On Saturday, November 17 at the Dover-Sherborn High School Turf Field at 1:00pm, Dover will be hosting the 3rd Annual Dover-Wellesley Soccer Cup. You may be surprised to know that this friendly yet ferocious game between the two towns’ pick-up squads is one of the few rivalries where in a refreshing role reversal, children will cheer on their fathers, shout playing advice, and protest unfavorable referee calls. Over forty families are expected to participate in this day of friendship, fun and healthy gamesmanship.
The Dover team, known by its long-standing acronym SLC (short for “Saturday Legion Crew”), was formed nearly 10 years ago by a group of Dover and Sherborn dads who played pick-up games in town before ending the day to build friendships at the Dover Legion. They sparred periodically against Wellesley but formalized the event three years ago and were surprised by the growing enthusiasm for the rivalry on both sides.
This year the stakes are high. Following SLC’s decisive 4-0 victory in Wellesley last year, a much larger crowd is anticipated as the SLC defends ownership of the 3-foot trophy any wife would be proud to display in her living room. Prestigious Boston law firm and sponsor Nystrom Beckman & Paris, LLP has outfitted the team in handsome new jerseys.
SLC team manager Drasko Kovrlija says, “The team is fired up for the Cup. Everyone has been working extremely hard to make sure we win at home and keep the trophy in Dover where it belongs.”
Meanwhile, Wellesley team manager Tom Harrington is confident his team will prevail this year. Says he, "We hope Dover is prepared to see our convoy driving away with the trophy on November 17. But fear not, anyone from Dover who misses it will be able to see it next time they dine at The Cottage."
Joel Thomson, last year's SLC MVP invites all to come see the game. "This will be a hard-fought battle and we need Dover kids and adults to come out and support the home team. Besides, I already told my family the Cup trophy will again be the dining room table centerpiece during our Thanksgiving dinner."
Adds Jen Thomson, Joel’s wife and the caretaker of the enormous trophy for much of this year, "I sure hope someone else is voted MVP this time around."