The boys soccer team tied with the Mountain View High School (MVHS) Spartans today, February 1.
Although the MVHS soccer team had a serious size advantage, the Eagles weren’t intimidated and held their own throughout the game. Heavy student support from LSU also encouraged the team throughout the match, giving the Eagles motivation to fight through the size difference.
The teams were closely matched, and neither team was able to take command through the first half. Several clutch saves by senior Lucas Champenois helped the Eagles stay in the game, and although both sides had their chances, neither team could capitalize.
“It’s always a hard match when we play MVHS,” Lucas said. “It’s just an intense rivalry … it doesn’t matter how the teams have been doing throughout the season, whenever MVHS plays LAHS it’s a tough game.
It wasn’t until the final 10 minutes of the game that the Eagles broke the silence with a goal fired from the top of the box, which was the result of scramble for possession at the eighteen. With less than 10 minutes left in the game and a 1-0 lead, it seemed that LAHS would have the game wrapped up.
However, with less than a minute on the clock, the Spartans, determined to score the equalizer, drove down the field. After a quick through ball to what appeared to be an offsides player, they were able to put one in the back of the net to tie up the game 1-1.
“In the end they got a goal back, but they really … had to fight for the goal and we had to fight to not give it to them and I think … the work ethic was great,” Lucas said.
As a result of the size difference in the game, LAHS’s attacks through the air weren’t effective in the matchup, and the team was forced to play a more ground-based game. In addition, shaky calls from referees affected both teams, leading to a few questionable plays.
However, all in all, both teams were well-matched and the final result was a definite improvement over the Eagles’ 0-1 loss to Mountain View earlier in the season.
The Eagles will face off against Gunn this Friday, February 3.
