Thayer Academy’s boys and girls varsity soccer squads represented the Academy well Saturday night (Oct. 5) as they played in the school’s inaugural “Saturday Night Lights” game.
Both teams squared off against the Tabor Academy Seawolves under the lights on Kendall Field. Playing first, the boys team — led by head coach Ian Wheeler — lost by a score of 5-1. However, the girls team — led by head coach Paul Turner — avenged that outcome by earning a 3-1 victory. Matt Fortunato '26 scored the lone goal for the boys while Osie Fuqua '27, Julia Gelina '25, and Phoebe Catlin '28 scored for the girls.
The well-played and entertaining soccer matches were clearly the main event, but that didn’t mean there weren’t other fun activities to be had Saturday night. The first 100 spectators to each game received free Thayer T-shirts, and all fans enjoyed free cotton candy and spirit gear. The night also saw halftime raffles during each contest, as well as “Fan of the Half” winners, each of whom received swag bags for their outpouring of Tiger spirit. Food trucks providing sweet and savory options for hungry spectators made things even more festive.
The night of great sports action and family fun drew rave reviews from Athletic Director Bobbi Moran.
“It was a wonderful evening for our community here at Thayer,” Moran said. “We had tremendous support from our athletics department, administration, buildings & grounds crew, and AV department. I was so excited for the kids and families.”
In his first year as head coach of the varsity girls team, Turner echoed Moran’s comments.
“The energy from the crowd really excited the players,” said Turner after the victory. “I was concerned it might make for a few nerves, but ultimately, the crowd became our 12th player.”
Visit the Athletic Department’s schedule page on Thayer Academy’s website to see upcoming games
for all teams this fall.