Shortly following kick-off, midfielder Daniel Erazo scored the first out of four goals for the boys soccer team. Hagerty defeated Lake Howell 4-0 in the first game of the season. The match was held on Nov. 6 at Hagerty. 

“I had quite a good goal off a corner kick, and I feel like it cheered up the boys and it really got us going throughout the game, helping us push the pace because later throughout the game we were also able to score more goals,” Erazo said. 

Coming off a 2-1 loss to Timber Creek and a 4-0 loss to University during their preseason, Hagerty bounced back with a win, led by Erazo, center back Mohamad Mutawe, and striker Leo Garay who each scored a goal. 

After Erazo secured the lead with the initial goal, Garay was fouled by a player from Lake Howell, which led to Mutawe’s opportunity to take a penalty kick. 

“I came out with confidence knowing that I could score again, because last season during the district semifinals we went to a penalty shootout and I was the one who put the goal in,” Mutawe said.  

The fourth goal was scored when a Lake Howell player accidentally scored in his own net, causing confusion among both the spectators and players.  

“​​Toward the end of the game, we were all tired, so we weren’t pressing [the goal] as much. It came as a shock when the other team’s defender took a bad touch and scored on his own goal. We couldn’t help but laugh at the bizarre situation,” midfielder Sebastian Rubio said.

Senior Brendan Valentin recorded five saves in the goal, helping the team defensively. He ranks 11th in the 7A class ranking for goalkeeping, and he recently announced his commitment to further his soccer career at Daytona State College.

“I would like to thank all the people who have helped me to get to the point I am at right now, and all of my coaches throughout my developmental years. I would love to thank my mom especially as she was always there for me and recently beat breast cancer, which showed me that if you believe in a support system, you can do anything. I love her so much and am thankful for her always,” Valentin said.

With the successful shutout, the team’s focus will now shift to playing Edgewater on Nov. 8 at home. Edgewater recently lost to Tohopekaliga with a score of 2-4, so players are optimistic to continue their winning streak. Next week, Hagerty faces Lake Brantley on Nov. 13 and Lyman on Nov. 15, both in Sam Momary Stadium. Tickets are $5 for students and $10 for adults, sold on GoFan.co