The boys soccer team fought injuries and an early deficit to come back against Oviedo, but in the end lost an intense 3-2 game on Nov. 5 in Sam Momary Stadium.
In the first half, Oviedo scored two goals, and although Hagerty was able to score two goals in the second half, Oviedo scored one final goal, sealing their win before time ran out.
“The first half, we really weren’t focused, and they were all over us, and got that 2-0 lead,” coach Michael McAvoy said. “But then in the second half, we were able to regroup, and cut it to 2-2. Unfortunately they got the game winner and we didn’t.”
Nearing the end of the first half, center back Mohamad Mutawe suffered an injury to the nose, and had to leave the game. Kayden De La Rosa, the forward player, had to cover for him.
“This season is a season different [from] most others,” McAvoy said. “We have a lot of players that actually aren’t soccer players, [but] are athletes. They’re coming and working hard and doing what we ask of them. Most games we go into, we may not be the most talented team, but we will work harder than the other team.”
In the soccer field, Junior Aidan Flores played left back. He played as defense to any attacks from the left flank. Just like McAvoy, he had an optimistic view on the results.
“I mean, obviously [the final scores are] not what we wanted, but I’m proud of our team,” Flores said. “This game definitely [had] a lot more communication. Everyone was aggressive and doing their part in getting the results we got.”
Despite the results, McAvoy is proud of the soccer team and their competitive attitude. He hopes the team will continue to foster their competitive spirit seen in the second half of the game.
“[In] the second half, the way the boys worked, they never quit,” McAvoy said. “They fought hard, and had the Hagerty fight. We don’t want to let anybody come in and just go to us. They’re going to know if they win, they at least have to earn it.”
The team will continue to practice for their upcoming game against Trinity Prep.
“Right now, we [have] to look forward to Trinity Prep coming, because if we overlook them, then we’re going to lose to them,” McAvoy said. “So we’ve got to just stay on our path, and then when it’s time to focus on Oviedo, then we will focus on Oviedo.”
