The Revere High School men’s soccer team wrapped up its season with a climactic finish in double overtime against Archbishop Alter in the Division II state championship game.

The Minutemen traveled to MAPFRE Stadium in Columbus on Sunday, November 13 to play in their final game. The team played two full halves without scoring or giving up any goals. At the end of regulation, the game went into sudden death overtime. Once again, both teams went scoreless. The teams played a second overtime where Archbishop Alter was able to score a goal to end the game. Varsity head coach Nick DePompei explained how he prepared the team for the post-season.

“[Post-Season preparation] all started by trying to create the most difficult schedule possible for the regular season. Every single regular-season game was meant to push us and help us realize what we needed to work on for the playoff stretch. The boys did an amazing job this year taking on the challenge and understanding that it was a process to make sure we were ready for anything in the playoffs,” DePompei said.

DePompei also explained that the practices changed over the course of the season. Throughout the summer, the main goal was being in shape for the upcoming season. As the season started, the team worked on general soccer strategies, and as the season progressed they began to focus on more specific skills.

As the season entered its later stages, this year’s team began to parallel the state championship team of 2013. Senior Matthew Giltner, a freshman in 2013, explained how the atmosphere the team creates has changed between then and now.

“My class was able to witness an incredible season our freshman year. We were somewhat a part of the championship team but it [was not] enough for us. [We have] been working for our own championship since then. This year has meant so much more for us than our freshman year. [We have] had the chance to make our own playoff run and create our own legacy in Revere men’s soccer,” Giltner said.

Giltner continued to explain how the team’s chemistry was a major factor in the playoff.

“[The reason] we made it to the state championship is without a doubt our team chemistry. [We have] been doing everything together as a team since August, and it really shows on the field when we play for each other and not ourselves. The brotherhood that we have is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced,” Giltner said.

Senior captain Nathan Albert explained the team’s greatest strengths on the field.

“Our defense [was fundamental], specifically our goalkeeper Charlie Fink, he has really stepped up in the past few years, and he is an amazing goalie. He kept us in that state championship game. The back line, Joel Harding, myself and Audric [Wertz] and [Tyler] Ebert, we do a really good job of keeping our goal and Charlie safe, and the offense does their job of putting goals in the back of the net,” Albert said.

As a captain, Albert worked to inspire his team to improve. He admitted that although he is not the most technical player, he gave his team all of his effort to try and elevate them to a position where they could win the championship. He wanted to leave a message for the upcoming years.

“To the guys coming up next season and the seasons coming up after that, [I leave the message] never sell yourself short and always push for the championship. I know that you guys will do great,” Albert said.

The Revere men’s soccer team finished their season 16-4-3 and earned the title of state runner-up.