Facing a one-goal deficit with ten minutes left in Andover Boys Soccer’s game against Exeter last Saturday, John Sandor ’17 slotted a ball to Co-Captain Dylan Mott ’15 at the top of the box. The crowd tensed up as Mott corralled Sandor’s pass and powered past his defender, ultimately firing the shot that would be remembered for years to come. The shot rocketed off of Mott’s foot, curled into the left side netting of the goal and tied the game at one goal apiece, with Mott breaking Boys Varsity Soccer’s all-time scoring record with 48 career goals.
The game ended in a 1-1 draw, effectively ending Andover’s season at 8-3-7.
Earlier in the second half of the match last Saturday, Andover’s rival took the lead by scoring a quick goal on a counter attack. Andover responded emphatically, hammering Exeter’s defense until Mott scored his record-breaking goal.
“We were able to bounce back really well and score one immediately. It really felt like we were going to find a second, but we just couldn’t find a way,” said Nicolas Swenson ’15.
After the score remained tied at 1-1, Andover had numerous opportunities and chances to claim a victory. Co-Captain Josh Murphy ’15 stepped up from his role on the back line and pushed forward as an attacker.
In the closing minutes, Murphy took a free kick after Mott’s goal. Unfortunately, the shot fell just shy of the goal, skimming the post on its way out of bounds.
Anchored by center defender Andy Manos ’16, Andover’s backline held together after getting caught off guard earlier in the half.
Mott continued to take on players and pose a threat to the Exeter goalie. Center midfielder Peder Bakken ’16 drove down the center of the field at a dangerous pace, beating several defenders on multiple occasions, but Exeter’s defense held on for the last few minutes.
Andover played with class and pride as it participated in the oldest high school rivalry in the country. Both teams were very evenly matched and provided a nail-biting game that entertained both Andover and Exeter fans alike.
Andover’s final record did not qualify for the New England Class A Prep School Tournament. Mott closed out the season and his final soccer game at Andover by beating the record for most career goals, formerly held by Garnet Hathaway ’10, who had scored 47.
“Playing my last game against Exeter was very special, and I am very proud of how the team played. It was great to break the record in front of the Andover fans and my family in my last game,” wrote Mott in an email to The Phillipian.
As eight Seniors move on and hang up their Andover uniforms, some reflected on the season.
Murphy said, “Although we didn’t make the playoffs, I’m glad the Exeter game on Saturday was my last game in an Andover uniform. The only word to describe the atmosphere Saturday night was ‘special.’ It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”
In an email to The Phillipian, Ben Reinisch ’15 wrote, “From the end of August up until [Andover-Exeter], there was never a moment that the guys on the team didn’t give 100 percent every day in training and in games. We came up a little short this year, but it wasn’t due to a lack of effort. I was proud and grateful to be a part of such a team.”
