Leading the charge: 2024 Revere boys soccer captains anchored historic championship season

By Dom Nicastro

 

The Revere High School boys soccer team had a season to remember in 2024, finishing 12-2-2 in the regular season, claiming the Greater Boston League (GBL) title and advancing to the Division 2 state quarterfinals.

 

At the heart of this remarkable season were the team’s three captains: Brayan Medina, Noah Gaviria and Angel Ortez. Each brought unique leadership qualities, talent and determination to the squad, laying the foundation for one of the most successful campaigns in school history.

 

Brayan Medina: The veteran leader

 

As a senior and four-year varsity player, Medina played a pivotal role in Revere’s midfield as a defensive anchor. Reflecting on his journey, Medina shared how he’s been immersed in soccer since the age of 5, starting with East Boston’s Soccer 1 before joining Hammer FC in West Roxbury. His experience and composure on the pitch were crucial to the Patriots’ ability to control games.

 

“My personal goals were to stop as many plays as I can from the other team and close down gaps around the field,” Medina said. “I feel like I was successful.”

 

Medina credited the team’s success to their hard work from the summer onward.

 

“Since the beginning of the summer, everyone got together, and we knew we had the potential to be great—we just had to work hard,” he said.

 

For Medina, the postseason win against East Longmeadow (2-1) was the culmination of years of effort.

 

“It felt amazing—four years of varsity soccer, and we finally were able to do it,” said Medina, whose team followed that win with another in the Sweet 16: 2-1 over Bedford in PKs.

 

As Medina searches for the best college fit to continue his soccer career, he offers advice for the next generation of Revere players: “Work hard from the beginning. Never stop working and improving. Hard work ends up being paid.”

 

Noah Gaviria: The defensive pillar

 

Junior Noah Gaviria stepped up as a captain and key leader in Revere’s backline, playing center back and ensuring the team maintained one of the best defensive records in the GBL. Gaviria, who has been playing soccer since he was 5, focused on improving his technical and mental game this season.

 

“This team was so successful this year because we all played like family,” Gaviria said. “We really did and still care for each other on and off the pitch.”

 

The team’s unity showed in big wins, particularly a dominant 5-0 victory over Everett.

 

“It was my favorite win because when we first saw them, it was a very tight game, but when we played them again, we didn’t let them do anything all game,” Gaviria said.

 

Looking ahead, Gaviria is already focused on academics and the possibility of trying another sport before returning to lead next year’s squad. His advice to next year’s team?

 

“Most of us know the feeling of loss, so let’s all give everything we have next season,” he said. “Even when we have nothing left, just keep on fighting.”

 

Angel Ortez: the offensive maestro

 

Senior Angel Ortez was the Patriots’ offensive engine, finishing the season with 15 goals and five assists. Having played soccer since age 3, with experience at the New England Revolution Academy and IFA MLS Next, Ortez brought a wealth of skill and leadership to Revere in his first and only season with the team.

 

“My main personal goal this year was winning states and the GBL,” Ortez said. “Unfortunately, we didn’t win states, but we did win the GBL. I feel very proud because this is the first time Revere has made it to the quarterfinals ever, and that’s a huge accomplishment.”

 

Ortez credited the team’s chemistry for their success.

 

“We connected so well as a group because we all like to troll and have fun sometimes, but when we had to focus, we all did,” Ortez said. “There were no players that thought they were better than others.”

 

His favorite moment came during the 8-2 win over Chelsea that clinched the GBL title.

 

“It was my favorite because I had three goals and two assists during the game. We were able to win the league in front of our own fans.”

 

After high school, Ortez will take his talents to UMass-Boston, where he has committed to play soccer. His advice for the next Revere team is simple yet powerful: “Stay together, even in the downs. Everyone should focus at every training session as well as keeping each other motivated.”

 

A legacy of leadership

 

Together, Medina, Gaviria, and Ortez brought balance to Revere’s team. Medina’s grit in the midfield, Gaviria’s steady defensive leadership and Ortez’s offensive brilliance created a team that thrived under pressure and elevated Revere soccer to new heights.

 

The captains’ legacy goes beyond wins and titles—it’s reflected in the culture they’ve built for future teams. As Ortez summed up, “We all worked hard and earned our spots in the starting 11.”