In the final seconds of the match with an even score, Wayland’s seventh- and eighth-grade boys’ soccer team lined up for a corner kick. The ball flew into the box and bounced around in a scramble before Jackson Walker knocked it into the net. Moments later, the referee blew the final whistle, and Wayland was crowned state champion in the Massachusetts Tournament of Champions (MTOC).
Wayland started their campaign in the Boston Area Youth Soccer (BAYS) league, finishing the regular season with a record of seven wins, two losses, and one tie, which advanced them to the BAYS playoffs. There, they defeated Newton 3–1 in the semifinals and Walpole 3–2 in the final, qualifying for the state tournament.
At MTOC, Wayland dominated the group stage with a 7–1 win over Halifax, a 2–0 win against Bridgewater, and a 6–0 win over Fall River. They continued their run in the semifinals, shutting out Leominster 3–0 to reach the championship match against Westford. Wayland fell behind early but tied the game just before halftime. Westford reclaimed the lead in the second half, but again Wayland equalized. With the game still tied in the closing moments, Wayland earned a corner kick where Walker secured the 3–2 victory.
Coaches: Carlos Villatoro, Danielle Silverman, Damian Zedower, Clovis Schaff
Players: Caiden Alhart, Kaydan Arthur, Frank Chen, Danny Feldman, Henry Garry, Chase Green, Lucas Homyak-Silva, Matthew Jung, Jax LoPresti, Sam McQuilkin, Wyatt Miles, Ethan Rosenbaum, Ulysse Schaff, Isaiah Schamberg, Jacob Smith, Ryan Silverman, Charlie Villatoro, Jackson Walker, Caden Zedower.
