On November 2nd, boy’s soccer traveled to Greater New Bedford for the first round of the MIAA division 2 tournament.  This is the first year for the Rebels in the division 2 bracket, taking a step down from last year’s division, 1.  Post season success has varied for the Rebels in the past three years; their combined post-season record was 2-3 (both wins came last year).  The Rebels upset two higher seeded teams last year before falling to Oliver Ames.

Throughout the first half, you could see that Walpole was the better team.  They controlled play and the only thing missing was a goal, which nearly came when senior Captain Matt Brownsword headed a ball off a corner kick that ended up being cleared by a Bear defender on the goal line.  “It was a little frustrating” said Brownsword, “we wanted to score and send a message that we were a legit  [playoff] contender, but we just could not put it past the keeper”.  Walpole would have many other opportunities to score, but they kept missing the net and shooting it right at the goalie.

The second half ended up being a little more even. Both teams were desperate to score a goal that could ultimately be the game winner.  Walpole’s senior Aj Chauvin played a gutsy game, the whole time being pushed, hit hard and punished with brutal hits for trying to dribble through the defense.  The moment of the game came off a junior Tommy Helm throw in when he put it on the keeper causing him to punch it out right to senior Bobby Ivatts.  With ice in his veins, Ivatts was able to volley the ball from the 18-yard line in the 70th minute to give the Rebels a 1-0 lead.  Greater New Bedford tried desperately to score the equalizer before the final whistle, but the back four consisting of Sophmore Nick Randall, junior Tommy Helm, and seniors Colin Murray, and Brownsword shut down any scoring opportunity to hang onto the win.

Boys Soccer’s next game will come against rival Nauset who the Rebels beat two times in the preseason.