On Oct. 20, the boys’ soccer team cinched the IHSA Regional Championship with their victory against Addison Trail High School. The tournament was held at St. Charles North High School.
Play erupted with both teams scoring goals within the first five minutes of play. This came as no surprise, as the Wildcats had been bracing for the competition in the days preceding the match.
“We knew, as a team, that if we just played our game and not let them get in our head, there is no reason for us not to win. I don’t believe we had an advantage against the other teams. We knew they were going to be good teams because we just had to pull up to the game and do what we do best,” senior Aldo Alfaro said.
Senior Rafa Posada, who has a solid offensive game all season, took the first goal for West Chicago.
“What was going through my head during my goal is we have to get a goal fast they scored before us so it lit a fire in me to go and score quick and not letting them have the lead and momentum,” Posada said.
The Wildcats’ defense was strong throughout the game, and despite the Stars’ best efforts, they could not gain another point in the first half.
“Watching the game from the sidelines was honestly amazing. They all were focused from the minute they stepped on the field. You [could] see them all connecting on the field from one pass to another,” team manager and senior Jenny Espinal said.
With 7:55 remaining in the first half, junior Donovan Abila intercepted a pass, allowing the team to go on the counterattack. Sophomore Leo Posada took control of the ball and managed to move it to the 18-yard box, where Alfaro was able to get a touch on it.
“My first thought was to shoot, and I scored,” Alfaro said.
The second half of the game was even more intense: the Stars tried, repeatedly, to break down the Wildcats’ defensive blocks.
“I think was really working for us was just pressuring them and causing them to make mistakes or turn over the ball . Not only that caused the win I would say everyone was just having a good game but especially our defense and goalie they didn’t allow them to score 1 goal for more than 45 min so I think our defense and goalie really won the game for us,” Posada said.
In fact, West Chicago refused to let another point hit the scoreboard, and won the game, 2-1.
“All I was able to think about during the game was that I did not want my last high school soccer game to end like this,” Alfaro said.
Following their victory, the team brought their first-place plaque to the final football game of the regular season. There, they were celebrated by students and staff for their achievements, not only during the regional competition, but also throughout the season.
“When we got to the school and shared the plaque with the entire football [crowd], I felt very proud of the boys. You could see the joy and satisfaction, and I know they can go further,” Espinal said.