Revant Jear’28
Nov 7, 2025
The Mercersburg Boys’ Soccer team took on long-time MAPL rival Hill and came out victorious in a hard-fought 3–0 match. This was Mercersburg’s first defeat of Hill in ten years.
Coach Skyler Clark said, “I think our overall composure on the ball worked especially well, especially in terms of going forward. Hill scouted us pretty well, playing in a low block formation, making it difficult to play over the top, but we were patient, composed, and when we found a break, made the most of it.”
Captain Grant Wilkinson ’26 added, “I think just coming out strong in the first half, in some games in the past we came out a little bit slower, and less energetic, and I think keeping the momentum in the second really made the difference.” Coach Will Slater agreed, stating, “Overall, the boys came out with much more energy than throughout the season, and Hill seemed to play more defensively, and the game really opened up, and the team took their chances.”
Simon Brennan ’26 commented, “Getting there, shooting shots, missing, it didn’t put our heads down, and we kept making more and more shots, and the defense stayed strong, not letting any goals in. The consistency also helped us not lose spirit.” Brennan continued, “Everyone bought into the same mindset this week—we knew what this game meant. The focus in warmups and the energy from the bench really pushed us through to the end.”
A defining moment in the game came when Gustavo Lisboa Ferreira Santana ’26 scored from 30 yards out. Wilkinson said, “This being our first goal, especially in the fashion it happened, really shifted the momentum in our favor.”
“Players like Chris Carbone and Gaven McGuire had great contributions coming off the bench,” Slater said. Clark added, “Ewan McDowell, Felipe Pepe all had outstanding performances which contributed to the victory.”
Dylan Brenes ’26, one of those new players, said, “The culture of the team has really made a difference, almost like one big family. It’s incredible how the team brought their heads up after a couple of hard losses and bounced back so well.” Trace Russell ’28 added, “Everyone has improved skill-wise, and also trusting each other during the games.”
For the seniors, this was a fitting farewell to their MAPL home games, especially with such a dramatic victory. Brennan ’26 said, “With the Brazilians coming my junior year, and all of the seniors kind of just being together, it’s been a really fun time together.” Jaekwan Kim ’26 added, “Being in the scene for the past four years, and seeing all of the changes going on, it’s really great to come out with a win.” Wilkinson ’26 added, “Final game on Steiger, and that too winning means a lot to the seniors, I’ve played on Steiger every home game since my freshman year, and it’s the most fitting way to end it.”