On Wednesday, September 10, Boys Varsity Soccer won its first game of the season 6-0 against Kingswood-Oxford.
Four of the six goals were scored by new recruit Bless Obey ’29, who comes to the school from the Right to Dream Academy in Ghana. The remaining two goals were scored by Hudson Dwyer ’28 and co-captain Chakib Bassou ’26.
The first two goals, one scored from in and the other just outside the box, were followed by a headed corner, bouncing back off the opposing goalie into the net—all were scored within the first 20 minutes. Obey’s final goal, scored nine minutes into the second half, resembled his first.
Fritz Weihman ’27, whose brother Charles Weihman ’29 joins him on the team this year, described the goals, saying, “The four goals scored by Obey were nice finishes inside the box. After the keeper made a save, palming it into Hudson’s path, Hudson finished it off. Bassou’s goal was a screamer from outside the box on his left foot into the top left corner.”
In addition to the KO game, the team has notched two other wins this season. The first win came against Hopkins in a preseason game, 2-0. Despite a four-hour bus ride down to Lawrenceville, the team managed to win the second regular season game 4-0, continuing their clean sheet record.
Head Coach Mario Williams ’11 said, “I have confidence in the technical skill and high-level playing experience of the new recruits and the core group of returning players. I would like to restore Hotchkiss Soccer to its place at the very top of the NEPSAC.”
This year, preseason was held from August 20-22. The team stayed at the Interlaken Inn and used the school’s facilities for training. Coach Williams said, “I value the connections players built beyond the field by watching games together, juggling on the quad, studying in the library, and sharing meals. These moments build trust and care and form the foundation of a hardworking team. These moments spent together are invaluable in developing an identity as one, while building resilience and mutual understanding. I want to build a culture where ideas and expertise are shared openly, and where players of all skill levels feel part of a true soccer community and enjoy the sport they love.”
This year, the team added nine new players. Three-year varsity athlete Chrys Yue ’26 said, “People here genuinely enjoy playing soccer. Our new recruits are definitely people who enforce this culture and will bring the team forward, not just in the fall but through the winter and into the spring.”
The team has been practicing and playing on the new turf installed on Sprole Field, which offers players greater ball control and a smoother surface.
The team’s next game will be Wednesday, September 17, at home vs. Berkshire. Berkshire is currently a winning team after a 2-0 victory against Williston-Northampton.
