Bermudian Michael Madeiros vice captain of the St Andrews College (SAC) delivered at both ends of the pitch this weekend, scoring in back-to-back games while helping anchor the St. Andrew’s College (SAC) defence during an outstanding weekend that included a statement result against Northfield Mount Hermon (NMH), ranked #7 in the United States by Sports Illustrated’s High School On SI Prep Soccer rankings.
Madeiros was joined by fellow Bermudian Jah’Zion Taylor and Bermuda resident Heris Ziai, continuing a strong Bermuda presence within SAC 1st Soccer as the Saints begin another highly anticipated season.
For Madeiros, now in his senior year at SAC and holding a leadership role as Vice Captain, the weekend demonstrated just how much his game has developed. Primarily known for his composure, defensive awareness and commitment at the back, the Bermudian defender added another dimension to his performance by finding the net in both games over the weekend. His two goals highlight his increasing ability to contribute at both ends of the pitch. Madeiros has become a threat going forward, particularly in the air and from set pieces, while continuing to provide a calm and dependable presence in the SAC back line.
Heris Ziai also made his presence felt in the opening game, adding to a strong weekend for SAC’s Bermuda contingent. Alongside Madeiros and Jah’Zion Taylor, the three senior players continue to play important roles within a Saints squad that has significant ambitions for the 2026 season.
The result against Northfield Mount Hermon was particularly significant. NMH entered the weekend ranked among the leading prep soccer programmes in the United States, making SAC’s performance an early statement from a team hoping to continue an extraordinary run of success. The upset also attracted attention beyond the pitch, including on Q107 Toronto’s Rock Station, where the matchup was described in David-and-Goliath terms the Canadian Saints taking on one of the highest-ranked prep soccer programmes in the United States and coming away with a memorable result.
This season, the Saints have their sights set on something particularly special: a three-peat in both the CISAA regional championship and the CAIS national championship which has not happened in the schools football history. SAC has captured both titles in each of the past two seasons, an achievement the programme has referred to as its “Double Double.” The 2026 squad now has the opportunity to extend that run by winning both championships for a third consecutive year.
The Bermuda trio are positioned to play an important role in that pursuit. Madeiros provides experience and composure at the back while increasingly showing his ability to contribute offensively. Taylor brings pace, confident dribbling and an attacking threat on the wing, while Ziai adds versatility, experience and an ability to influence play in both attacking and defensive areas. All three are now seniors, giving the Bermuda players an opportunity to make their final season at SAC a memorable one. Their performances also continue to showcase Bermuda football on a wider North American stage. SAC regularly competes against leading Canadian and American prep-school and academy programmes as well as showcases attended by soccer coaches from Canadian and US Universities, providing the players with exposure to a high level of competition and opportunities.
With Madeiros scoring in both games, Ziai contributing to the attack and the Saints producing a major result against Sports Illustrated’s #7-ranked team, the weekend provided an impressive early indication of what this SAC team may be capable of accomplishing.
For the Bermuda boys, the objective now is clear: continue contributing to the Saints’ success and help SAC pursue an unprecedented third consecutive CISAA regional and CAIS national championship double.
About St. Andrew’s College Soccer
St. Andrew’s College in Aurora, Ontario, competes at the regional, national and international level, providing student-athletes with opportunities to combine high-level soccer with a rigorous academic programme. The Saints regularly compete against leading Canadian and U.S. prep-school and academy programmes.
