Because of the game going into overtime, stress grew on players. Injuries occurring across the board from Blake Sabol ‘25, Lucas Bower ’25, and Jonah Bukovec ’26 set the team back. Nonetheless, applying strategies learned in practice, utilizing effective ball play, and defensive contribution during overtime helped get the team back on track and score the final goal.
“Overtime was beautiful, we all played pretty well, but I witnessed probably the best goal I’ve ever seen in my career,” Bukovec said. “We played wonderfully until the end.”
Following Fraser’s first goal, the boys reassessed their assumptions about the opponents’ gameplay. After a rusty start with two tied halves, the game went into overtime, when center-back Blake Sabol ‘25 broke the tie and secured the win.
“I’m a center back, therefore I don’t ever shoot, so that goal was very surprising to me,” Sabol said. It’s the second time I’ve ever scored a free kick against this team”
Limited movement of the ball in the first half showed the team what they had to step up to Fraser. After multiple yellow cards were issued on both sides, South employed wall defense to keep the shots out. Seconds before halftime, Goalkeeper Emerson Adams ’25 changed the directory of the game by blocking an open shot from entering the net.
“In the first half, I feel like I shouldn’t have let that first goal in, but we have to move on,” Adams said. “I got my head up, my team up, and we won in the end.”
