It’s been a long time since the SMCA Mustang Boys’ Varsity Soccer Team last visited the MISAL Championship game; Twenty-one years to be exact. It was Head Coach Matt Gaines’ first year at the helm. The game in 2002 left the Mustang side a second best in the MISAL to then member Key School of Annapolis (Photo included). For Coach Gaines the Championship Game wasn’t as memorable as the semi-final game when the Mustangs upset the heavy favorite Calverton School. As he recalls, that semi-final game ended in a shootout, and several yellow cards were issued to both teams before the Mustangs found themselves headed to final game of the season. In the championship game- the Mustangs created a few good opportunities to
score, but found themselves defending often to the stronger Key School. The Key school prevailed 0-2.

Fast forward to this 2023 season, passing over many MISAL-middle-of-pack seasons. Coach Gaines wanted to make sure this is mentioned, “Though we didn’t enjoy championships, we had many great games and created memories for a lifetime with those athletes through the years.” However, like no other season in comparison this season was different for Coach Gaines and first year Coach Mike Butler, having 12 seniors and many game-tested players. This Mustang side didn’t lose a game, going undefeated in the MISAL and ended with an overall record of ten wins and only two (out of conference) losses. One loss occurred Tuesday of the Championship Week to Covenant Life School in the Post Season MCST- State-Wide Tournament game. Coach Gaines shared, “Though I hated it for the boys; to lose that game, in the second overtime may have helped to gain a certain post season grit. Certainly, they experienced losing and didn’t like, nor wanted to repeat that feeling a second time that same week, on Saturday Night at the Championship game.”

It became an interesting Championship matchup for the Mustangs, when it was determined they would face Takoma Academy, Saturday under the lights. SMCA faced Takoma, at home, just days earlier to finish the regular MISAL League games in a very physical, heated game between MISAL rivals. SMCA was victorious in that match 4-1. The Mustangs knew that Takoma would come out hard in the Championship game looking to avenge the recent regular season loss.

At the final, Takoma didn’t disappoint, making it hard for the Mustangs to get much going in the first half. After halftime, it only took four minutes when SMCA Senior Desmond London’s shot fooled Takoma’s goalkeeper, pinged off post, and found the net. Just three minutes later, CJ Salazar took advantage of a free kick opportunity 30 yards out, finding net for the second goal.
Over the next 30 minutes, the Mustangs did the work defensively, not giving up goals or many good scoring chances. With a few minutes to play, the Mustangs took advantage of Takoma’s need to push forward and got behind their defense. Freshman Jeremy Somerville scored a break-away, game-clinching third goal on a pass from Senior Izzy Arnold. Only a few more
minutes were needed for it to become a reality. The Mustangs had earned their first Boys’ Varsity MISAL Championship- and complete an undefeated run. Congratulations Boys! May we, who experienced and witnessed this magnificent run, smile and remember the bond we all shared, and what we accomplished this season, each time we think of it. Can you hear it – –
Chance Freeman yelling- “Mustangs on three, Mustangs on me, Go Mustangs!”

Thank you from Coach Matt Gaines and Coach Mike Butler!

*2002, second place at the MISAL championship game.