The Wayland boys soccer team is on a roll, coming into its senior night with two straight wins against North Reading and Boston Latin. The Warriors haven’t lost a single game since their season opener against Acton-Boxborough, when they lost 1-0. However, they haven’t let that defeat stop them, and had all the momentum going into their match against Westford Academy on Friday, Oct. 15.

In the first half, the game was very even. Both teams had multiple chances to put the ball in the back of the net. Junior Ryan Prince took a shot from around the 25-yard line that was just barely saved by the fully outstretched goalkeeper. This chance gave Wayland fans hope for a big game offensively. Senior captain Ben Chen was controlling the offense very well, distributing the ball quickly and effectively to his teammates.

The second half was very exciting. Both offenses turned up the heat and Wayland was given a free kick to try and take the lead. junior Leighton Quinn put in a fantastic ball into the box that senior Ryan MacDonald controlled with his head. His header went over to senior Alfonso Alvarez, who used his head to put the ball past the Westford Academy goalkeeper and put the Warriors up 1-0. The crowd was ecstatic, cheering the team on and chanting several celebratory chants.

However, Westford Academy wouldn’t go down without a fight. A couple minutes later, Westford Academy’s Roman Munichiello dribbled through the Wayland midfield. He then proceeded to lay it off to Ethan O’Connor, who took a shot that beat Warriors junior goalkeeper Jake Crawford, and tied the game up for the Grey Ghosts 1-1.

A very serious injury occurred late in the game. Sophomore and new student at Wayland High School, Miguel Kast Puga, separated his shoulder during a collision with a Westford Academy defender. He went to the bench and had to be carted into an ambulance. Fortunately, reports say that Kast is okay, but will miss significant time through playoffs.

After the goal by the Grey Ghosts, Wayland didn’t back down. Both teams kept fighting for that next goal to possibly win the game. The fans were on their feet, and they made as much noise as they had all night. With just over ten minutes to go, Wayland senior Garrett Spooner put in a cross in the Westford penalty box. The Westford goalkeeper saved a shot, and the bounced to the top of the box. Junior Luke Caples was in the right place at the right time. He took advantage of the play, and shot the ball with power, putting it in the back of the net. This was Caples’ first varsity goal and what a time to do it, giving Wayland the win on their senior night, 2-1.

Following their senior night victory, Wayland’s next week would end with a 1-1-1 record.