A Remarkable Season, a Heartbreaking Finish: PTA Boys Soccer Falls to Telstar in Regional Final

GARDINER, Maine — For nearly three months, the Pine Tree Academy boys soccer team had found a way to win every game. With outstanding defense, an explosive offense, and a No. 4 statewide ranking on MaxPreps, the Breakers entered Tuesday's 8-person South Regional Championship undefeated and confident.

But for the second consecutive year, PTA's championship hopes ended against Telstar on the same field at Hoch Field in Gardiner. Despite a dream start, the Breakers fell 5–2, ending their remarkable season with a 14–1 record.

A Dream Start, Then a Shift in Momentum

In the opening minute, Fitzroy Hakizimana converted a penalty kick to give PTA a 1–0 lead. The Breakers looked sharp early, but Telstar responded with physical play and relentless pressure that disrupted PTA's passing and possession.

As reported by the Portland Press Herald's game report, German exchange student Moritz Mayer scored a hat trick for Telstar, first equalizing and then putting the Rebels ahead 2–1 with a remarkable long-range strike. For the first time all season, PTA trailed. Travis Decareau extended Telstar's lead to 3–1 before senior captain Rhett Tyson scored in the second half to cut the deficit to 3–2.

The comeback briefly seemed possible, but misplaced passes, turnovers, and an injury to standout defender Rio Soram compounded PTA's difficulties. Bryan Lee added Telstar's fourth goal, and Mayer completed his hat trick with the fifth to seal the 5–2 victory. The result also appeared in WABI-TV's regional championship roundup, a score summary of the night.

An Unfamiliar Challenge

After allowing only two goals in its first 14 games, PTA faced adversity it had rarely experienced. Speaking with the Portland Press Herald, coach Jess Remmes Davis described the team as feeling “a little shell-shocked.” Telstar's physicality and pressure disrupted the possession-based soccer that had made Pine Tree successful. Credit goes to the Rebels, who came prepared and made the most of their opportunities.

A Season Worth Celebrating

PTA completed a perfect 12–0 regular season and defeated Rangeley 5–0 in the regional quarterfinal and Temple Academy 8–0 in the semifinal. The Breakers won 14 straight games, climbed to No. 4 statewide on MaxPreps, and allowed only two goals before the regional final.

Led by senior captain Rhett Tyson, defenders Rio Soram and Ben Christman, and goalkeeper Abner Poland, PTA's defense was exceptional. Lucky Kabeya and Fitzroy Hakizimana's creativity, Collin Verrill's finishing, and contributions throughout the roster made the Breakers dangerous offensively. The 1–0 regular-season shutout of Telstar was one of many memorable moments.

One Game Doesn't Define a Season

For the seniors, Tuesday marked the end of their high school soccer journey. For returning players, it will provide motivation for the future. Losing to the same opponent, on the same field, in the same regional championship for a second year is painful, especially after defeating Telstar during the regular season.

But one difficult afternoon cannot erase 14 consecutive wins, an undefeated regular season, a second straight regional final, and the pride this team brought to the Pine Tree Academy community. Congratulations to the players, coaches, and families on a remarkable 2026 season.