After a very successful first month of the season, the boys soccer team has unfortunately had to endure some unsuccessful games. Although the beginning of the season had a great outlook for the boys, the recent series of losses has affected their standing. From sitting at first place in the section, they have yet to drop in ranking.
While the team endured a significant losing streak, they have shown they can still hold their competitiveness. Even though they are unfortunately no longer at the top of the section, they have still already won enough games to qualify to be in the playoffs. During the games they lost, they were able to use their mistakes as learning opportunities for themselves to get better as a team, as well as individual players. This is achieved by the numerous practices held after school each week throughout the season, and the team discussions after their losses and wins.
Toward the end of Sept., Freedom played against Neshannock High School. Even though the team beat Neshannock at the first home game with a score of 6-2 on 9/5, they unfortunately tied when facing them again on 9/26, ending the game with a score of 1-1.
Two days later, the team played against Winchester Thurston High School on 9/28. The boys traveled to Pittsburgh hoping for a win after their last two upsets, but despite the hope, they lost with a score of 2-0.
Three days later, the Bulldogs played against Sewickley Academy High School, who they also beat when playing earlier on in the season. This time around, they were not so fortunate, ending the game with a score of 1-0 on 10/1. No goals were scored during either half, forcing the game into overtime, where a penalty kick was the deciding factor in the end.
Later in the week, the boys played another home game, this time against Beaver County Christian High School. The Bulldogs also played them earlier on in the season on 9/12, winning with a score of 2-1. This time, the team lost with a score of 2-0.
After a long streak of losing games, the team finally came out with a win. On 10/8, they played South Side High School, who they played and won against earlier in the season with a score of 6-1, this time winning again with a score of 4-0. This game was important, as it secured the Bulldogs’ spot in the playoffs.
As the sectional games end, and the playoffs begin, the team stays hopeful throughout both wins and losses, making sure to not get overconfident after going on a winning streak, or too weak after a short losing streak. Practices and team bonding help keep the morale up, as well as the chances of ending off with a great season.