Illustration by Eugene Felix

story by Anthony Zaragoza

It has been a long few games for the boys varsity soccer team (5-4). Following their 2-1 loss to El Dorado, the team had to prepare itself for a clash with #3 ranked Coronado. For the first time ever, the tables were turned and the game would be played at Franklin in the Cougars’ first ever true home game against the T-Birds.

However, this did not faze the T-Birds at all, as they were on their game early and prepared for whatever the Cougars could throw at them. With the T-Birds scoring two early goals in the first half, the game was all but over before halftime. In the second half, the T-Birds netted two more goals, and the Cougars were only able to answer with a goal by junior forward Alfredo Zendejas. Despite a much stronger second half showing from the Cougars, the game ended 4-1.

Playing with a chip on their shoulder and a bit of momentum from the second half of the game against Coronado, the Cougars came out firing against the Americas Trailblazers. The game’s scoring began with a volleyed goal by senior striker Andres Garcia in the seventh minute of play after some beautiful team passing. The Cougars then doubled their lead when junior striker Sean Roth scored following a perfect through-pass from junior midfielder Tom Hetzel.

Americas got themselves on the board with about ten minutes left in the game when the team was able to slot a through ball up to their striker, who then finished to the back post, making the best of his one-on-one situation. This proved to be too little too late, however, as the final whistle blew to help the Cougars improve their district record to 5-4 and bring them up to fourth place, the final spot for playoff qualification.

Up next for the team is an away meeting with the Socorro Bulldogs in a revenge game. The Cougars lost to Socorro previously in their 2-1 home loss in the second game of the season. The game will be played at 5:30 PM at the SAC, immediately followed by the varsity girl’s game at 7:30.