CONCORD - A pair of second half goals by Zeiko Lewis propelled Berkshire School to the New England Prep School Soccer Association championship, 2-0 over Phillips Exeter Academy on Sunday.
Berkshire completed the season 19-0-1 and ranked first nationally in the Elite Soccer Report, a national prep school rating service. Perhaps more importantly, the Bears were awarded the Stewart Cup, named after longtime Berkshire School soccer coach Jackman Stewart. The Cup is emblematic of the New England Class A Soccer championship. Although Berkshire's enrollment qualifies it for the B Division, coach Jon Moodey moved the team up to enable the Bears to compete for the Stewart trophy.
Stewart, who died in 2000, worked for the school in a host of capacities from 1958-90. He was the boys soccer coach from 1958-79, according to Eagle files.
This is Berkshire's first New England soccer championship since the team went undefeated in 1969 and won the tournament under Stewart. A number of members of that class were on hand for Sunday's game, according to Moodey.
In addition, Ellie Stewart, Jackman Stewart's widow, was on hand to present the Stewart Cup to the team.
"That was very big," said Moodey. "I know it meant a lot to her, and it meant a lot to our boys. We were all a little emotional when she presented us with the trophy.
"The irony is that, as a B Division team, we were never eligible to compete for the cup until we moved up. "And I'm grateful to the alumni who played
Lewis' goals were assisted by Jack Harrison and Justin Donawa. Sam Clougher had five saves for the shutout.
Moodey also singled out Matt Renzi, who spelled injured co-captain Noah Sinkoff at halfback.
"Matt had a tremendous game," said Moodey. "He filled in very well for Noah."
Lewis ends his Berkshire career with 34 goals and 10 assists.
Exeter finishes 16-3-2.
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