By KEN HAMWEY

Staff Sports Writer

The Medway boys’ soccer team’s record at Local Town Pages’ deadline was 3-6-4, and although it’s not hovering around .500, it appears to be good enough to earn the Mustangs a berth in the state tournament. As long as they end the season with some added wins and ties.

And Coach Chris Borden’s squad was ranked No. 20 in the Division 3 power ratings, well within the range of the 32 teams that will qualify.

“Our goals in the pre-season were to qualify and go as deep as possible in the tourney,’’ Borden noted. “We also wanted to compete for the Tri-Valley League Small Division championship but that’s unattainable now with Medfield and Dover-Sherborn ahead of us in the standings. And we also set daily improvement in practice and games as an objective.’’

Borden, who’s guided Medway to three tourney appearances in four seasons, is optimistic his forces will be invited to the big dance.

“Our schedule is one of the strongest in our league,” said Borden, whose 2021 contingent advanced to the Final Four where it lost to Norwell, the eventual state champ. “A strong schedule plays a role in the rankings. Plus, our non-league schedule is formidable with teams like Nipmuc, Hopedale and Milford.’’

This year’s team has a variety of strengths that no foe should take lightly, and although seven seniors graduated from last year’s squad, there are nine experienced returnees. 

“We’ve got talent, senior leadership, depth, and experience,’’ Borden said, “And our soccer IQ and skill levels have improved. Our work ethic and team chemistry are definite assets and the players are not only very coachable, but they’re also outstanding people.’’

The Mustangs’ three senior captains personify many of the team’s strengths. They include Victor Chaudoir (center midfielder), Kevin McMahon (goalie), and Nick Pierangeli (center midfielder).

“Victor is a four-year veteran who is ultra-competitive,’’ Borden said. “Winning is important and that’s evident by his work ethic. He’s got a high soccer IQ, is well-skilled and very coachable. He leads by example and by being vocal. Kevin is in his third varsity season. He’s an excellent stopper who relies on good hands and good footwork. Also a leader by example and by being vocal, he’s got good technical ability and is very instinctive. Nick is a four-year player who’s calm and composed. A good decision-maker, he’s a quiet leader who dribbles well and has excellent field vision.’’

Two seniors — Colin Grimes and Brady Girard — are top-notch defenders. 

“Colin is reliable, coachable and consistent,’’ Borden noted. “Improved tremendously, he’s effective anticipating the play and he’s reliable, coachable and consistent. Brady is a vocal leader who calls out the plays as a central defender. He’s tall, very athletic and very instinctive.’’

Charlie Weafer and Nick Mazzocca are versatile seniors who can play forward or compete as attacking midfielders.

“Charlie has good speed and footwork and he’s well-skilled,’’ Borden said. “He’s got technical ability, is coachable and capable on offense. Nick also is technically sound, he’s powerful, possesses an accurate shot, and relies on his physical ability.’’

Senior Alex Oster is another versatile competitor, playing defense or midfielder. “Alex is one of our most athletic players,’’ Borden said. “Improved on offense, he’s got speed, is fast and is very good in transition.’’

Three juniors who play key roles in the Mustangs’ attack are forwards Alex Stott and Pedro Barbosa, and midfielder Connor Levasseur.

“Alex is our best goal-scorer,’’ Borden offered. “He’s tall, athletic and fast. He’s got good technique, has a high soccer IQ and is very coachable. So far, he’s scored seven goals. Pedro joined us from Florida. He also is technically sound and a smart player. His hustle makes him a very scrappy player. Connor is another high-technique player who’s crucial to our attack. He passes well and is effective in transition. His game has really developed.’’

Sophomore Kevin Moreau is a top-notch midfielder. “Kevin has a high soccer IQ, is very athletic and he’s in superb shape,’’ Borden said. “One of our best technical players, he’s got outstanding footwork and he’s very determined.’’

Sophomore Jack Weintraub is a high-caliber defender. “Jack is the most tenacious player on the team,’’ Borden emphasized. “He’s athletic, has speed, and is really fit. He just goes non-stop.’’

Two other sophomore defenders are capable contributors Tate Logan and Delpiero Bouyounes.

“Tate is big, physical, and fast,’’ Borden noted. “He’s got a high soccer IQ and he’s very instinctive. Delpiero also is a smart player with good technical ability and good instincts. He’s adept at getting good position.’’

Medway’s style will feature patience with an eye towards forcing its opponents into mistakes. “I prefer a possession game,’’ Borden emphasized. “We want to react quickly to regain possession and make our opponents uncomfortable. It’s all about imposing our style on them.’’ 

The 46-year-old Borden was a captain and a two-time South Coast Conference all-star when he played soccer at Dighton-Rehoboth Regional. He also played basketball. Before enrolling at Trinity College (Hartford, Conn.), he suffered a severe ankle injury that required three surgeries and prevented him from competing as a collegian. He earned his degree in American Studies and later got his masters from Boston University.

A teacher at Lexington High and later at Dighton-Rehoboth, Borden now is in his 11th year on the Medway faculty, teaching economics and history. Previously a coach in basketball and golf at Dighton-Rehoboth, he became an assistant in soccer at Medway for four years before taking the varsity reins. 

Relying on an athletic philosophy that emphasizes winning, Borden also wants his players “to reach their potential and enjoy playing soccer.’’ 

Valuable life lessons can be learned in sports and Borden has a list that he believes are important. “Players learn how to overcome adversity and to be resilient,’’ he said. “Other lessons are leadership, how to be good teammates, and how to deal with different personalities. Another key facet is learning how to react after committing a physical mistake.’’

 Borden’s varsity assistant this season is Mike Hanson, and Jason Weintraub is the junior varsity coach. Along with Borden, the trio will strive to get the Mustangs to play their best soccer and clinch a tourney berth.