Ali Da

Senior Spencer Wood on Lakes Community High School’s field on Sept. 14.

The Antioch Community High School boys soccer team faced off against cross-town rivals, the Lakes Community High School Eagles, in an intense and aggressive game on Thursday night. The Sequoits were hungry for redemption since their record against the Eagles last season was not in their favor, losing both times the two teams dueled. 

Starting off the game, the Sequoits brought tons of good energy. Their communication and connection of passes were some of the best so far this season. It was evident they were determined for a victory.   

As the first half went on, ACHS kept the ball on the Eagle’s side of the field, forcing countless shots and creating tremendous amounts of pressure on the Lake’s defense and goalie. 

With 15 minutes left in the first half, the Eagles knocked in the first goal of the game. The Sequoits did not lose hope; with the score standing at only 1-0, they continued to bring the heat. 

As the first half ended, the fans and players kept high hopes. Tensions rose as the second half started and the fight for the next goal began. Unfortunately, in a one-on-one attack against the Sequoits’ freshman goalie, Matthew Miller, the Eagles managed to score another goal. 

Exhaustion started to set in with 25 minutes left in the second half. Despite the frustration over the referee’s calls, the Sequoits continued to have excellent connection throughout the second half, trying to move the ball closer to the Eagle’s goal. 

As time dwindled, eyes turned to the Eagles, but Antioch hadn’t lost hope yet. The Sequoits continued to make attempt after attempt to score. 

With five minutes left, the Sequoits were doing all that they could to bring hope back into the game. Back-and-forth possessions lead to the Sequoits taking the ball up the middle of the field and scoring a stunning goal by freshman Julian Padilla with only two minutes to spare. 

The whole team made enormous efforts as they tried to scramble for their last goal to tie up the game; unfortunately, there was just not enough time and the game ended with a score of 2-1.