Varsity Boys comeback to draw vs SAS

The Varsity Boys came from 0-2 down to draw 2-2 with SAS on Friday March 22. It was an exhilarating game throughout. Both sides passed the ball smoothly, created multiple chances, scored, and showed general overall intensity. It was an anticipated game for the boys, since last year’s Varsity team lost to SAS, so they were determined to not repeat that.

Spectators didn’t have to wait long before the first goal was scored. SAS scored within the first few minutes of the game after a slight miscommunication between the defense. The boys were stunned by what they had witnessed, but they quickly rallied together, encouraging each other to not give up even though they were trailing behind their opponents. The rest of the first half was evenly matched. Neither side could take advantage of their opportunities and both teams walked to their respective sides with the score 0:1.

When the second half started, it seemed like it would be similar to the first half. The ball was on the right side of the field, with one of the Varsity Boys’ player behind it. However, under a huge amount of pressure from the opposition attacker, the defender kicked the ball back towards the keeper, who wasn’t expecting it, and the boys scored an own goal, bringing the score to 0:2.

Coach Spanos giving instructions Courtesy of Mavis Goh

However, this was when the game began to change. The boys were motivated more than ever to push for the win. Every time the central midfielders or defenders won the ball, they passed through-balls to the running forward line and attacking midfielders. After several chances, Elvin Kim (12C) escaped his marker and drove towards the left side of the goal, lobbed the keeper, and opened his and the boys’ account for the season. This seemed to give them an extra confidence boost for the rest of the match. The boys resumed with this tactic, continuously pushing for the equalizer, and they were successful. Chester Poon (10B) received the ball and dribbled slightly towards the left side of the field. He then cut in onto his right foot and took a shot outside of the box, which rose and went into the top-right hand corner of the goal.

For the remainder of the match, the boys kept attacking forward while remaining defensively resilient, looking to find the match winner. In the end, neither side scored and the match ended 2:2. However, the boys were satisfied with the result, given how they fought until the final whistle. Coach Steve Spanos commented saying, “We were a lot [calmer]. When we had the ball, we were making passes through the midfield. We played aggressively, we passed the ball around, and we were composed.” Inque Park (12B) praised the forwards in particular, stating, “We [finally scored and] had two goals today. I think it’s a huge improvement in terms of our offensive line.”

Featured Image – David Kim looks to dribble forward Courtesy of Mavis Goh

by Luke Chong