BOYS SOCCER DEMONSTRATE DEPTH, DRIVE, AND DOMINANCE

From the first whistle in August to the final week of the regular season, the Greenhills boys varsity soccer team has played with purpose, poise, and an unmistakable belief in their potential. Now, with the playoffs on the horizon and ranked 4th in the state, the Gryphons have put together one of the program’s most impressive seasons in recent memory.

“This group has met—and in many ways exceeded—our expectations,” said head coach Lucian Popescu. “We’ve played a strong schedule, developed our depth, and grown tremendously as a team. We’ve built something special.”

That foundation was laid early, when the team hosted a preseason tournament at Greenhills and continued to build through a summer training camp at Madonna University, where they scrimmaged high-level Division 1 opponents. From those early days, Popescu saw something important: a squad that could play multiple systems, rotate players without losing rhythm, and adapt quickly to new challenges. The Gryphons’ versatility has become a defining strength.

“We’ve played different systems throughout the year and can make tactical changes depending on the opponent,” said Popescu. “That flexibility gives us an edge, and it’s only possible because we have players who are smart, disciplined, and willing to do what’s best for the team.”

That team-first mentality has shown up across the field. Senior captain Nico Bichakjian has anchored the midfield with relentless energy and leadership, and someone Popescu considers one of the best players in the league. Freshman Joey Beamish, playing alongside him, has emerged as a rising star, holding his own against older, more experienced players. On the back line, Eli Elliott ’27 and John Sadrack ’26 have been a stabilizing force, while goalkeepers Tariq Khalil ’28 and Tag Dershimer ’27 have shared duties in net with consistency and confidence.

Offensively, junior Sebastian Dickinson has been the breakout star, notching double-digit goals over the course of the season and consistently finding ways to convert chances into results.

“He’s just a dominant player,” Popescu said. “Every game, he finds a way to make something happen.”

But Dickinson isn’t alone. Popescu says Keating Holland ’27 is “a high-level player that can compete with anyone,” and Max Harbaugh ’28 “is having a fantastic season—very aggressive and attacking-minded.” Both have made major contributions, while others have stepped into new roles, giving the team valuable minutes in tight contests.

“This year, we’ve had more depth than ever before,” said Popescu. “We can bring in different players and maintain the quality and intensity of play. That’s made a huge difference.”

Greenhills’ strong performance in the Catholic High School League reflects that balance. The team finished second in the league, with its best points total ever, and earned widespread recognition. Seven players received all-league or all-academic honors. Popescu credits not just talent, but mindset.

“We’ve worked hard on leadership,” he said. “You can take a lot of leadership classes, but if you don’t prove it, it doesn’t mean that much. Leadership means taking extreme ownership of your performance and your actions, and taking ownership of your team.”

That sense of accountability has translated into results. The Gryphons have scored 33 goals on the season, earned the top seed in their district, and consistently held their own against larger Division 1 opponents. And perhaps most impressively, they’ve done it with a style of play that’s earned praise across the league.

“Coaches, players, even parents from other schools—they’ve stopped me after games to say how much they enjoy watching this team play,” said Popescu. “We’re not perfect, but we’re committed to playing the right way. And we’re proud of that.”

With the playoffs ahead, Greenhills is focused, confident, and ready for what’s next. But no matter how the postseason unfolds, this season has already delivered something meaningful: a team that has found its rhythm, embraced its identity, and played every minute like it matters.