October 26, 2021 by the Hingham HS Boys Soccer Boosters
The Hingham HS boys soccer team's memorable season has not gone without notice. The Harbormen cruised through the first half of the regular season consistently overwhelming skilled teams, many with deep soccer traditions in the always tough Patriot League. There is no question other teams took notice and have made adjustments in attempts to slow down the high-flying veteran squad. With teams deploying a "park the bus" defensive strategy in order to keep games close, goals have become a premium as the regular season draws to a close. This was especially evident when Duxbury did something no other team had accomplished to date versus Hingham - the Dragons walked off their home pitch without losing and, despite being outshot 21-2, earned a tie. A 1-0 win over the Plymouth North Panthers followed with the lone Harbormen goal scored in the 12th minute when Aidan Brazel muscled in a pass from Thomas Healey. Standout Senior goalkeeper Jack Price made several outstanding saves in the game and more than earned his 11th shutout of the season.
The stage was set for Hingham to travel on a rainy night to take on Marshfield. A back-and-forth first half between the two top teams in Patriot League saw the Rams score in the 32nd minute. The goal marked the first time Hingham has trailed in a game this season. A spirited and boisterous crowd perhaps wondered how the boys would respond. It became very clear early in the 2nd half that the Harbormen would not go down without a fight; the boys held a decided second half territory and possession advantage. Sensing the opportunity and led by excellent center backs, Marshfield made defense a priority. Hingham's best opportunity came with just 2 minutes to go in the game when Brian Dalimonte sent a beautiful cross back post to a hard charging Sam Benham. Benham's deflection was narrowly tipped wide by Marshfield's outstanding goal keeper salvaging a huge 1-0 win in what was a terrific soccer game between two skilled teams.
The Patriot League slate concluded with the boys earning a 14-1-1 record, scoring 51 goals and yielding only 5. Having won the Patriot League Cup last season and the league championship this year, the Harbormen have their sights set on a likely high-seed in the upcoming state tournament. The schedule does not get any easier, however, as the boys end the regular season with non-league contests against two teams ranked in the Boston Globe Top 20. Senior night is Thursday where the team's 19 members of the class of 2022 will be honored just before the contest against Catholic Conference champion BC High. The regular season will then conclude at home on Saturday afternoon when Hingham hosts undefeated Brockton High School.