On Wednesday, September 28th, the Clemente Wildcats Boys Varsity soccer team travelled west to face conference rivals, the Marine Leadership Academy Bulldogs. This was the last conference game of the season for the Wildcats. With rain falling before kick-off, both teams were hoping the game would not get cancelled due to a thunderstorm. Even through two key starters were out for Clemente, the Wildcats relied on their captains to take charge and lead the team to victory.
The Wildcats began the game with a defensive approach, hoping to work together as a team and keep possession of the ball. The Bulldogs were quick to adjust to the Wildcats formation and began to slowly move the ball into the Wildcats half. Both teams created chances, but the Bulldogs were able to capitalize on set pieces and scored three goals in the first half.
Through the pouring rain the Wildcats struggled to keep possession of the ball. The Wildcats even turned to some of the younger players to lead in order to finish the game strong. It was then that Junior, Alejandro Mendoza, made his second appearance as goalkeeper when he came in during the 60th minute of the match.
With the rain coming down harder by the minute, the game was called off by the referees with 10 minutes left, due to lighting. The final score was 9-0 in favor of the Bulldogs. The game concluded conference play for the Wildcats. The Wildcats now wait to see who they will be matched up against for the IHSA playoffs.