Concord-Carlisle plans more Royal treatment
BOYS SOCCER
CONCORD — Concord-Carlisle’s Spencer Royal has all of the characteristics that any coach would want in a senior captain. To start, the on-field talent of the Herald All-Scholastic striker is undeniable.
Standing a little over 6-foot, Royal spent his junior season punishing opposing defenses with his uncanny ability to maneuver in tight space while balancing his surprising speed to score goals (eight with two game-winners) and dish out assists (10) at a highlevel as the Patriots qualified for the state tournament for the 30th straight season.
But it is his humble attitude and team-first mentality that sets Royal apart from the handful of star players who have come through coach Ray Pavlik’s system.
“Spencer is an exceptional kid,” Pavlik said. “He is a great student. He is kind, considerate, and he is one of the great young men that I’ve had the pleasure of coaching because he goes about everything the right way, and that translates over to soccer.
“He is a wonderful physical talent, but his ability to sit and listen is what sets him apart. He has zero ego. It doesn’t matter if he is the best player on the field because he doesn’t view himself that way, but on the field, he is a real handful with his size, speed and technique.”
Named to the United Soccer Coaches 2016 All-New England Region team, Royal has set lofty personal goals for himself and his team this season.
“I want to be sure I am doing as good this year as I did last year, if not better,” Royal said. “The team obviously comes before me, but scoring goals and having assists are good for the team. So if I can keep doing that, it will be important for the success of this program.”
However, it was the Patriots’ 2-1 overtime loss to Belmont in the first round of last year’s Division 2 North tournament that was the driving force for Royal as he prepared for his final scholastic season.
“I was really happy with how things turned out for me individually last season, but to end the year with a tough result was disappointing,” added Royal. “I thought about that loss to Belmont quite a bit training for this season, but now that we are finally here. I know that we have a great team and I am excited to get started.”
As one of four returning senior captains, Royal’s plate is fuller than in years past. But the three-year varsity starter is more than ready to take on the added responsibility that comes with being named a team leader.
“I need to lead by example by being the hardest working player on the field,” Royal said. “If I can live up to that expectation for myself, hopefully I can inspire the younger kids to do the same.”
‘He is one of the great young men that I’ve had the pleasure of coaching because he goes about everything the right way, and that translates over to soccer.’ — CONCOND-CARLISLE COACH RAY PAVLIK On senior star Spencer Royal