The Rocky Hill boys soccer team has had a fantastic 2023 campaign as it won the SENE regular season title with a 14-1 record and reached the finals last weekend, where it came up short to St. Thomas Moore in a 3-0 decision. The Mariners squared off against Brimmer & Mary in the NEPSAC Championship on Wednesday.

The team’s top producer this fall has been Cranston resident Jake Krikorian, who leads the team with 27 goals and 26 assists, and is currently ranked in the top-40 in the nation. Krikorian returned to Rocky Hill after spending last season with MLS Next, a developmental league for players with Division I and professional soccer aspirations.

“It’s exciting to be back. Coming back to an exciting group, seeing how well we’ve been doing, we’ve been dominating, it’s been great. Practices are great, games are great but my favorite part has been the bus rides. Being back with my guys is incredible,” said Krikorian.

In his year away, Krikorian noticed the biggest difference in his game come from the physical standpoint.

“I came into Rocky Hill undersized, underweight as an eighth grader. I saw my game develop, get stronger and faster which helped me out in the long run,” said Krikorian.

The senior has already received significant interest from Division I programs and his goal is to compete at that level next season. Krikorian comes from an athletic family, with both his father and grandfather competing in Division I sports as well.

“It’s a goal I’ve had since a I was little kid. It’s been on my whiteboard next to my bed since I was young. To be noticed by some of these coaches that are in the Division I game is important. It’s exciting to follow in the family footsteps,” Krikorian said.

Krikorian’s decision will be made primarily based on his relationship with the coaching staff.

“The most important thing is the guy you play under. It’s about the connection with the coach and if you feel at home there. If you feel like you can be part of his family, it’s meant to be,” Krikorian said.

As for the rest of this season, the Mariners had a chance at redemption on Wednesday. With one last chance at a championship on the table, Krikorian hopes the Mariners will use the recent loss as fuel.

“I told the boys after we lost, ‘remember this feeling.’ We want to win a title for the school on Wednesday and that’s the most important thing … winning it for the school on our chest and hanging a banner in the gym,” said Krikorian.

Other key members of the Rocky Hill team are Vitor Robazza Breseghelo (21 goals) and John David O’Hara (13 goals). Kian Garcia has recorded eight shutouts in net.