BROOKLINE — As the postseason reaches its critical juncture, leaning on the talents of your star players becomes paramount.
Sydney Freese illustrated this perfectly on Thursday evening. The senior captain delivered a standout performance, netting two goals that propelled third-ranked Brookline into the Div. 1 girls soccer semifinals for the second consecutive year, as they secured a decisive 2-0 victory over the sixth-seeded King Philip at Parsons Field.
“She’s easily the most consistent four-year player I think I’ve ever seen,” remarked Brookline coach Ben Peters, praising Freese’s versatility and reliability. “She’s excelled in every position on the field except goalkeeper throughout her four years. In her freshman and sophomore years, she anchored our defense as the starting center back. Now as a forward, she’s the one scoring goals for us. She means everything to this team. She truly does it all.”
Freese wasted no time showcasing her skills, scoring just 21 seconds into the match with a powerful shot into the net, which gave Brookline an early 1-0 lead with an electrifying start.
After the quick goal, King Philip (18-3-0) regained their composure, effectively managing possession and attempting to set the pace of the game. Nonetheless, the Warriors were thwarted by Brookline’s steadfast defense, failing to convert any scoring opportunities throughout the first half.
In the 28th minute, Dartmouth commit Anna Leschley delivered a perfect deep pass to Freese during a quick transition. With keen awareness, Freese timed her sprint well, breaking past the defenders.
“Honestly, I saw her pick her head up,” Freese recalled. “She kind of picked her foot up for a bigger kick. So, it was just about staying onside, then using the right moment to sprint ahead and get control of the ball.”
With skillful precision, Freese controlled the incoming pass and maneuvered into a breakaway, ultimately rolling the ball smoothly past the King Philip goalkeeper, Lauren Obara, extending Brookline’s lead to 2-0—a margin they maintained for the remainder of the contest.
“It was our last home game ever on Parsons and this field,” Freese stated with sentimentality. “So we knew that whatever we did, we wanted to go out playing as hard as we could.”
This victory propels Brookline into a high-stakes matchup against second-seeded Wellesley in the Div. 1 Final Four. With the fierce rivalries of the Bay State Conference on the line, the squad is gearing up for a challenging encounter as they pursue their championship ambitions.
“I think it will be a very intense game,” said Leschley, highlighting the competitive nature of the upcoming match. “I think we have a little bit of a ‘revenge tour’ in us right now. We lost both of our games to them this season, and I genuinely believe we can beat them. They’re obviously an extremely talented team. So, it will be a really good matchup, and yes, definitely a local rivalry type of game, but I’m excited. It will be a good game.”
Originally Published: November 14, 2024 at 9:01 PM EST
What strategies does Sydney Freese believe have contributed to the team’s growth and chemistry this season?
**Interview with Sydney Freese, Senior Captain of Brookline Girls Soccer Team**
**Editor:** Congratulations on your fantastic performance last night, Sydney! Scoring two goals in such a crucial match is no small feat. Can you take us through the moment you scored just 21 seconds into the game?
**Sydney Freese:** Thank you! Honestly, it felt amazing to score so early. Right from the kickoff, I saw an opening and just went for it. It was a team effort getting the ball up the field, but I knew I had to capitalize on that opportunity. Scoring so quickly really set the tone for us.
**Editor:** Your coach, Ben Peters, described you as the most consistent player he’s seen over your four years. How does it feel to hear such high praise from him?
**Sydney Freese:** It means a lot coming from Coach Peters. He’s been such an integral part of my development as a player. I always strive to give my best for the team, no matter what position I’m put in. Knowing that my hard work is recognized motivates me even more.
**Editor:** Your team is now headed to the Div. 1 semifinals for the second year in a row. What do you think makes this year’s team special compared to last year’s?
**Sydney Freese:** I think our chemistry has really grown. We have a mix of experienced players and younger talent, and everyone is stepping up when it counts. We trust each other on the field, and that trust helps us play better as a unit.
**Editor:** King Philip tried to regain their composure after your early goal, but your defense held strong. How important is that defensive support for you as a forward?
**Sydney Freese:** It’s crucial! Knowing that our backline is solid allows me to focus on offense without worrying too much. It gives us confidence to press forward because we know they’ve got our backs. It truly is a team effort.
**Editor:** Looking ahead to the semifinals, what will be your focus as you prepare for the next game?
**Sydney Freese:** We need to keep our intensity high and not underestimate our opponents. It’s all about maintaining our momentum and executing our game plan. We want to carry this energy into the semifinals and make it count.
**Editor:** Best of luck in the semifinals, Sydney! Thank you for your time.
**Sydney Freese:** Thank you! I appreciate it.