The boys varsity soccer team faced their first loss of the season against Crystal Lake South, Wednesday afternoon. After 90 minutes of constant pressure and aggression, the Sequoits were defeated 7-0.

From the starting whistle, the Sequoits and Gators were neck and neck battling for the first goal of the game. After 18 minutes, the Gators caught the counter attack, sending a long ball over the top, dropping to the foot of their offensive player, and seconds later, finding the back of the net. Almost ten minutes later, the Gators found the flank, hooking it into the mixer for a volley past the Sequoits goalkeeper. The Gators lead by two which proved to be detrimental for the Sequoits down the stretch. Despite the Gator lead, the Sequoits weren’t satisfied and began to gain momentum. With less than 15 minutes left in the half, the Gators realized the Sequoits determination to stay in the game, yet caught them off guard once again, adding to their lead. The first half came to an end with a score of 3-0 in favor of the Gators.

“The first half didn’t go the way I thought it would,” said senior Captain Gabriel Tijerina. “We weren’t out of the game, our heads just weren’t in it.”

The Sequoits fought back in the second half, working to break the heavy lead that the Gators left them with. Late into the second half, senior center back Rolando Vazquez made a tackle that left him with a yellow card and a penalty kick for the opposing team, Gators – 4, Sequoits – 0.

“We were slow getting back on defense,” said Tijerina. “I think we are going to have to work on our defensive shape and recovery speed before our tournament this weekend.”

The Gators stayed ahead, meanwhile the Sequoits were having a hard time keeping up with the pace of the game. Crystal Lake South ended up finishing with three more goals, claiming the victory 7-0.