The Emmaus High School boys soccer team recently concluded its 2024 season, finishing with a 19-3-1 overall record and 16-1 mark in the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference. The Hornets won the conference title and then were taken down in the District 11 4A semifinal round, ending the season.

“I think as time goes on we will look back at the season as a success,” said head coach John Cari. “Any time you win a title, it means something special. We posted a 19-3-1 record which was identical to our record in 2023. We played with style and had confidence moving the ball. Losing in the district semifinal was a hard pill to swallow for we had our hopes on bigger things.”

There were plenty of good moments during the season, but Cari had one specific one he enjoyed most.

“I think, without question, our first half of the EPC finals against Parkland would be my favorite moment,” Cari said. “We were focused and locked in to play that game. To score twice on Parkland in that half, let alone hit the crossbar twice along with getting in for a breakaway was just fun to see. It was our first league championship in five years, and we clearly earned it.”

Most of the bigger goals were accomplished this season by the Green Hornets, which is a sign of success.

“As a team, we set our goals to win a league and a district championship every season,” said Cari. “To not get to the finals for the first time in 14 years was a hard pill to swallow. It just means we restart and try again. Still, we are the EPC champs, so the season was a successful one.”

There is a large group of seniors graduating from the program, including Miles Cook, Ben Curtis, Brayden Dang, Ethan Dublin, Callum Harvey, Mohamed Hassanali, Kai Mattern and Bryson Moyer.

“The senior class was an absolute pleasure to work with,” Cari said. “They were truly a great group of guys who wanted to learn, get better, and push for our goals. They were a tight-knit group and played for each other. You cannot ask for more than that.”

“I think the hunger will clearly be there,” said Cari. “To not get to a district final should create a fire in these guys to work hard to achieve our goals. There is plenty of talent in the program, and I look forward to seeing how these guys improve, mature, and set the path to another successful season.”