Protector Of The Bears

Senior Sam Bogart saved a shot against Leland and Gray.

The Brattleboro Bears boys soccer team currently holds a record of 6-6, with 2 regular season games remaining. The Bears will soon say goodbye to their thirteen seniors–including their exceptional goalie, Sam Bogart.

Sam has played soccer for the majority of his life. It wasn't until sophomore year that he put the gloves on and started playing goalie.

“After being a last resort goalie for my indoor soccer team, I became noticeably not terrible, and officially started my sophomore season,” said Bogart.

Bogart his sophomore season.

In his newfound position, Bogart's sophomore season was filled with ups and downs, but ultimately he fell in love with the new job. Bogart explained that this unfamiliar role had a big learning curve, but he figured it out quickly.

“I think for me, I’ve had limited struggles with being a goalie. But the biggest struggle was not physically stopping the shots, but understanding the position to give myself the opportunity to save them,” Bogart said.

Bogart in a game against Stratton.

The position of the goalie is a high-pressure one, and can be extremely stressful, but that is what Bogart loves about it.

“I think my favorite part about being a goalie is having the power to win a game but also lose one. To know at a certain point in a close game that the game will likely come down to a big save from either you or the other goalie,” Bogart said.

Bogart’s junior year was his varsity debut. He started every game, and finished the season with 4 shutouts. Bogart was notably one of the best goalies in Brattleboro’s Southern Vermont League. In his junior season, the Bears made it to the second round of the playoffs, falling short 1-3 to Colchester. 

So far this year, Bogart has had 3 shutouts. 

“This season, my most memorable moment was saving a penalty kick against Burr and Burton, despite the loss,” Bogart said.

“Sam adds a serious level of security to our team. He’s so important, so crucial. He saved us on multiple occasions,” said senior captain Charlie Kinnersley. “If our offense ever does break down, we know we have him to protect us. Ideally, we want him making 0 saves a game, but if a shot is ever taken at Sam, we know he will handle it.”

Seniors Jackson Pals, Teo Ogden, Charlie Kinnersley, and Sam Bogart lined up for a free kick.

With 2 regular season games remaining, and the seniors’ final playoff push approaching, Bogart will need to be ready. According to Bogart and his teammates he will.