On Friday, Sept. 12, the boys varsity soccer team took on Natick High School in their second home game of the season. Natick won the game, with a final score of 2-1. This game had some heightened anticipation, as Naticks’ viral goal against Milton on Sept. 3 circulated the school.

First half:

The game started off evenly matched, with possession of the ball going back and forth. Throughout the first half, there were multiple strong shots, yet they were saved by both teams’ goalies. With 17 minutes left in the first half, senior captain Max Walsh scored to get Wayland on the board. The first half ended with Wayland up 1-0.

Second half:

The second half of the game started with strong defense from both teams. Although no penalty kicks occurred, it was a physical game with contact from both sides. Senior Kane Chen and a Natick player briefly shoved each other after the whistle was blown, before Chen’s teammates intervened and the conflict was resolved.

With 24 minutes left in the second half, Natick scored. Wayland called a timeout a few minutes later to catch their breaths, which was almost immediately followed by another Natick goal with 20 minutes left in the game. Neither team scored for the remainder of the game, and Natick took home the win.

“I think we came out really strong in the first half [and] had Natick on their heels,” sophomore Harry Stein said. “Unfortunately in the second [half], we let them back in the game, but overall we were able to compete with a high level [Division I] team, and I think this team can do great things.”

Wayland’s next game is on Thursday, Sept 18 against Weston High School.