Boys soccer gains a hard fought victory against the Huntington Beach Oilers

 

Photo By Andy Kim
Barons celebrate their victory by going into a tunnel the students made
Photo By Andy Kim
Co-Captain Larry Turner (’15) scores a penalty
Photo By Andy Kim
Kyle McNeill (’15) kicks the ball into play
Photo By Andy Kim
Goalkeeper Slater Kucera (’17) blocks the penalty shot.

By Andy Kim, staff writer and photographer

On Friday, January 23rd, the boys soccer team faced off against the Huntington Beach Oilers on the home field. As both sides battled for the win with everything they had, and with both crowds supporting and cheering for their teams, the Barons prevailed and took the win with a final score of 2-1.

In the first half of the match, the Oilers scored an early goal against the Barons, with 31:30 left on the clock. The score remained 0-1 the entire first half. However, goalkeeper Slater Kucera (’17) saved an impressive six goals during the first half of the match.

The second half of the match seemed as if it would go to the Oilers, as they had the opportunity to score with a penalty kick against Kucera (’17). But a determined Kucera (’17) managed to save the penalty, keeping the Barons in the game.

“I thought the PK went in, so I was getting mad, but I found out that, I just got it! And I didn’t even know, that was awesome!” said Kucera (’17), “I suck at PKs usually, but I got this one!”

With 12:12 left in the game, a foul was called on the Oilers’ goalkeeper against  co-captain Larry Turner (’15), allowing the Barons to have a penalty kick. Turner (’15) took advantage of the opportunity, tying up the game 1-1.

During the final minute of the match, the Barons got the chance to score with a corner kick. As the ball was launched, the Oilers’ defense attempted to head the ball out the goal area. However, he headed the ball toward his own goal, surprising their goalkeeper and scoring on HB. With only a few moments left in the second half, the score became 2-1 and the Barons held for the last few seconds to take the win. This leaves the boys with a Sunset League record of 2-2-0.