Page 12 SOCCER | FROM Page 11 Medina shared how he’s been immersed in soccer since the age of 5, starting with East Boston’s Soccer 1 before joining Hammer FC in West Roxbury. His experience and composure on the pitch were crucial to the Patriots’ ability to control games. “My personal goals were to stop as many plays as I can from the other team and close down gaps around the fi eld,” Medina said. “I feel like I was successful.” Medina credited the team’s success to their hard work from the summer onward. “Since the beginning of the summer, everyone got together, and we knew we had the potential to be great—we just had to work hard,” he said. For Medina, the postseason win against East Longmeadow (2-1) was the culmination of years of eff ort. THE REVERE ADVOCATE – WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2024 “It felt amazing—four years of varsity soccer, and we fi nally were able to do it,” said Medina, whose team followed that win with another in the Sweet 16: 2-1 over Bedford in PKs. As Medina searches for the best college fi t to continue his soccer career, he off ers advice for the next generation of Revere players: “Work hard from the beginning. Never stop working and improving. Hard work ends up being paid.” If We Happen To Meet By Accident ... You’ll Be Glad You Found Us! BEST! Celebrating 46 Years In Business! TONY’S AUTO BODY Call or Visit 781-321-0032 34 Sharon Street Malden, MA 02148 TONYSAUTOBODYLLC.COM COME VISIT OUR STATE OF THE ART BODY SHOP • Computerized Paint Matching (State of the Art Spray Booth) • Computerized Frame Machines • R134 + 1234yf A/C Machines Fully Insured -RS2415 Insurance Company Approval ALL OUR WORK IS GUARANTEED! TONY BARTOLO Owner 46 Years Let Us Handle Your Next Insurance Claim. Go With the BEST It Doesn’t Get BETTER! RENTAL CARS Available Noah Gaviria: The defensive pillar Junior Noah Gaviria stepped up as a captain and key leader in Revere’s backline, playing center back and ensuring the team maintained one of the best defensive records in the GBL. Gaviria, who has been playing soccer since he was 5, focused on improving his technical and mental game this season. “This team was so successful this year because we all played like family,” Gaviria said. “We really did and still care for each other on and off the pitch.” The team’s unity showed in big wins, particularly a dominant 5-0 victory over Everett. “It was my favorite win because when we fi rst saw them, it was a very tight game, but when we played them again, we didn’t let them do anything all game,” Gaviria said. Looking ahead, Gaviria is already focused on academics and the possibility of trying another sport before returning to lead next year’s squad. His advice to next year’s team? “Most of us know the feeling of loss, so let’s all give everything we have next season,” he said. “Even when we have nothing left, just keep on fi ghting.” Angel Ortez: the offensive maestro Senior Angel Ortez was the Patriots’ off ensive engine, fi nishing the season with 15 goals and fi ve assists. Having played soccer since age 3, with experience at the New England Revolution Academy and IFA MLS Next, Ortez brought a wealth of skill and leadership to Revere in his fi rst and only season with the team. “My main personal goal this year was winning states and the GBL,” Ortez said. “Unfortunately, we didn’t win states, but we did win the GBL. I feel very proud because this is the fi rst time Revere has made it to the quarterfi nals ever, and that’s a huge accomplishment.” Ortez credited the team’s chemistry for their success. “We connected so well as a group because we all like to troll and have fun sometimes, but when we had to focus, we all did,” Ortez said. “There were no players that thought they were better than others.” His favorite moment came during the 8-2 win over Chelsea that clinched the GBL title. “It was my favorite because I had three goals and two assists during the game. We were able to win the league in front of our own fans.” After high school, Ortez will take his talents to UMass-Boston, where he has committed to play soccer. His advice for the next Revere team is simple yet powerful: “Stay together, even in the downs. Everyone should focus at every training session as well as keeping each other motivated.” A legacy of leadership Together, Medina, Gaviria, and Ortez brought balance to Revere’s team. Medina’s grit in the midfi eld, Gaviria’s steady defensive leadership and Ortez’s off ensive brilliance created a team that thrived under pressure and elevated Revere soccer to new heights. The captains’ legacy goes beyond wins and titles—it’s refl ected in the culture they’ve built for future teams. As Ortez summed up, “We all worked hard and earned our spots in the starting 11.” For Advertising with Results, call The Advocate Newspapers at 781-286-8500 or Info@advocatenews.net
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