AUBURN, Maine — The Yarmouth High School boys soccer team secured the Class B state championship by defeating Oceanside High School 2-1 in an overtime thriller on October 28, 2023, at Edward Little High School. This victory marks Yarmouth’s 16th state title, reaffirming their dominance in the sport.
The decisive goal came from senior Zacarias Binda, who scored for the second consecutive game in overtime. With just 7:16 remaining in the extra period, Binda received a long pass from sophomore center back Joel Butler and slid the ball past Oceanside goalkeeper Grady Geretz. This win continues Yarmouth’s remarkable playoff run, having achieved three consecutive overtime victories.
Oceanside’s Strong Start
Oceanside, making its first appearance in a state final, started the match aggressively, challenging Yarmouth’s renowned defense. Coach Robbie Krul praised his team’s belief in their ability to compete, stating, “These boys believe in it. They honestly believed they could win.” Throughout the first half, Oceanside effectively utilized their midfield, led by Lucas Novicka and Elliot Trott, and maintained pressure with Aiden Willis at the forefront of their offense.
Oceanside took the lead in the 34th minute when Willis capitalized on a rebound after Yarmouth goalkeeper Julian Gebhardt made an initial save, putting the Mariners ahead 1-0. Despite having a smaller roster of just 16 players, the team demonstrated resilience and tenacity.
Yarmouth’s Comeback
Yarmouth, finishing the season with a record of 16-1-1, faced challenges with key players sidelined due to injury and illness. However, their depth proved crucial. Midway through the second half, sophomore forward Tate MacVane equalized with a skillful strike from a crossing pass by captain George Brown, igniting momentum for the Clippers.
MacVane described the goal: “I saw it dropping down and I just put my foot on it and tried to direct it toward goal. I think we gained a lot of momentum after the goal.” The equalizer set the stage for a dramatic finish.
As the game progressed, Yarmouth began to control the pace, leading to Butler’s pivotal assist on the championship-winning goal. Coach Justin Morrill noted Butler’s technical skills were vital as the match evolved into a more tactical contest. “Joel’s a very technical player,” Morrill said.
Butler explained his thought process in setting up Binda’s goal: “Binda was calling for the ball, so I decided to just play it over his head and it got to him perfectly.”
This title victory not only adds to Yarmouth’s impressive legacy in high school soccer but also highlights Oceanside’s potential as they continue to develop their program. The Clippers celebrated their hard-earned championship while Oceanside, despite the loss, showcased their determination and skill on the field.
As the season comes to a close, the Yarmouth community celebrates their athletes’ achievements and looks forward to future successes, while Oceanside reflects on a season filled with promise and growth.
