the Redhawks to the title.
“This simply means a lot. They performed their hearts out and simply how we wished them to,” Joseph mentioned.
