Bruins Open Homecoming with Soccer Victory

The varsity soccer team kicked off Homecoming Weekend by hosting St. Luke’s under the lights of Cosby Field, ultimately extending its win streak to four games with a 2-1 victory.

These teams were evenly matched, both possessing well through the midfield and producing quality chances on goal. The visitors had the best opportunity to get on the board first, with a shot past senior GK Phil Stabinsky going off the left post in the 11th minute. Shortly after, junior striker Patrick O’Donohue had a volley on net that went off the crossbar.

First points came in the 32nd minute. Coming fresh off the bench to give more speed to the Bruins’ attacking line, Luke James took-down a clearance over the top and was fouled going toward goal. Will Higgs ‘25 played the ensuing free kick on net, which bounced around and landed on the foot of senior Kieran Raker, who confidently deposited it bottom right.

Eight minutes later, Raker laid a ball off to O’Donohue near midfield, who took on a few defenders, found a little bit of space, and laced a shot into the top right corner of the net from 25 yards out.

Down two at the half, St. Luke’s fought hard to get back in the game. Just five minutes into the second frame, the Storm put a shot on goal that required a big save and deflection from Stabinsky to his right. In the ensuing scrum to claim the rebound in the box, a foul was called that resulted in a PK. The visitors converted to make it 2-1.

While that ended up being the last tally of the match, both teams had their chances. Ben Matitia ‘24 and John Buttafuoco ‘25 gave a spark to ’Wick’s front line with strong play down the wings. Stabinsky was tasked with making a few more saves (six total for the match) before the final whistle, the biggest of which coming down with a cross to halt a scoring attempt in the 87th minute.

The home team had complete game performances from its defensive back-four, as Sebi Medina ’25, Charlie Perkins ’26, Ollie Leonard ’25, and Johnny Saunders ’24 never came off the pitch. Along with Higgs, junior Theo Perkins and senior Tyler Quake played impactful minutes in the midfield.

The Bruins head up to Salisbury on Wednesday for another NEPSAC Class-A matchup.