WORCESTER — Wayland goalie Max Marks never expected to make an appearance in the Division 3 state soccer final against Belchertown Saturday morning, but when starter Robert Yuan sustained an injury during warm-ups, the senior backup stepped in without hesitation.
"[Marks] looked at me and I said, 'It's all yours,' " said coach David Gavron. "He said, 'I've been waiting for you to say this all postseason, coach.' "
With numerous key saves to close out the second half, Marks guided the Warriors into overtime, and the Wayland offense took just 28 seconds to deliver when senior striker Scott Carvalho knocked in the winner off his own rebound to give the Warriors (16-5-2) a 1-0 victory at WPI.
"It really epitomized the whole season based on the way these boys have persevered and just continued to fight,'' said Gavron.
After a competitive first half, the defending state champion Orioles (14-4-4) took control. They spent a lot of time in the Warriors' box, but Wayland's defense was suffocating, and Marks was there when needed.
In the 71st minute, Belchertown's Nicholas Drost fired a point blank shot on net, but Marks dived and deflected the ball off his fingertips before it caromed off the crossbar. It was the third time Belchertown hit the post in the second half.
Three minutes later, Jonathan Ingram one-timed a rebound off a Wayland defender, but Marks fully extended himself to knock the ball away.
Then, right before the end of regulation. Belchertown's Ryan Kearney perfectly crossed one to Cyrus Raines, but Raines tapped it too lightly and Marks threw himself on the ball as time expired
"I was so relieved to have the ball in my hands and for him to blow that final whistle," said Marks, who finished with 10 saves.
Despite Belchertown having the momentum heading into extra time, Wayland took the overtime kickoff upfield and never looked back.
Carvalho, a 6-foot striker, made a run up the field, zig-zagged through a few defenders, and fired a shot on net. Belchertown goalie Connor Curtin made a lunging save, but Carvalho collected the rebound and knocked it into the open net.
"When you're a little kid playing three-on-three soccer with your friends, you imagine what if we win an OT state championship game and here we are," said Carvalho.
"A wonderful finish to an incredible season," said Gavron. "The boys have worked hard since our first day in August and they had one goal together, to finish together in late November here at WPI."