WESTPORT — It was a night of joy and happiness for the Westport boys soccer team.
The Wildcats celebrated their long-awaited 2023 Division 5 state championship Thursday in front of a packed ballroom at the Whites of Westport, including family, friends, alumni and school administrators.
Westport players received bags of goodies, including state champion jackets, photos from their visit to the state capitol and a small replica of the state champion trophy with their names on it. State championship rings have been delayed but are on the way. The rings will be presented to teams in May.
“This has great meaning. [tonight]”It's amazing how much effort everyone has put in during the season,” Wildcats senior midfield captain Ben Novo said.
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Undefeated Westport defeated Boston International Newcomer Academy in the Division 5 state semifinals, clinching a ticket to the state finals for the first time in school history. In the final state game, the Wildcats defeated Douglas in double overtime and penalty kicks to win the school's first MIAA state championship in any sport. Westport, the No. 8 seed, defeated No. 1, No. 2 and No. 4 seeds in the tournament, finishing the season with an impressive record of 22-0-1.
“Overall, the program continued to adapt,” said Wildcats tri-captain and Mayflower Athletic Conference Player of the Year Marcos Dutra Africano. “Finally, this year we had a chance to win a championship. It's all thanks to the coaching staff, the players and the people before us. It was amazing.”
Head coach Chris Parker detailed the team's journey from the 2017 season, which finished 3-11-4, to the state championship. He said during the playoffs he was confident about the team's chances of reaching the pinnacle.
“This is the culmination of so many little things over seven years,” Parker said. “This was really the road to ultimate excellence. I knew this program could one day win a big championship. There were a few things we needed to do to get things going our way. But they happened. Going into the tournament, we felt like this was our year. We're a team of destiny.”
The hero of the final, Nysaiah Pacheco, scored the goal in the penalty shootout to give the Wildcats a 1-0 victory and their second state title. He won titles at St. Raphael Academy in Rhode Island and now Westport.
“I’m really happy for my second win,” Pacheco laughed. “I'm glad to be able to celebrate with my team and coaches. It's a really great feeling.”
Superintendent Thomas F. Aubin called the celebration the proudest moment of his life. Laura Charette said this was a victory for the school, the community and everyone who believed in them.
Westport athletic director and master of ceremonies Shelley Morris said she was proud of the boys for making it through in their first year. Parker also said he ran a program better than some of the Division I college programs he's been a part of.
herald news Youth Soccer Player of the Year and goalkeeper Noah Amaral said tonight was a special night.
“Honestly, it feels good to see everyone come out,” Amaral said. “Our community, our staff, our school, our friends and past seniors come out. You can see that everyone loves each other here. This is a close-knit community. That's what it's all about. ”
Junior forward Will Quinlan, who scored a team-high 32 goals, said don't count them out for another shot at a state title.
“I think we’re going to take it to them next season,” Quinlan said. “We will do our best to win the championship once again. We will have a strong team next year.”
Steven Sanchez, sports editor for the Herald News and Taunton Daily Gazette, can be reached at ssanchez@heraldnews.com. You can follow him on Twitter @Chezsports.