On Saturday, October 14th, the Clemente Wildcats boys Varsity soccer team faced off against the Nazareth Academy Roadrunners in the IHSA Regional Quarterfinal playoff game. With heavy rainfall prior to the start of the game, both teams were aware of the possible game cancellation and waited in great anticipation as the start time drew near. Just before the scheduled kick-off, the rain slowed and the game began on time. Both teams took to the field drenched in rain, ready for the challenging match ahead of them.
Clemente began the game strong, playing defensively, and allowing Nazareth to keep possession for the first 20 minutes. The Roadrunners were able to attack and created many goal-scoring opportunities. The Wildcats knew they were playing a much stronger team, which meant they had to rely on their defensive tactics in order to keep the Roadrunners away from their goal. The Wildcats fought hard for the first half, but the Roadrunners were able to take a 3-0 lead by the end of the first half.
With the rain coming down hard again during the first 10 minutes of the second half, Clemente began the second half struggling on the field to keep the Roadrunners away from their half. The Roadrunners were able to score three quick goals. The Wildcats continued to fight and battle for the next eight minutes, but the game was called after lightning was seen nearby. The 2017 Fall Varsity boys’ soccer season came to an end with a 6-0 loss to the Nazareth Academy Roadrunners.
The Wildcats left the final game of the season drenched, but smiling and having had a great time as a team. The guys will continue to work to get better for the 2018 fall season. The boys had an up and down season, with many opportunities to learn and grow as a team. With four seniors leaving this year, the rest of the team hopes to continue playing soccer during the off-season to gain the team chemistry they all are hoping for. This fall soccer season was a success in ways that don’t reflect on their record. The team gained five new freshmen who demonstrated dedication and commitment to the team that will help in the coming year. The sophomore and junior players have proven to be leaders on and off the field, as the coaches look to them to lead the team into next season. The team will continue to recruit more players in hopes of creating a more competitive team that can battle with the best teams in the conference. Overall, this season was a success, and we can’t wait to get back to training for the next season.