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Even though they lost their first playoff game 1-0 against King Philip Regional High School, the Varsity Barnstable Boys Soccer team still had a quite remarkable season. In 2022, they had an outstanding season, so walking into this one meant they had a lot of pressure, while losing some key players as well. They started off the season a little rough as some players said they lacked communication, but they continued to persevere and in the end secured the Cape & Islands league title.
“We did pretty good. We didn’t communicate a lot, but it was enough. A negative would be us yelling at each other when it wasn’t needed,” said senior Kaique Ranucci, “At first I started with confidence. Then the next two practices I wasn’t doing well and didn’t feel confident, but I continued to work, had time off and then eventually started games.”
Despite the pressure they had weighing on them to improve from the previous season, they still showed that they had the passion and will to win the league. “At first we didn’t know because we tied the game against Nauset. But when we found out about the title, we were happy,” said senior João Pedro Goncalves.
Other players shared highlights from the 10-3-5 season. “When I scored a goal against DY and took off my shirt to praise God,” said senior Samuel Da Silva,“I knew it was my senior night and wanted to evangelize, so I took my chance.” He celebrated by taking off his jersey to read the message “All Glory To God” under it. “I believe that all that I have in my life is by him and through him,” said Samuel Da Silva explaining what the message meant to him and how religion and God is very important to him in his life.
Samuel Da Silva scored two goals against DY. Not only was that a memorable moment, but Barnstable’s senior night was a victorious game with a 5-0 win. That night was to celebrate all their seniors:Philipe Ribeiro, Matheus Silva, Samuel Da Silva, João Pedro Goncalves, Rafael Vasconcelos, Kaique Ranucci, Douglas Carr, Kevin Martinez, and Finn O’Donnell.
Not only are these teammates playing the sport they love, they said they are creating special bonds and reconnecting with people they’ve known since they were kids. “Vitinho (Vitor Cesar Cruz) because we are from the same city and he’s like a brother to me,” said Samuel Da Silva about who on the team he is closest with. They are both from the city Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, which is located on the west side of Brazil.
Confidence is key to having good performance, “I gave André Da Silva advice because he was just not getting games, and was not confident. I told him to relax and work hard because his time will come,” said Ranucci on the advice given to one of his younger teammates.
Seniors weren’t the only ones celebrating the winning season. “I’m really happy. The best thing I can do is not let the pressure get to me and do the best I can,” said sophomore Marcelo Diamantino. He succeeded in scoring 27 goals this season (two away from tying the all-time record for Barnstable). Diamantino was also named the MVP of the Cape & Islands league.
But he wasn’t always playing as a striker. When he was younger at a tournament, he was a midfielder. His dad had told the coach to put him in the front as a striker and in that match, he scored four goals. Since then, he’s never left that position, said Diamantino. In the world of professional soccer, one of his favorite strikers is Erling Haaland who is a Manchester City player from Norway.
“Improving throughout the season, having a good mentality, and keeping the most positive mindset,” said sophomore André Da Silva about his expectations for himself. Throughout the season improvements were shown due to not only hard work during games but also showing up to practice, which gave him more experience and confidence.
“Looking for the good in things and persevering,” said André Da Silva about some things he values. Even when a match wouldn’t go in their favor, looking back on what they succeeded in and continuing to work hard was evident for the title.
