Marblehead Soccer Stars Shock State with Historic Recognition — Can They Pull Off an Upset in Friday's All-Star Game?

After concluding a successful regular season with a record of 11-5-2, Coach Elmer Magana's Marblehead boys soccer team entered the Division 2 state tournament as the 24th seed. Their postseason journey began on November 4 in Hingham, where they faced the ninth-seeded Harbormen. Despite a valiant effort, the Magicians fell short, losing 2-1 in a closely contested match.

With the season behind them, the focus has shifted to the awards season, which recognizes the talented athletes who contributed to the team's success. Three players — left winger Ilan Druker, center forward Miles Fontela-Tuttle, and center back Adam Loughlin — stood out among their Northeastern Conference (NEC) and state peers, earning spots on both the All-Conference and EMass all-star teams. Additionally, center back T.J. Kelly and goalie Matias Watts-Cruz were named to the conference all-star squad.

In recognition of his coaching excellence, Magana was honored as the Division 2 Coach of the Year. Upon receiving the award, he remarked that it was “a true honor,” reflecting the hard work he and his team have put into their program. His assistant coach, the much-respected sports figure Tom Roundy, was also named Division 2 Assistant Coach of the Year. Together, they will lead one of the EMass all-star teams on November 28 at Concord-Carlisle High School, where they will coach several of their Marblehead players who have achieved elite status in the state.

Magana attributed their recognition to the program's success over the past four years, which has included consistent playoff appearances. "We also represented our conference well on the pitch and on social media, always demonstrating sportsmanship wherever we went," he stated. He expressed gratitude for the talented players who have been part of the varsity program since he and Roundy took over in 2020. Roundy, who has deep roots in Marblehead, has been involved in local youth sports for decades and is cherished by the players for his dedication and wisdom.

The team's achievements were celebrated on November 18 at the Gerry 5 during their annual banquet. Magana shared that this season's award selections were particularly challenging due to the abundance of deserving candidates. “This was the most skillful and talented team that I have coached in my five years here,” he stated. “It’s much easier to split the atom than deciding which player should receive one of these awards.”

The awards recognized standout performances throughout the season. Julien Poitevin was named Rookie of the Year after stepping up in a crucial role when teammate David Magen was sidelined with an injury. Poitevin became one of the conference’s most dominant outside wings, contributing significantly with assists and scoring a hat trick against Peabody.

Adam Loughlin and T.J. Kelly were jointly recognized as the Outstanding Defensive Players of the Year. Loughlin, known as the “Lord of the Skies” for his aerial prowess, often thwarted opposing teams' attacks, while Kelly, dubbed the “Lord of the Ground,” showcased remarkable defensive skills complemented by his ability to contribute offensively, such as his legendary goal against North Andover.

The Coaches Award went to captain Jared Halpern, who consistently demonstrated leadership, sportsmanship, and dedication, even attending practices while recovering from an injury. His commitment to the team was evident in his desire to support his teammates, making him a respected figure within the squad.

Co-MVPs Ilan Druker and Miles Fontela-Tuttle were recognized for their exceptional performances. Druker, compared to soccer greats like Neymar and Messi, was instrumental in both scoring and assisting throughout the season, earning accolades from coaches across the conference. Fontela-Tuttle, a back-to-back Golden Boot winner, has been a top scorer and leader, known for his intense competitive spirit and advocacy for his teammates.

As Marblehead's boys soccer team reflects on a remarkable season filled with individual and collective achievements, the community looks forward to the future, buoyed by the promise of talent and dedication that these young athletes have displayed. Their journey in the EMass all-star game will be another chapter in what has been a memorable year for Marblehead soccer.