Varsity Soccer v. Amhert Hurricanes

On Friday, the Eagles flew into uncharted territory when they took on the freshman from Amherst-Pelham High School. This was always going to be difficult as the field was not the best and the Hurricanes were undefeated. However, this Eagles team is not deficient when it comes to grit, determination, and desire. Combine that with a good deal of skill and you have a dynamic concoction that can be lethal if let loose from the cage. This match was not for the faint hearted because nerves of steel were needed as both teams traded blows like heavyweight prizefighters of old. Bloodied and beat, both teams refused to go down to the canvas and this was destined to go the full distance of 15 rounds. The Eagles scored first, when Uno Wait capitalized on a defensive error after fantastic work by Gaby Montes De Oca.

The Hurricanes immediately went down the other end and scored with a low shot from Eaglebrook old boy Sage Bailin. The gloves were now off, the tone was set and seat belts were fastened. Manuel Gonzalez, on for the outstanding Eduardo Alvarez, passed a ball of sublime simplicity to the onrushing Juan-Carlos Sustaeta and even though both he and the defender could have been called for fouls, the referee played on and Juan Carlos was strong enough to punch the ball home and the Eagles had a fortunate 2-1 lead.

(Uno went on to score two on the day)

(Juan Carlos steers the ball home to make it 2-1.)

There were a slew of chances at both ends, but the Eagles senses some light at the end of the defensive tunnel when Uno scored his second of the game. However, this was not the end, as good work down the Hurricanes right saw a good cross-turned home with the Eagles defense static. This ensured that the remaining time in the half was destined to be frenetic. After good work from the industrious Shoyo Yanigahara, a cross was handled in the box and the Eagles had their seventh penalty of the season. Connor Edwards, with six successful penalties behind, him strode confidently up to the ball and stuck it bottom right to give the Eagles a 4-2 lead.

(Edwards scores after a Hurricanes handball in the penalty box.)

The second half saw no further goals thanks mainly to the sterling defense of Miccoli, Davis, Andry, and Fernandez. This was a worthy victory and Hunter Quigg, who was a second half substitute, put in a very solid effort and commanded his area very well. So as the Eagles take their 8-2-2 record into the week, they should be feeling confident, as three times reigning Champions of the Eaglebrook tournament is fast approaching at the end of the week.