BY MATT SCHOOLEY As the saying goes, defense wins championships. Of course, scoring six goals in the state finals doesn’t hurt either. The Hopkinton High School boys soccer team completed its quest for a third consecutive Class M title with a 6-0 win over Sanborn Regional on Saturday, Nov. 8, at Merrimack Valley High School. During its four tournament games, the defense didn’t allow a goal as Hopkinton outscored its opponents by a 13-0 edge. “First of all, I have to compliment our defensive unit,” said Hopkinton’s head coach, Scot Zipke. “From Jay Leblanc in goal, to sophomores Brian Scala at sweeper and Brooks Wood at stopper, to senior marking backs Duncan Sweny and Kim Long, the boys secured four straight shutouts in the biggest four games of the season. The way they contained and shut down the Sanborn attack was impressive and absolute.” Sanborn handed Hopkinton its only loss on Oct. 24. That 1- 0 final closed the regular season and denied HHS an unbeaten campaign, but the Hawks dashed any hopes of a repeat performance early on. Little more than two minutes into the contest, senior captain Travis Fuglestad broke down the left sideline and scored from about 25 yards out, giving Hopkinton a 1-0 edge. “That was important because if it goes on 0-0 for too long, you’re going to lose your advantage,” said Zipke. “We built this team as an all-around team. It really is just a balanced team.” Before the Indians’ defense could settle ...
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