Pats’ dominant second half conquers Framingham, 4-0, in varsity soccer
To open its 2026 season, the Acton-Carlisle boys team also secured a victory against Dearborn STEM on September 8.
After a lackluster first half draw, the Acton-Carlisle boys varsity soccer team erupted in the second half to bring home a 4-0 win over No. 9 Framingham on September 10 in the Patriots’ first away game of the season.
- Team record: Overall 2-0-0; Dual County League 0-0-0
- Big game: Rory Best scored two goals by pouncing on rebounds off rocket shots by senior Max Hepworth. For the game, Hepworth had three assists and added a goal with a breakaway on a long pass over the Framingham defense from defender Nate Sealy.
- Turning point: After 60 minutes of scoreless soccer, the Pats asserted control with two goals in three minutes. Taking a pass from Donovan Eaton, Hepworth blasted a close-range shot on goal. Best attacked the rebound to notch the first goal of the game. Three minutes later, Liam Nielsen scored his first goal of the season, touching home from close range off a corner kick.
- Unsung hero: Zach Smith prowled the midfield relentlessly defending against the Framingham attack, winning numerous duels to regain possession. Goalie Max Furman recorded the shutout.
- Up next: The Patriots were to host Bedford High on September 14.
CCHS 1, Dearborn STEM Academy 0
Opening its 2026 season, Acton-Carlisle saw its game-long offensive dominance bear fruit with a late goal by Rayan Boutrig, securing the Patriots’ victory on September 8.
- Big game: Best came away with many contested balls as a defensive midfielder, Nielsen controlled possession and the game’s tempo in central midfield, and right back Burke Breimyer won multiple aerial duels and contributed offensively and defensively.
- Turning point: With the match scoreless in the 69th minute, left back Sam Keener played a long outlet pass up the line to midfield, finding Nielsen, who swiftly pivoted and played a through ball to Boutrig. Boutrig directed the ball into the Dearborn net for the game-winner.
- Unsung hero: Owen Tompsett won 50/50 balls on the offensive side of the field and delivered dangerous free kicks into the opponent’s box to help the Pats outshoot Dearborn 15-2.
