The Chapel Hill High School men’s soccer team capped its 2024 season, falling 2-1 to the top-ranked team in the state during the third round of playoffs on November 14 in head coach Jason Curtis’s final season coaching the men’s team.
With an overall record of 14-6-1, the Tigers completed their 25th straight year in the playoffs, finishing second in the DAC-VI conference.
The Tigers began the postseason strong, securing a 7-1 victory Pine Forest on November 9. In the second round, they avenged three previous losses to Apex Friendship, dominating the Patriots 4-1 on November 12.
“We lost to [the Patriots] three straight times, so it was nice to get over that hump,” said senior captain and center midfielder Matthew Hodges.
The Tigers’ regular season saw several highlights, including a sweep of their crosstown rivals, East Chapel Hill High School. The Tigers edged out the Wildcats 1-0 in a nail-biter on October 10 and followed it up with a 2-0 shutout on October 29.
“This was the first time we swept East in my four years here, so beating them twice was definitely the best part of my last season,” senior midfielder and captain Ben Daniels said.
Senior forward Ian Weiskott led the Tigers offensively, scoring 21 goals and earning 45 points for the season. Key contributions also came from senior midfielder Rafa Canoutas-Nadel, with eight goals and eight assists, and senior forward Levi Cole, who tallied six goals and five assists.
After losing 16 seniors from the 2023 squad, the Tigers faced the challenge of rebuilding their team dynamic. However, the players’ determination and teamwork shone through.
“Losing as many seniors as we did, it took a while for them to figure out what each of their roles were on this team,” said head coach Jason Curtis. “The boys put in a lot of effort this season. They really wanted to win and figured out how to play well as a team.”
This season also marked the end of an era, as Curtis announced his retirement after 26 years with the program. While stepping away to spend more time with his family, Curtis will continue to coach the women’s team in the spring before fully retiring.
“I think now is the best time to do it,” Curtis said. “Really, [assistant coach and Spanish teacher Davis] Boyle should be head coach quite honestly. His sons are going to be playing for him, and he has been assistant coach for so many years.”
Reflecting on his tenure, Curtis expressed pride in the relationships he built and the program’s legacy.
“What I really wanted for my teams was to create a place where they belong—something bigger than them, that was before them, and will be here after they graduate,” Curtis said.
Assistant coach Kevin Schoden also announced his retirement after the spring women’s season.
Sophomore Wyatt Ragosta noted the impact of their coaches and team leaders: “The coaches are very passionate, and our captains are fearless. I think that is what got us as far as we did. The goal that I think we all have is to win the state championship next.”
