By Mark Agostinelli
Led by seven starting seniors, the Sturgis East 2014 boys soccer team took the Cape and Islands League by storm posting a record of 10 wins, 5 losses, and 3 ties and narrowly missing the league title. The team clinched the fifth seed in the State D4 South Sectional Tournament but ultimately fell in the quarter-finals to Archbishop Williams, who went on to be first runner-up of the entire D4 state tournament. Despite the graduation of seven starters, the 2015 Sturgis Storm boys soccer team is committed to build upon this recent success and return to the state tournament for the seventh consecutive year.
Junior captain Mark Agostinelli and Senior captain Ahmad Akkawi will be vital to the team’s success this year as they work to establish chemistry and create a sense of urgency in this young team. Only two incoming seniors, Akkawi and Carter Otis, have started at the varsity level, and this lack of veteran experience will require the entire team to step up and lead each other.
Last year, the boys soccer team reached an unparalleled level of success due to its impenetrable defense. Allowing a record-low 11 goals in 18 regular season matchups, the Storm conceded the fewest goals in the Cape & Islands League. Returning to defense are the “Big Three”: center defensive midfielder Sawyer Gibbons, as well as center defenders Mark Agostinelli and Carter Otis.
Possible X factor, Matt Donahue, looks to make his mark this season after being hindered by a strained hip flexor for most of last year’s regular season. When asked about his hopes for the team this fall, he responded, “I have high expectations for the Storm this year. Many of us have been playing together over the summer and working hard to improve, and our goal is to win our first state game ever.”
The Storm begins its season on September 15 with its home opener against Sturgis West at Old Townhouse field in South Yarmouth. Mark your calendar now for the Sturgis East vs. West Homecoming boys soccer game to be held on Friday, October 23, at Old Townhouse Field at 6:30 p.m.! Go Storm!