The Oyster River High School (ORHS) boys’ soccer team’s 2024 season is underway, and they are already off to a great start. The Bobcats have started the season 3-0 while they look to claim championship banner #15. This team is showing to be one of the most connected teams of the past few years.
The first game of the season was a thriller 4-3 win at Milford behind a 3-goal performance from striker Torin Saunders (‘25).
The Bobcats’ home opener against Kennet was a 4-0 blowout with goals from Xander Ahn (‘27), Wilson Kim (‘25), and two from Saunders.
The Bobcats third game was 1-0 finish at Lebanon, who the Bobcats had lost to last season in the playoffs, with yet another goal from Torin Saunders.
A big piece for this year’s team is the chemistry and excitement that stems from the chemistry. The majority of the players have been playing together for their entire lives, which adds more meaning to the season considering it is their senior year. “I think that this team has more chemistry than any team I’ve ever been on. I think that all the boys on the team get along with each other really well and I think that we have a good ethic and good environment,” said Wilson Kim (‘25).
The captains for the team this season are Kim and Corey Handwork (‘25). The captains feel strongly on how the outlook of this season looks for the Bobcats. “I think we look really good. We pulled off our first win in our first game on Tuesday against Milford. I’m really excited for the season,” said Handwork
The seniors on the team have worked to incorporate the underclassman as part of the team and come together as one. ‘We have great chemistry overall because some of those guys like Corey, Wilson, and Torin have been playing together almost their entire life so it’s kind of special to be a part of that,” said Xander Ahn (‘27).
The Bobcats coach Akan Ekanem prides his team in their connection and chemistry. “As a group, it’s a great group. They’ve gelled really well together. They work together really well. I think skillfully the best group I’ve had since being at Oyster River,” said Ekanem.
Make sure to attend the Bobcat’s rivalry game this weekend at Coe Brown 9/14 at 12:30PM to support the team and see the connections they’ve made.
– Kai Nield
Mouth of the River 
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