Natick boys soccer entered the fall as the defending Division 1 champion and one of the top- regarded teams in the state, carrying the weight of the first state title in program history.

However, the Redhawks started 1-3-1 with a tough schedule ahead.

Head Coach Daniel Joseph has high hopes for his team. Courtesy photo

Head Coach Daniel Joseph saw the growing pains coming. “We lost 7 of our 11 starters, including our starting goalkeeper and two of our three center backs,’’ he said. “We lost an All- American forward in Luke Dougherty. So there was a lot of turnover, a lot of new roles, a lot of new guys on the team, but others who were mostly bench players last year just waiting for their opportunity to shine’’

The opener, he said, was a lesson delivered early. “It was just an uncharacteristic performance by us, and I think the boys were kind of disappointed in themselves,’’ Joseph said. “But honestly, it was a good lesson for us to have that happen right away.’’

The team then went on a 5-0-1 stretch in mid-October, showcasing the potential Joseph always knew was there. “ I got to tell you, our guys were resilient,,’’ he said. 

One key point of emphasis he told his players from the start was not to chase the success of last year’s team. “We’re not trying to replicate last year’s team,’’ he said. “That was a unique team with a unique roster and unique relationships. But we wanted to try to get back some of that off-field closeness.’’

This is where Joseph has relied heavily on the seniors, who he said have taken command. After the slow start, the players held players-only meetings, and the captains relayed what they heard to the staff.

“Instead of pointing fingers and complaining, they wanted to problem solve,,’’ Joseph said. “They’re doing pasta dinners more often, hanging out together outside of practices and games, which is entirely on them.’’

Captain Luca Tavilla is the only player to make varsity as a freshman and has been there four straight years. “He plays a variety of positions, wherever we need him, and he never complains,’’ Joseph said. “He leads by example.’’

The same goes for captain Cole Boggis, who Joseph believes” should be an All-American’’ and is one of “the best forwards in the entire state.’’

Opponents have noticed, too. “He gets fouled a handful of times every game, pretty hard fouls,’’ Joseph said. “He gets up and powers through and I think even those subtle signs to our younger players are huge.’’

On defense, captain Sam Fishman has steadied a backline that was trying to find its chemistry early on with a new goalkeeper and mostly new defenders. 

“He’s a little more vocal, which is exactly what you need on defense,’’ Joseph said.

Knowing the strong leaders and initiative that the team will take, Joseph’s approach to coaching this team has been hands-off by design. “My coaching style is not a micromanager,’’ Joseph said.”If I’m the one giving out all the commands, or if my players think it has to be my way or the highway right down to the last detail, it’s not going to succeed.’’

With the playoffs approaching, Joseph likes where his team stands. “We definitely want to keep this positive momentum,’’ he said. “But I think we’re in good shape heading forward.’’

They also simplified the goal. “I think we were trying to look too far ahead or too big-picture earlier in the season,’’ Joseph said. 

“You’ve got to stay focused and you’ve got to stay disciplined for 80 minutes, whether you’re on a soccer field or in life… when we slowed it down and said, ‘let’s just take it one game at a time’, that’s when we got focused on the present moment and started to work together as a team.’’

Last year’s title run didn’t come easily, he reminded them. “Every single playoff game was either a one-goal game, went to overtime, or we were down,’’ he said.

“The ups and downs we’ve had so far this season have been perfect for what I’m wanting for the playoffs.’’

Joseph is not only extremely proud of what this group has accomplished together so far, but he is also optimistic that this group has what it takes to make it far once again in the post season.

“I know the potential of this team. I said it on day one. I still think this is the most talented group of young men that had in my six years of coaching,’’ Joseph said. “I really do believe that this team has everything that it takes to make a deep playoff run, if not win the championship again.’’