Historic Victory for Franklin County Technical School Girls Soccer Team
TURNERS FALLS — In a groundbreaking moment for Franklin County Technical School, the girls’ soccer team achieved their first-ever statewide playoff victory by defeating Dearborn STEM Academy, 3-0, during the Division 5 state tournament preliminary round on Monday night.
Coach’s Pride and Team Spirit
Coach Jason Butynski expressed immense pride in the team, stating, “It’s a big deal for us. We are little Franklin Tech. We know what we are. But what I think we are is a team that has really worked hard all season.” The coach emphasized the dedication and teamwork among the girls, highlighting their ability to adapt and compete effectively on the field.
Strong Performance and Next Challenge
The Eagles now advance to face the fourth-seeded Monson in an away match. Butynski acknowledged the challenge ahead, noting, “If we are going to compete though, you only get so many opportunities to put the ball in the net.” The upcoming game promises to test the team’s resilience and skill.
Outstanding Contributions on the Field
Dynamic freshman Faythe Sobieski opened the scoring for the Eagles early in the match with a remarkable breakaway goal. Working well with her teammates, especially Mady Lynde, Sobieski’s contribution has been vital in building team chemistry throughout the season. “It felt really good because I think we worked really hard to get those types of things and win these types of games,” Sobieski said.
Defensive Strength Shines Through
The Eagles maintained their lead with a nearly flawless defensive performance, allowing Dearborn limited opportunities on goal. “Defensively, we did a really good job of doing what we do,” said Butynski, commending the team’s commitment to maintaining control in the midfield. Samantha Duncan, a key player on defense, stressed the importance of unity and focus, stating, “For me, I have to keep myself calm and have faith in our team and know that we can do this together.”
Insurance Goals Secure the Win
In the second half, the Eagles capitalized on their scoring chances. A corner from Sobieski led to senior Tristan Bliss scoring her first-ever varsity goal, extending the lead to 2-0. Sobieski later scored her second goal on a free kick, as the Eagles solidified their victory. Shayly Martin made eight saves during the match, securing a shutout for Franklin Tech.
Other Significant Performances in Division 5 Playoffs
In other tournament highlights, Greenfield advanced with a convincing 4-0 win over Renaissance, featuring standout performances from Tayler Bergeron and Zephyr Jetzon. Mahar also secured a win, defeating Prospect Hill Academy Charter School 2-0 with goals from Lexi Ares and Addy Almeida. Additionally, Frontier celebrated a dominating 8-2 victory against Lynn Vocational Technical Institute, with Maddie Fagan showcasing an impressive four-goal game.
Historic Win for Franklin Tech Girls Soccer Team in Division 5 Tournament
Date: Monday Night | Location: Franklin County Technical School
LANDMARK VICTORY IN STATEWIDE PLAYOFFS
The Franklin Tech girls soccer team made history by securing their first-ever statewide playoff victory, defeating Dearborn STEM Academy 3-0 in the Division 5 state tournament preliminary round. This milestone reflects the hard work and dedication of the team throughout the season.
COACH’S INSIGHT ON TEAM SUCCESS
“It’s a big deal for us,” stated Franklin Tech coach Jason Butynski. “We are little Franklin Tech, and we’re aware of our standing. However, our team has demonstrated great effort all season long. The girls listen, and we are capable of playing some excellent soccer.”
ADVANCING TO THE NEXT ROUND
With their victory, the Eagles will face No. 4 Monson on the road. “Competing against Monson is a challenge,” Butynski added. “Opportunities to score are limited, especially for our team, so we must capitalize when we can.”
DYNAMIC PLAY FROM FRESHMAN FAYTHE SOBIESKI
Freshman standout Faythe Sobieski was pivotal in the match, scoring two goals. Her first came early on during a breakaway, assisted by Mady Lynde. Sobieski noted the initial struggles in team chemistry, saying, “It felt good to score because we worked hard to achieve this win.”
DEFENSIVE STRENGTH AND TEAM COHESION
The Eagles managed to hold a one-goal lead for a significant portion of the game thanks to their strong defensive play. Coach Butynski praised his team’s performance, asserting that they executed their game plan effectively. “Our defense stepped up at midfield, helping maintain control,” he mentioned.
KEY CONTRIBUTIONS FROM DEFENSIVE PLAYERS
Samantha Duncan’s defensive efforts were crucial, as she emphasized the importance of teamwork under pressure. “Keeping our energy up is vital. I need to stay calm and trust in our team,” said Duncan, highlighting their unified approach.
UPCOMING CHALLENGE AND STRATEGY
The team is poised for their next challenge against Monson, and the players are optimistic. Moving ahead, they know teamwork and precise execution will be essential for success in the next round of the tournament. With the momentum from this victory, Franklin Tech aims to continue their journey in the postseason and make further history.
