WORCESTER, Mass. – A first Independent School League title, an undefeated campaign and the school's first New England prep championship.
In many ways, 2018 marked a dream season for Middlesex. The team from Concord, Mass., coached by Ken Risley, also had a plus-50 goal differential and beat perennial powerhouse South Kent in its semifinal match. The run culminated with a 1-0 title-game win over Rivers, as junior striker Anyolo Makatiani provided the goal from a counter attack.
But this wasn't exactly unchartered territory for the Zebras (18-0-3). Last year, they finished second in the ISL, advanced to the Class B semifinals and set the stage for what's now a 32-game unbeaten run vs. league opponents.
So what offered that minor degree of separation this go-around? That's the million-dollar question, Risley said.
