HUNTINGTOWN, Md. -- Calverton secured the Mid-Atlantic Independent Schools Athletic League boys soccer championship Monday, Oct. 27, 2025, with a 2-0 victory over Riverdale Baptist, closing a postseason built on compact defending, quick counters and a clean-sheet final.

Head coach Josh Mooney -- recently named MISAL coach of the year -- guided the Cougars to the title, with Calverton striking twice and protecting the lead behind a disciplined back line and steady goalkeeping. Riverdale Baptist pushed numbers forward after halftime, but the Cougars held their shape, cleared set pieces and limited second chances in the box.

Mooney said the recognition reflects what the roster became over the fall. "It's an honor to be recognized by my peers," he said. "As a young coach it was a bit of a shock to find out my peers thought this highly of me. Honestly, this is as much a reflection on my boys and the team they've become... I try to put the emphasis on the team being led by the boys, so this honor is as much for them as it is for me."

The league championship capped a run in which Calverton routinely scored first, then managed tempo through midfield pressure and organized lines behind the ball. In the final, the Cougars' front line forced hurried clearances, the midfield won second balls, and the back line handled aerial service to preserve the shutout.

Calverton's postseason also underscored its depth. Starters and reserves rotated through late-match stretches without losing structure, a factor coaches pointed to throughout October as the group tightened defensively and improved in transition.

When the final whistle sounded, the celebration matched the moment. Mooney took the "Gatorade shower" his players said he'd earned, and teammates circled midfield with the trophy amid cheers from students and families. "The Cougar community couldn't be prouder of this team and their unforgettable season," the school said.

Awards and honors (Calverton)

* Coach of the year: Josh Mooney

* Playoff tournament MVP: Asa Weimer

* First team: Alex Raines, Quincy Quattlebaum

* Second team: Asa Weimer, Alvin Gampson, Elisha Talla

* Honorable mention: Corbin Geer, Justin Love

Program officials said the title reflects buy-in from a roster that embraced "team-first" standards in training and in matches. With the league campaign complete, Calverton plans to shift to off-season work, emphasizing the defensive identity that carried the Cougars through October while sharpening chance creation in the final third.