By Ken Hamway, Staff Sports Writer

Dan Joseph wants to keep the momentum mounting after becoming the boys varsity soccer coach last year at Natick High.

The Natick native led the Redhawks to a regular-season record of 10-4-3 and a No. 7 ranking in the Division 1 power ratings. And, when the playoffs got underway, his squad downed Somerville and Boston College High before losing, 1-0, in the Elite Eight to Newton North.

The 30-year-old coach, who obviously did a standout job in his rookie season, isn’t shying away from setting lofty goals for his second campaign. One of his objectives for his 2025 contingent is to qualify for the tourney again and go deeper than last year. That sure sounds like his expectations include the Final Four or the Division 1 State final. And, it also sounds like the 2013 Natick High grad isn’t expecting any sophomore jinx.

“We had 12 seniors on last year’s team and our two captains — Matty Gordon (midfielder) and Devin Owens (defender) — were Bay State Conference all-stars and Eastern Mass. All-stars,’’ Joseph noted. “Matty also was chosen to the All-State team. We had a talented group.’’

The team strengths of his current group are admirable and provide lots of fuel for Joseph’s optimism.

“We have 11 returnees and nine of them got playing time last year,’’ he said. “We’re younger than last year’s team but we’ve got depth, our team skills are solid, we’re athletic, our soccer IQs are high, we have speed and our players are very coachable.’’

Joseph, who competed in soccer, indoor track and volleyball at NHS, set three goals for his second season. 

“We want to be more consistent,’’ he said. “When we lost last year, the players didn’t wipe the slate clean, allowing the loss to linger. We want to focus more on one game at a time, then move on. Another goal is to build team chemistry early. Consistency and team chemistry are the keys to advancing in the playoffs. All our objectives are realistic because we’ve got lots of returning veterans who know what it takes to win and have had success in the tourney.’’ 

A trio of talented captains gives the Redhawks quality leadership. They include seniors Luke Dougherty (forward), Brady Dubeshter (fullback) and junior Luca Tavilla (midfielder).

“Luke is a supportive captain who’s disciplined, skilled, has a high soccer IQ and lives and breathes soccer,’’ Joseph emphasized. “Utilizing a strong left foot, he’s been in our top three in scoring for the last two seasons. Brady has a motor that never stops. He fights through adversity, he’s quick and has very good skills. Tenacious on defense, there’s no hesitation on his moves. Luca is a natural leader, a good communicator who’s always composed. He’s got excellent skills, he’s effective in transition and his field vision is the best on our team.’’

Senior goalie Jack Stephens was a Natick reserve last year but Joseph says “he’s vastly improved and he’s ready.’’

“Jack is well-prepared,’’ Joseph offered. “His reaction time is excellent, he blocks shots effectively, and his field vision is superb. He knows where the ball is going.’’

Two senior forwards who can be counted on for offense are Austin Dubeshter and Owen Ford. 

“Austin isn’t a captain but his skills are excellent and he leads by example,’’ Joseph noted. “A left-footed competitor, he’s a good goal-scorer. He’s got a high soccer IQ, he’s smooth and deliberate. Owen is about 6-2 and his strong body enables him to display will-power and helps him get into scoring position.’’

Three midfielders will play key roles because Natick’s offense is designed to go through the midfield. They include junior Cole Boggis and seniors Kal Masse and Ethan Rivera.

“Cole leads by example and players gravitate towards him,’’ Joseph said. “He’s skilled, quick, and mentally and physically tough. Kal is a gritty player who’s got great field vision. His passing is crisp and accurate. Ethan is dynamic and versatile, able to play any position. A coachable and flexible competitor, he’s got speed and quickness and has a high soccer IQ.’’

Although Joseph was still assessing his roster at Local Town Pages’ deadline, four newcomers could be in the mix as the season moves along. They include senior Gavin Waddle (defender) and juniors Sam Fishman (defender), Nate Kingscote (midfielder) and Devin Irwin (midfielder).

“I’m confident they’ll get playing time,’’ Joseph said, “and I know they’ll be ready when the opportunity arises. They’re strong, skilled and eager to contribute.’’

All the players will get their chance to demonstrate their talents when Natick hosts  Milton on Sept. 3 in its season opener.  

After graduating from Natick High, Joseph enrolled at Fairfield University where he played volleyball for four years and majored in political science and history. A captain in volleyball as a senior, he also was a New England Collegiate League all-star.

Joseph, who has a masters degree from Boston College in education, has been on the Natick High faculty for seven years, teaching history and philosophy. 

His athletic philosophy focuses on developing character, building team chemistry, and making sure his players reach their potential. “If those things are in place, then winning will follow,’’ he said. 

Life lessons can be learned in sports and Joseph lists several that he believes can be valuable after high school. “Overcoming adversity and developing resilience are important,’’ he noted. “And, sports can also teach how to be a quality leader and a good teammate. Other key lessons are setting goals and a willingness to be accountable.’’

Joseph has enthusiasm and energy and his Redhawks’ on-field style will reflect those attributes. They’ll focus on their offense going through the midfielders. “We’ll be deliberate, we want to control the pace, and we’ll strive to maintain possession as we advance the ball,’’ the coach said.

What Dan Joseph also wants is a continuance of the momentum his squad created during last year’s playoffs.