Lynn’s Brett Thomas is set for his junior season on the Malden Catholic boys soccer team. Courtesy Photo by J. Thomas.
By Katie Morrison
Lynn’s Brett Thomas, a junior at Malden Catholic, is ready to help the Lancers boys soccer team get back to the state tournament in 2016.
Thomas was named a captain for the Lancers, his first season in that role. The Ohio native, who moved to Lynn when he was in first grade and has lived in the city ever since, has been a part of the Malden Catholic program since his freshman year. Heading into the new season, Thomas and his teammates have big goals.
The Lancers fell in the preliminary round of the Division 2 North tournament last season, after sneaking into the bracket as the 20th seed with an 8-9-1 record.
“I think we exceeded our own expectations,” said Thomas, who praised his teammates for the team’s successful season.
This year, Thomas’ goal is to lead the Lancers back to the postseason.
“We hope to build off the experience we gained last season and keep making progress,” Thomas said.
The Lancers play in one of the toughest conferences in the state, the Catholic Conference, taking on teams like BC High, St. John’s Prep and Xaverian, all perennial contenders for a state title.
“I think playing those teams, it’s a good measuring stick for the program,” Thomas said. “We can see how we compete with them, how we stack up against the best competition.”
Thomas says that playing against elite teams helps him grow as a player.
“You can see there’s always that next level to aspire to,” Thomas said. “It gives you some extra motivation.”
Thomas, who plays center back and midfield, was selected by coach Scott Elias as one of the captains this season. The 16-year-old says his play and demeanor on the field demonstrates leadership, and Elias saw that in him.
“I’m very vocal and I command a large presence on the field,” Thomas said. “I think I demonstrate leadership qualities.”
Thomas said he knows that being named a captain comes with extra responsibilities.
“I have to try and keep the players motivated,” Thomas said. “When we’re up 2-0 or 2-1, I have to keep the players focused and in line.”
While Thomas’ goals center on the team as a whole for the upcoming season, he has a few milestones he’d like to reach on a personal level as well. Thomas said that he aspires to be a Catholic Conference All-Star, and he’d also like to put a few points on the board. Thomas logged a couple of assists last season, but he’d like to find the back of the net as well this year.
Next Monday, the Lancers will take on St. Mary’s in a non-league game for the first time since Thomas has been with the program. Having grown up in Lynn, Thomas is familiar with a number of the players on the Spartans roster.
“I think we’ll get a little rivalry going,” Thomas said of his hometown’s team.
But before that, the Lancers will face off against another Catholic Central League opponent, Bishop Fenwick, at home on Wednesday to open the 2016 season.