The Francis W. Parker boy’s soccer team, lead by veteran coach Neil Curran, has won regionals for the first time in six seasons. The big win came on Tuesday, October, 17, with a 2-0 triumph over Marine Leadership Academy.
Senior captain, Massimo Franco was very proud of the success and said, “I am incredibly proud of the team. We deserve it. This is the first Parker soccer team that I’ve been a part of that wanted to win for each other and that showed.”
Curran was also very enthusiastic about the win and was thrilled that the seniors got to leave a tremendous legacy on the program. He is also looking forward to the future of this program, and told The Weekly in a statement that, “this sets the stage for the program to get back to its winning ways.”
After starting the season strong with a 7-1-1 record, the Colonels fell victim to losing eight of their last nine games before the state tournament. Despite this, they were able to turn it around with the correct mindset and the right headspace. Franco played a significant role in the shift. “It all started at practice,” said Franco. “Shifting our behavior and mindset the week prior to regionals made the difference.”
After their strong win, the soccer season ended in a loss to Cristo Rey St. Martin College Prep, in the sectional semifinal, losing 3-5.“I am so proud of everyone for keeping their heads high and pushing to keep the season going,” said Franco. “I am proud of the way we played our last game, and how everyone fought until the last moment.”
Curran believed the team could’ve gone further this year under different circumstances. “I believe that if we had received more support for training during the regular season this team could have gone much farther than the regional title,” said Curran.
