The Generals were not going to let the cold temperatures or the muddy conditions prevent them from achieving their goal.
The Washington School boys soccer team advanced to Saturday’s MAIS Class 4A state championship game by defeating visiting St. Aloysius 4-2 in the state semifinals on Thursday.
The Generals will take on Hartfield Academy in the championship game Saturday. The championship game is scheduled to start at 4 p.m. at Jackson Academy.
In what head coach Jeffrey Giachelli called a “total team” effort, the Generals jumped out to a 3-1 lead at halftime Thursday. They then held on with solid defense in the second half for the victory. Once again, the Washington core group of seniors came up big in the biggest moments. Senior Eli Fratesi scored two goals. Senior John Bentley Suares and Caleb Janous each scored a goal, and senior Will Giachelli recorded two assists.
“It was rough out their,” Suares said. “It was cold and windy, but we just kept working together and we got the job done. This team has such good camaraderie, and we always play together and stick together no matter what.”
Many of the seniors on this year’s team are trying to bookend their careers with state championships. When the Generals last won a state championship in 2016, Will Giachelli, for example, was an eighth grader who scored a goal in the championship game.
Coach Giachelli said one of the great thing about his players is that they are always willing to work hard and listen to his instructions.
The coach added that because of the conditions it was important for his team to get out to an early lead in Thursday’s game. The semifinal game was played on the Washington School football field. Players on both teams struggled to find solid ground as the recent days of heavy rain turned the field into a muddy slush.
Washington School goalie Bogan Brewer made a number of fine saves in the game. St. Aloysius scored their second goal midway through the second half to cut the Washington lead to 3-2. But, the Generals, never panicked and kept working together as a team.
The Generals have dedicated the season to their injured teammate Thomas Barr, who injured his leg during football season and has been unable to play soccer all season. But, despite being unable to play, Barr has been on the sidelines for every game cheering on his friends and teammates. Many times this season Barr has appeared like an assistant coach as he shouts encouragement to his teammates on the field.
With one more victory, Barr and his fellow Generals will be champions again.
