Waldorf’s Middle School Boys Soccer Team played host to the Long Island Lutheran School on Tuesday, October 16th. This match turned out to be Waldorf’s toughest of the season, resulting in a 00-02 loss for Waldorf.

“The 00-02 score does not depict very well the game,” said Coach Flanagan. “Right from the start, Waldorf played tough and very organized, and repelled wave after wave of a strong L.I. Lutheran offense. 8th grader Peter LePorin stepped into the sweeper position and played the best game of his season. He read the game magnificently and covered for his teammates as all top sweepers do. 7th grader Issac Stumme was taken out of his usual position as a left defender and played as Waldorf’s defensive stopper. He too stepped up and his overall athletism and competitiveness really shone in the game.”

Offensively, Waldorf played strong. 7th grader Aidan Akaba-Koubel linked up well with 8th grader Jun Kil Seong but they could not penetrate the well organized LI Lutheran defense. As the game wore on, Waldorf created a number of opportunities for themselves however could not capitalize on them.

With the game tied at 00-00, Waldorf started the second half with some adjustments. Coach Flanagan moved 8th grader Max Pascucci over to the right midfield position where he attacked aggressively up the wing but just could not link up the Waldorf strike force. “Max really played his heart out and left nothing on the field,” said Coach Flanagan. “I feel he really changed the game for us playing on the right wing; he just could not score or at least get an assist.”

With an onslaught of offensive play by Waldorf, it would actually be LI Lutheran who would capitalize on a counter attack. LI Lutheran broke free from Waldorf’s attacks and took the two opportunities they were given. Even though 8th grader Jack Wozniak played an astounding game in goal, he could not stop the two well placed shots by the LI Lutheran strikers.

The game finished 00-02 and as a deflated Waldorf hung their heads in sadness, Coach Flanagan reminded them of how well they played on the day. “I believe the only thing that separated these two great teams today was that LI Lutheran took and scored the chances they were given. Our team simply did not capitalize on the opportunities we created for ourselves and that came back to haunt us at the end of the game. Stil, I am very proud of our team. They played the best game of soccer I have seen from a 7th and 8th grade team since I have been at Waldorf. They should all be very proud of themselves and know that they are not only getting better and better as individuals but also a united team.”

“Man-of-the-Match” award went to 8th grader Peter LePorin for his tireless hard work in defense.

Photos courtesy of Jeanenne La Bella.