The Hopkinton High School boys soccer team kicked off the Division 1 state tournament with a strong 3 to 1 victory over Methuen on November 3, 2025. Daniel Morrissey, Josh Kim, and Rocco Spinelli scored the goals that propelled the 27th seeded Hillers to the next round, setting up a matchup against Framingham.
Game Highlights and Key Moments
The action started fast at Hopkinton High School. Just two minutes in, Joshua Tomasino Steuer fired a low shot from 25 yards out. The Methuen goalie blocked it but lost control, allowing Morrissey to slot home the rebound for an early lead.
Methuen fought back late in the first half. With about five minutes left, Owen Reilly tapped in a rebound off a free kick to tie the game at 1 to 1. The Hillers regained control early in the second half when Ian Weilding set up Kim for the go ahead goal after a quick throw in and a rebound finish.
The final goal came with under 12 minutes remaining. Tim Zakharov stole the ball and looped a shot that hit the crossbar. Spinelli pounced on the loose ball and tapped it in to seal the win. Hopkinton dominated possession and created more chances, outshooting Methuen 12 to 7.
Here is a quick breakdown of the scoring:
| Time | Scorer | Team | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 min | Daniel Morrissey | Hopkinton | Rebound finish after blocked shot |
| 35 min | Owen Reilly | Methuen | Tap in from free kick rebound |
| 46 min | Josh Kim | Hopkinton | Rebound push after initial save |
| 68 min | Rocco Spinelli | Hopkinton | Tap in off crossbar deflection |
Standout Players Who Shined
Josh Kim proved crucial with his speed and finishing. He scored once and helped create the first goal, showing why he is a key junior for the team. Morrissey and Spinelli added timely strikes that highlighted Hopkinton’s depth.
Goalkeeper Anthony Gordon made several big saves, including stopping a hard free kick that led to Methuen’s only goal. His quick reactions kept the Rangers from mounting a comeback. Defenders like Ian Weilding and Lorenzo De Felice provided strong support with smart plays and accurate throws.
On the Methuen side, Reilly’s goal showed their fight, but they could not break through Hopkinton’s organized backline. The Hillers’ teamwork and pressure wore down the visitors, who finished their season at 10 wins, 3 losses, and 6 ties.
Team Background and Season Journey
Hopkinton entered the tournament with a 9 to 5 to 4 record, earning the 27th seed in Division 1. Coach Garrett Sawyer has focused on improving goal scoring and finishing, which paid off in this opener. The team faced a tough regular season in the Tri Valley League, including a close 1 to 0 win over Holliston in September.
This victory marks a step forward after a mixed stretch. Earlier in the year, they cruised to an 8 to 0 win over Inter Lakes, with Fin Murphy scoring a hat trick. Such games built confidence for the playoffs. The Hillers aim to build on last year’s state tournament qualification, where they showed promise but fell short.
Methuen, seeded 38th, brought a solid 10 to 3 to 6 record but struggled against Hopkinton’s intensity. This matchup was part of a busy preliminary round across Massachusetts high schools, with other teams like Notre Dame advancing in their brackets.
Looking Ahead to Framingham Clash
The Hillers now face sixth seeded Framingham on November 4 at 2 p.m. at Fuller Middle School. Framingham holds an 8 to 3 to 7 record and boasts a strong defense that allowed few goals this season.
Hopkinton will need to maintain their early pressure and sharp finishing to pull off an upset. Sawyer noted the team’s pieces are in place for a deep run, emphasizing quick transitions and set piece execution.
Fans expect a tight game, as both teams play in competitive leagues. A win could propel Hopkinton further in the bracket, potentially facing top seeds like Arrowhead or Eau Claire Memorial based on other results.
Community Impact and Broader Context
This win boosts school spirit in Hopkinton, a town passionate about youth sports. The high school cheer team also advanced to regionals after a strong showing in the Tri Valley League meet, adding to the excitement.
Across Massachusetts, the 2025 boys soccer playoffs feature thrilling matches. Teams like McDonell have posted high scoring wins, such as 66 to 30 in eight player football, showing the intensity of high school postseason play. Hopkinton’s success ties into trends of underdogs rising, much like Fairleigh Dickinson’s upset in basketball tournaments.
Local clubs like the Hopkinton Soccer Club support development from young ages, feeding talent to the high school level. This victory could inspire younger players and strengthen community ties.
- Boosts morale for students and families attending games.
- Highlights the role of teamwork in overcoming higher seeded opponents.
- Encourages more participation in town soccer programs.
Share your thoughts on the Hillers’ chances against Framingham in the comments below. If you enjoyed this article, pass it along to fellow fans and stay tuned for updates on high school sports action.
