David W. Healy
dhealy@ddtonline.com
Washington School senior Thomas Barr may be out for the soccer season with a leg injury, but Barr is still doing all he can to help his teammates.
During Washington’s 3-0 season opening victory over Hartfield Academy Monday, Barr was standing on crutches the entire game, encouraging his teammates after every fine play.
“It is important for me to be here because these are my friends and teammates,” Barr said. “We have worked so hard together, and I want to see them have a great end to their season.”
Barr, a multiple star athlete at Washington, tore the ACL in his leg during the Generals’ football game against Jackson Prep on Oct. 11.
Barr’s enthusiasm for his teammates has not gone unnoticed, especially from his best friend Will Giachelli. On Monday Giachelli was wearing Barr’s No. 8 jersey in his best friend’s honor.
“I am doing this because Thomas is my best friend, and I want to show him how much we miss having him out here,” Giachelli said.
While the Generals will miss having the services of Barr this season, they still have a deep and talented veteran team that has all the elements of making a deep run at a state championship this season.
The Generals’ victory over Hartfield, a team that advanced all the way to the state title game last season, was further evidence of this fact. Washington controlled possession for most of the game and created many more scoring opportunities than their opponents.
“We have everything we need to have a great season,” Washington coach Jeff Giachelli, Will’s father, said. “We have a lot of seniors who have been playing together for a while so this is the season we have been kind of gearing towards.”
The Generals have senior leadership on the entire field this season. Seniors Caleb Janous and Will Giachelli will control the midfield, while seniors John Bentley Suares and Eli Fratesi will lead a talented group of forwards. Washington seniors Eric Pham and Andy Truong headline a stout General defense.
Also, Washington goalie Bogan Brewer, who Coach Giachelli said had his best game ever Monday, is another senior leader.
Underclassmen, like sophomore Joseph Smith who scored two goals Monday, are also expected to play an important role on this year’s team.
“We are going to be an aggressive team that attacks on offense and takes advantage of our speed,” Coach Giachelli said.
