Maconaquah Schools

The Maconaquah Braves’ Soccer Team won their regional semifinal matchup against West Lafayette on Thursday night, getting a slice of revenge against the team that knocked them out of regionals in 2025. The game was low in scoring but high in action and excitement throughout the contest. The night started with senior Macey Nord belting out a beautiful rendition of the National Anthem. After the singing was over, it was a whole lot of back-and-forth action over the course of the first 72 minutes of the game. Each team had scoring opportunities with each goalkeeper doing their best to keep clean sheets. Brody Kubly, the Braves’ goalie, made all the right decisions as he quarterbacked his defense from the back line. The Braves’ defense played well, and along with Kubly, kept the Red Devils off the scoreboard the entire night. With 8 minutes left in the game and the Braves looking to attack, Colton Beebe played the ball up to Joe Manueles who dropped it quickly to Luis Mendoza. Luis spotted freshman midfielder, Max Berryman, wide open on the left side of the box and sent the ball over to him. It only took Max one touch with his left foot to bang one off a Red Devil defender and into the goal! West Lafayette spent the remaining 8 minutes trying to find the equalizing goal, but the Braves held them off – winning the match 1-0. Coach Wilhelm was excited to notch the Braves’ first ever regional game win (I think). He commented on the game, “Winning back-to-back Sectional Championships is awesome. Getting our program’s first ever regional game win (according to our unofficial statistician) is icing on the cake. Loved the effort from the entire team for the entire game and excited to play in the regional final game on Saturday. ” Coach Sparks echoed Wilhelm’s sentiments, “The effort from the whole team was next level today. Max played some great minutes at the left midfield position. He’s a smart kid who always seems to be in the right place at the right time. I’m stoked he was able to be in the right place late in the game and make a heck of play to give us the lead and eventually the W!” “MVPs of the Match” – Freshman Max Berryman, notching the game winning goal and Sophomore Jaxon Cole with maximum effort controlling possession at the center midfield position throughout the match. The Braves head back to Northwestern (host school) to play undefeated Guerin Catholic in the regional final game on Saturday at 4 PM. The fans and Mac students showed up in a big way to support the team tonight! Let’s fill the stands again on Saturday as the Braves play for a chance at the REGIONAL TITLE!!