Ashland High School boys soccer is off to a strong start. What 'motivates' them
ASHLAND - Coordinated celebrations follow nearly every Ashland boys soccer goal. The Clockers point to their temples in unison. They lift each other up, metaphorically with cheers and literally with their arms. Sometimes they'll sit and play a quick rock-paper-scissors game.
It's friends enjoying each others' success, but also a recognition of every ball that enters the net's importance.
Had Ashland scored one more goal a year ago, it would have reached the Division 2 state tournament. The Clockers were ranked 21st entering the final game of the season, a senior night clash with Auburn, an 8-6-3 squad with its place secured.
The ensuing 0-0 draw dropped Ashland to 33rd in the Division 2 power rankings, eliminating the Clockers from the state tournament because of their sub-.500 record and place outside the top 32. Just .0627 points ended Ashland's season.
"Everyone's hearts dropped when we saw those rankings," Ashland senior Keegan Kelly.
Clockers a veteran bunch
Only three seniors that saw extended playing time graduated, leaving the sting to linger in Ashland's 2023 squad. Instead of shirking it, the Clockers united around it.
"We use it more as a motivation to take every play as an important play. We played tight the last game of the season with a couple of balls here and there that we could have finished. Maybe we didn't try hard enough, so that's what they use it for," Ashland coach Tiago Mota said. "Every little play matters. Every goal we score matters. Every goal we concede matters, so let's play full out."
The results have followed. After a season-opening 3-2 loss to Division 2 state finalist Hopkinton, the Clockers are unbeaten. Their 4-1-1 record almost matches last season's win total two weeks into the season.
"Come on boys, that's four," junior forward Noah Ramsey said after Wednesday's 6-0 win over Hopedale.
Every win matters. The Clockers know how thin the margins are attempting to qualify for the Division 3 tournament after the latest round of MIAA realignment.
"We were devastated, though we knew what we had to do this season," Ashland senior Matheus Silva said. "We can achieve a lot by playing our game. That's the No. 1 rule. "
A united front
Ashland's game involves playing together. No one dominates the ball with unnecessary touches or they'll hear it from their teammates. Passes stay on the ground and find feet as much as they can.
"We can't lose our heads," Silva said. "I tell these kids every day no team in the (Tri-Valley League) is better than us if we work together."
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They'll know for sure by the end of the season. Ashland only has one non-league game on the schedule: a Saturday, Sept. 30, showdown with Wayland. Other than that, every matchup is for TVL bragging rights.
"Coming into the season, we knew we had a strong schedule ahead of us, but we treat every opponent the same. We want to give every game 100 percent," Ashland senior Carlos Espino said. "We're going in with the thought of trusting each other and making sure we're there for each other because every game is big."
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The Clockers play like they know each other well. They anticipate passes and runs. Missed shots receive support rather than criticism. They encourage each other from the bench to play confidently.
"One of the biggest strengths of our team is the fact that we're all friends. We're not just a bunch of kids from different friend groups," Kelly said. "We came together to play soccer together and just have a laugh."
That joy has buoyed Ashland to its best start since 2020. It's just the beginning.
"Watch out for us," Silva said.
Contact Kyle Grabowski at kgrabowski@gannett.com. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @kylegrbwsk.
This article originally appeared on MetroWest Daily News: Ashland high boys soccer wants to improve after missing 2022 playoffs
