After many deep postseason runs that ended too soon, the New Bedford boys’ soccer team finally broke through in 2010, capturing the Division 1 South sectional en route to an appearance in the state championship where it succumbed to the Ludlow dynasty, 4-1.

The 2011 season was not on par with seasons of yore for the Whalers, but despite their struggls they arrived in Eastham for their final game of the regular season against Nauset, with an opportunity to reach the postseason with a win.