As the players boarded the bus, an atmosphere of excitement was elevated to a new level. The first game of the season.

For some, it will be the first varsity game of many to come. For others, however, the season opener against Framingham will be the beginning of their last Needham High School varsity season.

The back of the bus is crowded with varsity players, each preparing for the game in his own unique manner. Kyle Radley allows his well-known loud voice to echo throughout the bus. Chris McLaughry sits reservedly in the last seat, quietly concentrating on the upcoming game. The others fall somewhere in between, some joining in conversation, and some minding their own business. One thing, however, binds all these players together. The first game of the season. Every player is anxiously awaiting a chance to face one of the top powers in the Bay State Conference in order to make an early statement about the Needham High Varsity Boys’ Soccer Team: Watch Out.

The last two weeks have been spent vigorously preparing for the season, and anticipating "one of our first real big contests," according to Coach Don Brock. The team traveled to Framingham on Tuesday ready to play intense soccer. The game went back and forth, scoreless through the first 74 minutes. Both teams had trouble controlling the ball, as countless long balls flew both ways. Needham’s strategy of strict ball control and spreading the field fell apart, as one and two-touch passes became dribbling and sending wild through balls to the forwards running. Framingham’s full returning defensive lineup, including the goalie, shut down Needham’s forwards repeatedly. Framingham played very physically, and Needham had trouble contesting its strength during the first half. The second half proved to be a different story, as Needham stepped up its game to a new level.

As the game began to wind down, many onlookers suspected a disappointing tie. Needham is well known for its big late-game goals, as it proved last year, with a tie against Weymouth due to a goal in the 79^th minute. Once again, Needham showed its endurance, as a quick move by senior Eric DeBear drew a foul in the penalty box with five and a half minutes to play. Senior Mitch Kumin scored on the penalty kick to give the Rockets the goal they would need to prevail over Framingham.

Needham’s 1-0 victory is the start of what many feel could be a season with high aspirations. Nevertheless, Coach Brock and the players understand that they will need to work harder in practice and perform better in the games to bring continued success this fall.

Needham’s lack of scoring added pressure to the defense, which, in turn provided outstanding support. Captain Chris McLaughry played the entire game, stopping several big Framingham advances, and Captain Pete Bowring provided tight marking and much offensive play that aided Needham’s attack. McLaughry is confident about the ability of the defense. "If our defense plays as a unit and sticks together, I think we can stop any forwards in the league," remarked McLaughry. Additionally, seniors Zack Gilroy and Dan Shapiro supplied Needham with tough play and several big stops. Sophomore keeper Cole Davidson had a spectacular game, with huge saves on several threatening shots. "Making a big save is the best feeling in the world," said Davidson after the game.

Coach Brock is most pleased with the team’s depth. "Having so many seniors with so much experience…seems to be the part that I think is the best." Brock is also satisfied with the juniors in support roles, as they have progressed significantly since the first practice.

After the first game, the team was quite satisfied. Said McLaughry, "We really pulled together as a team and stepped it up against Framingham. We have a lot of work to do, but it’s looking good so far." Senior Captain Tommy Day felt very much the same way. "I think it’s great that we…started the season off with a win," he commented, "but we can’t be thinking we can roll over all these teams. There’s still a lot to improve on."

The team does need to work hard, but there is no better way to start the season than with a win. The Rockets will continue to work hard, which will be crucial with a Somerset and Weymouth rapidly approaching in the schedule. Needham has established itself with solid play year after year in one of the toughest conferences in the state, and this year will again send fear throughout the league.