The Oliver Ames High School varsity boys soccer team celebrated its third straight victory in the Massachusetts Division 2 championship finals, notching a 1-0 win against Hingham on Saturday at Worcester State’s Coughlin Memorial Field. (Photo courtesy Easton Public Schools)
EASTON — Superintendent Dr. Lisha Cabral and Athletic Director Merry MacDonald are pleased to share that the Oliver Ames High School boys soccer team won its third straight state title, winning the championship final 1-0 against Hingham on Saturday afternoon at Worcester State’s Coughlin Memorial Field.
The Oliver Ames varsity soccer team, which went 18-2-2 overall this season, won the Division 2 championship, marking the fourth state title since 2015 under Coach John Barata. He has also led the team to six consecutive Hockomock League titles.
“It was a three-peat for the boys,” Coach Barata said. “And it was a wonderful opportunity for the entire community to rally around the team again. We always appreciate that. We’re lucky to have our Easton community and our Oliver Ames community. It’s a huge support that we have. The kids enjoy that vibe. It means a lot to them.”
Senior Jackson Mercieri scored the game-winning goal in double-overtime when a lobbed pass came over the top of the opposing defense, the ball bouncing around before settling nicely for him to slot it into the right side of the net.
“It’s all for the team and it’s all for the badge,” said Mercieri, speaking after the game. “It’s in the blood of OA soccer. We keep ourselves to such high standards. We want nothing less than to win every single game we play in. We just believe. From the bottom of our hearts, we just believe.”
In addition to its achievements on the field, the Tigers soccer team received The United Soccer Coaches Team Academic Award for the 11th year in a row, honoring the players for maintaining a collective grade point average of 3.25.
The title-winning Oliver Ames team featured 31 players on its playoff roster, including 11 seniors, 6 juniors, 11 sophomores and 3 freshmen. Of those 11 seniors, three were starters in the finals, meaning that next year’s Oliver Ames boys varsity team is set to bring back eight starters from its championship squad.
“We had incredible leadership from our seniors,” Coach Barata said. “I think what we accomplished this year was amazing and fantastic. On the field, we got great results. Going forward, my hope is that the players will take the energy and knowledge required to get to this level and try to get back to this level. That’s something really important, to learn from your teammates of the past.”
Coach Barata thanked all the supporters of the Oliver Ames boys soccer team, including his coaching staff, Superintendent Dr. Cabral, Athletic Director MacDonald, Principal Kelly Cavanaugh, the Oliver Ames Boosters, the Oliver Games girls soccer team, Easton Youth Soccer and the Old Colony YMCA Easton Branch, for allowing the students to use its pool facility for post-game recovery sessions.
“We love to thank the entire Easton community for all their support,” Coach Barata said. “I’d like to thank the staff for everything they do, spending countless hours doing the work behind the scenes, trying to get these boys ready. This is a culmination of a lot of great work, including from the alumni. We had over 20 alumni at the game. We’ve been very fortunate.”
The Division 2 title winners will now look forward to participating in Easton’s annual holiday parade, which is planned for Dec. 7, visiting the State House and receiving their championship rings.
Superintendent Dr. Cabral commended the soccer team for its third straight championship.
“I am so incredibly proud of our boys varsity soccer team. They have made our entire school district and community proud,” Superintendent Dr. Cabral said. “This feat wouldn’t have been possible without their hard work, talent and teamwork, both on and off the field. Coach Barata exemplifies the kind of coach who succeeds not solely because of his soccer expertise. While his exceptional skills are evident, it is the example he sets for the team, coaching staff, and individual players that transforms talented athletes into a championship team. His philosophy emphasizes that the collective is stronger than the individual, that excellence demands a commitment to others, and that believing in something greater than oneself makes all the difference. These are the values these athletes will carry with them beyond the field, shaping their success as young men and role models for others. We extend our gratitude to him and his staff for their unwavering dedication to these student-athletes.”
Coach Barata said the program is more than just the results and awards — at its core, the Oliver Ames soccer team is based on three pillars: family, excellence and relentlessness.
“It’s the process that keeps us as successful as we are,” Coach Barata said. “And the kids are the center. We have a good culture of excellence here. We can’t control results, but we can control attitude and effort, and that leads to a better outcome.”
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The Oliver Ames High School varsity boys soccer team celebrated its third straight victory in the Massachusetts Division 2 championship finals, notching a 1-0 win against Hingham on Saturday at Worcester State’s Coughlin Memorial Field. (Photo courtesy Easton Public Schools)
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