By: Brian Higgins (Correspondent)

The Sharon Varsity Boys Soccer team finished the 2019 season with a 6-7-5 record led by coach Bryan Kelly and captains Michael Baur, Brian Higgins, Isaiah Stessman, and Bryce Nathan. They ended the season in 3rd place in the Davenport division after registering 17 points on the season making it the program’s best season since 2016.

Despite falling one point short of playoffs, the team had an amazing run in the regular season after losing just 4 of their final 14 games. The Nest played a major role in the success of the team as they came out in numbers every single home game. “Seeing the fans form a tunnel for us after all the home games made me proud to go to Sharon,” said senior Viktor Schneider.

The season started with 3 losses and a tie but the boys bounced back with a 1-0 win over North Attleboro after Michael Baur headed in a corner from Higgins with just 2 minutes left.

Sharon then won 3-1 against Taunton as junior Coby Jacobson assisted Higgins in the 6th minute of the game for his first of the season. 10 minutes into the second half, Michael Baur scored a penalty kick with Higgins adding an insurance goal late on.

The Eagles beat the Canton Bulldogs 2-0 away at Canton later that week with Schneider netting his first of the season off an assist from freshman Matt Keshekian who also drew a penalty kick which was converted by Michael Baur. 

Later that week, Sharon lost 4-2 to Kelley-Rex champions Oliver Ames. Bryce Nathan scored a freekick from 40 yards out while Michael Baur scored the goal of the season, hitting the top corner from 30 yards out.

Sharon then tied Attleboro 1-1 with a goal from Higgins assisted by sophomore James Zhang. The next day, the Eagles beat Foxboro 2-0 after Michael Baur assisted Schneider 2 minutes into the game, and assisted junior Mason Benton 15 minutes later. Freshman goalkeeper Matthew Baur had a huge game and helped lead Sharon to the win.

The next week, Sharon tied Stoughton 1-1 after Higgins scored a penalty kick, and lost 2-0 to Franklin. They then lost 6-4 to Milford with 2 goals from Higgins who scored a freekick and 2 goals and 1 assist from Ben Nathan.

The Eagles tied North Attleboro 0-0 before traveling to Gillette Stadium to play Canton. Sharon made the most of the once in a lifetime opportunity as they won 2-0 after Schneider gave Sharon the lead finishing off a rebound from Higgins’ shot. Benton then scored off an assist from Schneider as Bryce Nathan played a major role defensively. 

Following a 1-0 loss to Foxboro, Sharon celebrated senior night with a 3-0 win over Stoughton as Higgins scored off an assist from Schneider who then set up Michael Baur to make it 2-0. Ben Nathan assisted freshman Rhys Davis for his 2nd of the season to make it 3-0.

The season came to an end on October 30 after an unfortunate tie against Walpole with the goal coming from Stessman. The team remains proud of all they achieved this season.

“This team was really special and they, along with the fans, made this season an incredible way to end my high school soccer career,” said Michael Baur.