Winchester boys soccer catches fire at the right time with the playoffs looming

Author: Joe McConnell | Winchester News Correspondent

Unbeaten in their last four games, including Monday’s (Oct. 6) 1-1 tie against Lexington at home, the Winchester High School boys soccer team (5-3-2) is getting hot at the right time with six games left in the regular season.

Winchester High School boys soccer senior tri-captain Khadir Kumuran (10) shows off his skills to maintain possession of the ball during the Belmont game on Sept. 27. COURTESY PHOTO/WINCHESTER HIGH SCHOOL BOYS SOCCER

The Red & Black started their most recent run of successes against visiting Reading on Sept. 24, 3-1. They then shutdown Belmont (2-0, Sept. 27) and Wakefield (3-0, Sept. 30), also at Knowlton, before the stalemate against the Minutemen, a team that defeated them previously on Sept. 17, 3-1.

“We’re playing very well right now,” said Coach Vin Musto, “and with six games left in the regular season, we are heating up at the right time. Hopefully, we can stay committed, consistent and coachable down the stretch.”

Against Reading, Cole Queenan got the offense going with a solo effort goal. Shawn Kinyangui then notched the game-winner from Lachlan Archer, followed by Adam O’Riordan’s insurance marker, which was set up by Seif Ebeid.

Queenan ignited the offense again in the Belmont game after taking a pass from Sam Crafts. Kinyangui was credited with the goal that gave his teammates some breathing room with help from Khadir Kumuran.

Kinyangui then went on to pace the offensive attack against the Warriors with two goals and one assist. O’Riordan and Mert Dalkalinc were responsible for the helpers on his scores, while he set up Faris Ebeid for the second goal of the game.

Winchester High School boys soccer senior tri-captain Marvin Li (4) boots the ball into the offensive zone to set up a play during the Wakefield game on Sept. 30. COURTESY PHOTO/WINCHESTER HIGH SCHOOL BOYS SOCCER

In the hard-fought game against Lexington, Ben D’Antoni provided the team’s lone goal from Marvin Li that helped produce another valuable point in the standings. William Brown was the goaltender of record in all four of these games.

The Red & Black will complete this week against league rival Watertown on Wednesday, Oct. 8, at Watertown’s Fillipello Park, starting at 7 p.m. They will then return home to Knowlton Stadium to take on Arlington Monday morning (Oct. 13), beginning at 10 a.m.

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