All In: Milton Academy Boys’ Soccer Team’s Plan for a Three-peat Championship

Asa Strauss ‘25

64 Wins. 5 draws. 5 Losses. A winning percentage of over 85%. In other words, pure dominance. Many people think that Milton's recent success is somewhat new; however, Milton Boys Soccer has been dominating the ISL for the past 6 years, recently emerging as NEPSAC Class A Champions. In the past three years, the team has a 91% win rate, far better than any other team in the ISL.

In November of last year, Milton Boys Varsity Soccer pulled off the incredible—winning the Class A NEPSAC championship. 300 days later, the team sits on top of the New England Soccer Journals rankings amongst New England Prep Schools.

The team is confident in their goal to disregard the rankings and compete well in every game. Senior Captain and Stanford Men's Soccer commit Joshua Partal ‘25 stated “With the combination of the core seniors and the new kids coming in, the chemistry has been the best [he’s] seen in [his] time at Milton.” It comes as no surprise, as the leadership exhibited by both Hayes Benzan ’25 and Partal, along with that of the multiple other seniors, has facilitated some of the most recent dominant soccer plays the ISL has ever seen. Partal cites Silas Lawrence ‘25’s teamwork as an example, “[Lawrence] has adapted very well and has emerged as one of the biggest key players on the team. His ability to adapt within our recently developed 3-5-2 system has been breathtaking.” Notably, Lawrence, who recently committed to Trinity College men’s soccer, scored 8 goals along with 4 assists last year for the Mustangs.

Lawrence is not alone in his performance, as high-impact players are found all over the starting 11 players, as well as on the bench. Onur Gurol ‘25 says that “what matters isn’t winning—it’s about playing cohesively as a team.”

Though Milton did have a very convincing game on Wednesday, beating Phillips Exeter Academy 6-0, they are determined to not be complacent at any point this season. Players are happy with the game’s outcome, but it is going to take more than one blowout game to please these players, as they have one thing in sight: holding the trophy once more, and for the twelve, for one last time.

Even though Milton has many returning players, the speed at which new teammates adapt and play together will determine the outcome of the season. The team will by no means have an easy road to the postseason, but through their passionate captains and relentless leadership under head coach Chris Kane, the determination of all on the roster should make for an exciting season for everyone to remember.