Leaving a Legacy

The boys hadn’t won a district game yet. However, at practice before the game, the team rallied together and decided they wouldn’t go out without a win. The boys worked extremely hard during their practices.  The team was hoping that their hard work would result in a victory over, who they now consider one of their biggest rivals, Beaumont Kelly.  Over the past two years the winner of the game between SJ23 and Beaumont Kelly has been decided by a single goal. Whether it was a two to one victory or a penalty shootout, the team knew it was going to be a game won by the team who worked the hardest on the field that night.

 

SJ23 got the ball first and Coach Kallus told his players to “get out there and score a goal… let’s win this!”  With that the team ran onto the field, the referee blew his whistle and the match began.  Both teams fought hard for the ball.  With every touch to the ball came an elbow, with every header a low blow, and with every run came someone pulling on your jersey.  Junior Austin Angelo, nicknamed “Triple A” for his initials, escaped the defenders pressure and buried a shot in the back of the net with only three minutes left in the first half.  The team was ecstatic, it was the first goal they had scored in over three games. Now with the lead, the boys pressed on playing defensively so that they wouldn’t sacrifice the goal Austin scored.  The first half came to an end, and the boys remained humble knowing far to well that a one to nothing lead could easily be taken away.  Coach Kallus reminded the team to “keep working hard so we can come out of here with the win.”  

 

The second half of the game would be the seniors final time to take the field as an SJ23 soccer player.  During the second half Beaumont Kelly tried to score but every attempt failed, and the referee blew his whistle for the last time. The game ended with a score of SJ23 – 1, Beaumont Kelly – 0.  The players were thrilled to end the season and their senior night with a win.  Senior Mark England summed it up best yelling “We did it guys...We did it.”

 

During halftime the senior soccer players were recognized for all their hard work and dedication to the team.  Parents joined their sons on the field as Coach Kallus announced each player.  Seniors Ian Craig, Mark England, Keegan O’Connor, William Perez and Michael Proano were recognized for helping the team this season, displaying leadership and working together.  Thank you, seniors, for believing in the team, your legacy with be remembered.