Our varsity boys’ soccer team earned their first Friends Schools League win of the season last Friday, when the Kangaroos traveled to Shipley School and stunned the hosts, the defending FSL champions, 1-0. The victory snapped a 10-season losing streak for AFS versus Shipley. The Kangaroos’ last win in the series came in the Gators’ first year in the FSL in 2005, according to Athletics Director Jeff Bond.

Will Durbin ’17 converted the game’s only goal when he redirected Nick Sinni’s ’18 deflection into the Gators’ net in the first half. The subsequent 55 minutes of the contest saw AFS’s defense repeatedly stopping Shipley’s attack. Goalkeeper Noah Mass ’20 turned aside 12 shots while defenders Dariush Sosnowski ’17, Rafael Jones ’18, Bradley Graul ’17, Michael Sadowski ’17, and Will Durbin provided staunch support from the field.

Third-year AFS Head Coach Julian Ward praised his players for executing a strategy of pressure defense that stymied Shipley from having the time to play constructively. “Our effort, focus, and togetherness were outstanding,” he said.

The Kangaroos have permitted a total of just 13 goals over 11 games this season.

AFS hosts Germantown Friends School at 4 p.m. Friday, October 14 on Varsity Field. Come on out and cheer!