Timmy Gleason ‘28
Staff Writer
In games filled with drama, excitement, and even a last-minute game-tying goal against the 2023 Mens’ Division 1 National Champions, the Holy Cross men’s and women’s soccer teams achieved widely successful seasons. Spanning both teams, the Patriot League competitors totaled 36 goals, nine shutouts, and a lifetime of memories. Against some of the most competitive opponents across the Division 1 landscape, Holy Cross played 18 games in the Patriot League Conference and won or tied 13 of these games above an impressive 70% rate.
The men’s team’s first six games garnered two wins, a tie, and three losses. One of these victories was against fellow Patriot League opponent, the Lehigh Mountain Hawks (6-10-3) by a score of 2-1. This triumph was a spark prior to welcoming the Clemson Tigers, who at the time were ranked fifth in the nation in all of Division 1.
At Linda Johnson Soccer Stadium with over 2500 in attendance, the Holy Cross Crusaders battled but saw themselves trailing 2-1 in the dying moments of the game. However, senior John Kowalski scored his first goal of the campaign in a fantastic volley to erupt the crowd and ultimately secure a tie with the reigning national champions. This tie along with the back end of the season, where the Crusaders found their stride and were undefeated across their last four games of the season (against the Navy Midshipmen, the Army West Point Black Knights, the American University Eagles, and the Boston University Terriers), were some of their most memorable moments of the season. Additionally, two Crusaders would go on to claim individual awards.
Senior Evan Jones, who also ranks within the top 15 in goals scored, points, and assists, achieved first-team honors and capped off one of the most successful men’s soccer careers in the school’s history. The towering junior defender Julian Beban was named to the Patriot League third-team. Beban, who totaled 5 points for the season, is expected to return for the men’s team next season. His return will be significant for the Crusaders, as Beban is a cornerstone for the defense.
On the women’s side, their first first three games resulted in narrow defeats, including losses to Fairfield University, the University of New Hampshire, and Providence College, all by a single goal. However, the mid-season stretch would grant commanding victories. Through the stretch of six games, the women’s team secured three victories and ultimately turned the Linda Johnson Stadium into a fortress.
These wins were highlighted by three shutouts and a variety of goalscorers; senior midfielder Allie Waters, junior midfielder Olivia Perez, sophomore forward Charlotte Hanchar, and junior forward Riley Grable were all contributors to this success. Furthermore, these demonstrated victories influenced an almost absolute perfect record in the Patriot League in the first three games.
Starting their conference play with the Lafayette Leopards (5-6-4), the Army West Point Black Knights (12-6-1), and the American University Eagles (6-6-3), the Crusaders defeated both the Leopards and Black Knights before drawing to the Eagles. The season concluded with a 1-1 draw to the Colgate Raiders (5-10-4) in the Cousy Cup competition. Individually, Emily Bubonovich, a senior defender, who also started every single game she was available and was a key captain for the Holy Cross women’s soccer team, achieved an All-Patriot League Academic Honor Roll recognition for her contributions during the 2024 season.
Individually and team-wide, both Holy Cross soccer teams put on a show for their audience. No matter the competition or situation, every single game demanded and commanded viewership.
Featured image courtesy of Holy Cross Athletics
Copy Edited by Sophia Olbrysh ’28
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