The Waldorf boys soccer team played host to the Portledge School this afternoon in what was sure to be a very competitive game.

Both teams really needed a win in order to keep their playoff hopes alive. Waldorf and Portledge played a week earlier and tied 1-1 after a hard fought game that went end to end for all 80 minutes.

Today’s games started out as expected, both teams fighting to gain control of the midfield with the hope of creating something that would turn into a goal scoring chance. After 15 minutes of play junior Aidan Koubel found junior Erik Beauvais with a beautiful through ball that split the defensive and allowed Beauvais to finely slot the ball around the goalie. Waldorf were 1-0 up but Portldge never game up attacking and found success just 10 minutes later making the game 1-1.

Not deterred from this Waldorf kept pushing forward on the attack and it was freshman Luka Albano who found the back of the net next for Waldorf after a great corner cross came in from senior Max Pascucci. Waldorf’s celebrating were damped quickly as a determined Portledge came attacking quickly once more and tied the game again at 2-2.

As the second half began Waldorf seemed to be in control and knew keeping possession would be key to winning this battle. After about 15 minutes of play in the second half senior Max Pascucci made a great run with the ball along the right wing, he beat his man and got his cross into the box. Making a move and running to the perfect spot was freshman Luka Albano who keenly got in front of his defender and slotted the ball home putting Waldorf up 3-2. Waldorf help possession for next 5 or 10 minutes but as a result of poor communication between the midfield and defense Portledge were give a free shot on goal in which goalie junior Isaac Stumme was not able to contain. The game was then tied at 3-3.

With 15 minutes left to play in the game Waldorf knew they had to keep fighting if they wanted to come out victorious. As they pushed forward they created a chance or two but the Portledge defense was strong and stood their ground.

With 10 minutes left to play a cross came into the box but was cleared badly and popped up around the penalty spot. Under this was junior Erik Beauvais who fancied himself a shot on goal. Erik positioned himself directly under the ball but with his back to the net. Up he jumped swinging both legs in the air, one for height and the other to absolutely smash the ball into the back of the Portledge net off a bicycle kick. “A better goal has ever been scored on this field” cheered assistant coach Alex Sapuppo as both the Waldorf bench and side line of about 100 fans erupted.

What an amazing goal to put Waldorf up 4-3. Our boys stood strong on defense as Portledge came at them with attack after attack. The minutes counted down and as the final whistle rang Waldorf not only felt an incredible sense of excitement but also relief.