Summit Boys Soccer Wins 11th Straight as Community Pauses to Remember

Summit boys soccer closed Hilltopper Week with another victory Saturday. At halftime,
the community paused to remember a young man who had once worn the Hilltoppers’ uniform.

Family and friends honored Dylan Faulkner, a 2024 Summit High School graduate who played soccer and lacrosse and died in 2025. His friends presented his family with his framed No. 27 soccer jersey.

“Today’s game is in memory of one of our great friends, Dylan, who was a wonderful person and meant a lot to us all,” said Sam Gouviea, a fellow 2024 graduate and close friend, who spoke alongside other Summit friends. “He was a beloved member of our community and the Summit soccer family.”

On the field, Summit defeated Ridge 2-0 to earn its 11th consecutive victory and improve to 12-1. The win completed a three-game sweep during Hilltopper Week, following a 6-0 victory over New Providence and a 3-1 win over Glen Ridge.

Teddy Mixon and Sam Thomas scored against Ridge. Jayden Torres and Jeronimo Benavides each contributed an assist, while goalkeeper Luca Gianni made three saves. Summit scored once in each half.

“Positive outcome after a long string of games,” coach Dan Jamnick said. “Happy to go 3-0 this week with a 12-1 overall record. We are coming into the most important stretch of our season.”

Saturday also brought the soccer community together around memories that extended beyond the result.

Gouviea recalled Dylan’s persistence in trying out for the team throughout high school and earning a place his senior year.

“He then scored a goal against Westfield, which was a great memory!” Gouviea said. “Today we wanted to come together to honor his memory and present his family with his retired jersey #27.”

Dylan’s mother, Kate Faulkner, thanked those who attended and asked them to carry his words with them.

“Please remember Dylan’s quote on the back of his T-shirt,” she said. “Enjoy what you have, don’t search for what you don’t.”

Sales of commemorative T-shirts and Dylan wristbands raised approximately $2,000, according to information supplied by the program. The money will be donated in Dylan’s name to the Jed Foundation, a nonprofit that supports the emotional health and well-being of teens and young adults.

“Proud of our whole Summit family and friends for showing up on Saturday in support of the game and in honor of Dylan’s memory,” Jamnick said.

The Hilltoppers next travel to Westfield on Tuesday, Oct. 13. Westfield enters the match-up at 6-6, while Summit looks to extend its winning streak to 12 games.

Photos: Fisk Foto; Emily Seamone