After boys soccer had a dream 2023 season that culminated in their second state title in a row, the newly reconstructed team has much at stake in 2024. Saying farewell to a lineup of all-star seniors has brought a lot of uncertainty into the new season, but also the excitement of fresh faces. On Friday Aug. 23, at their season opener, the new team proved ready to make a name for themselves with a dominant 3-2 victory against the higher-classed AA Highland Scots.
Despite the long history between the two teams, with many players on both teams residing in the Highland Park neighborhood, the Spartans and Scots hadn’t played each other for three years, building high anticipation for their reunion.
Center-back Evan Morris said, “We were anticipating that this game would be not only crucial but challenging. That said, we went out with 100% and it payed off.”
Parents, students, the girls’ team and even recent alums filled the stands, eagerly waiting for the game to begin.
As the timer for the first half went off, the game escalated quickly, with the Scots taking control and forcing the Spartans to play heavy on defense. By the six-minute mark, the defensive wall couldn’t take anymore, and the Scots scored an early first goal.
Undeterred by the initial setback, the Spartans regained focus and swiftly turned the tables on the Scots. As they inched closer and closer to the goal, a new face, freshman Graham Waibel, spotted an opening and acted upon it immediately, passing the ball to fellow freshman Max George. In the span of a second, George scored the first goal of the season for the Spartans. The rest of the half proceeded in a stalemate. “It was super cool to see a freshman come out and contribute like mini Max did. He has been such a great addition to the team,” said Morris.
The second half saw Spartan domination, with veteran players such as seniors Liam Sullivan, Ezra Straub and Ethan Peltier working together effortlessly to make offensive advances. Though the Scot’s defense held up for a good chunk of the half, with 20 minutes left on the clock, Sullivan charged through their defensive line, scoring an impactful second point for the Spartans.
Just 5 minutes later, Peltier found himself on the far left of the goal. Though it was a sharp angle, he seized a crucial opening, sending the ball flying 10 meters straight into the goal’s right side. With a 3-1 lead, victory seemed guaranteed, and the Spartans celebrated wildly, surrounding Peltier in a group hug.
Nevertheless, with 15 minutes left on the clock, the Scots desperately attempted to claw their way back. Though Spartan defense remained strong, a Scot boldly charged through and made a clear shot past goalie Dylan Bump, scoring a second point for them. In the end, the Scots ran out of time to continue their late comeback, leaving the Spartans with a 3-2 victory.
The Spartans’ next home game is 4:30 p.m. on Thursday against Minnehaha Academy.
