This season, Fords soccer has soared to new heights, winning the Inter-Academic championship under a new head coach Mr. Keith Cappo. The team has defeated Pennington Prep, which was #6 in the country, 3-1. In EA and Haverford’s last matchup, the Fords won 2-0 thanks to the help of Sixth Form captain Joe Pariano, who scored both of the goals.
“I had high expectations since I knew some of the players from club soccer and had a chance to work with them over the summer,” Coach Cappo said. “Seeing how much work a lot of the players put in during the off-season, I was confident that we could have some success, and while it took some time, I think we hit our stride as the league play started and led to a successful season.”
The varsity soccer team holds a record of 12-5-1 and is looking forward to playing in the state tournament in the next couple of weeks.
I am extremely proud of the guys and their performance in the Inter-Ac. Winning this league is no easy task, and for us to come out on top in the end, is a wonderful accomplishment
Mr. Keith Cappo
“I am excited to have the chance to compete against some of the best teams in the area, in a tournament format. Since we do not have a tournament for our league, it is a good experience for the boys, and it is similar to what they may see in the postseason in college,” Coach Cappo said.
The team has come far, winning the Inter-Academic championship with a 3-1 win against Germantown Academy on Tuesday, November 1.
“I am extremely proud of the guys and their performance in the Inter-Ac. Winning this league is no easy task, and for us to come out on top in the end, is a wonderful accomplishment,” Coach Cappo said.
Coach Cappo is confident about the future of the program.
“I want to continue to build the culture of the team, both on and off the field, and have us be in contention for the Inter-Academic and state title consistently,” Coach Cappo said.
Sixth Form captain Alexander Nekoumond stays humble even as he leads one of the best teams in the state.
“It’s a great feeling as a senior to be having the success we are having,” Nekoumond said. “I don’t want to take charge and responsibility for how our team has done these past couple of months because we’ve all been working hard to be in the position we are in today. I’m honored to be the captain of such a good group of guys. This team feels like a family, and I think the closer we are the better we’re able to play with each other.”
Nekoumand acknowledges the team’s success but seeks to keep the momentum going forward.
“I think as a senior it’s been a super fun year. Being on the older side of the team I’m able to lead some of these younger guys in a positive way. I want them to be able to lead the same way when they are in the position I’m in,” Nekoumand said. “Winning the Inter-Ac was a goal we all had as a team and it was an amazing feeling. But now we are back to work for EA Day and also the state tournament. I don’t want us to be satisfied with one of the goals we have achieved. We have so much more to work for and we’re ready for what’s next.”
The student section has helped the team persist against Inter-Academic foes.
“I’d say I’m happy with the number of kids coming lately. I understand it’s hard with the number of other sports going on at the same time, so we are very limited in the number of students who can come. But everyone who comes is always rowdy and supportive which is what we need,” Nekoumand said.
The Fords look forward to the state tournament and are hopeful of winning and being champions.
“Playing for the team now, it been good how is it with the players just leaving it all on the field and always being great with teammates, the captains are real leaders on the team and are always making sure that the underclassmen are in check, very supportive, fun to play with, playing with the team in mind,” Fourth Form soccer player Luke Pressler said. “Even though my time is limited, it’s nice to be on the team and experience success and be a contributor.”
Nekoumand tries to find success in this season and leave his name in the school’s soccer history as league champions.
“It’s been four years since Ford’s Footy won the Inter-Ac. So I’m very happy to be part of this team and able to bring that back to Haverford,” Nekoumand said. “This has definitely been one of the more successful years we’ve had at Haverford for soccer, and we’re not done yet.”
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