AT boys’ soccer fell to the York Dukes by a score of 6-0 on Thursday after a frustrating defensive start and fruitless offense in the final game of their season. The loss solidified the Blazers’ final record of 6-5-1.
The team headed out to face the Dukes with high hopes for a sweet end to the season. However, after a quick goal from York forward Jose Herrera, the game quickly flew out of hand. The Dukes scored three goals over a period of only five minutes, causing the Blazers’ momentum to cease.
“We knew we had to come out and fight hard. It just wasn’t enough, and that cost us the game,” said senior goalie Jesus Bolivar Jr.
York’s dominance settled down during the latter parts of the first half as the Blazer defense was able to pick up. Several blocked shots by the defense and saves from goalies Bolivar and junior Mateo Gomez allowed AT to hang around. Several diving saves by Gomez kept the bench energized.
“I think it felt really good,” said Gomez after making some big saves in the net. “I always try to give my best no matter what team we play against.”
Unfortunately for AT, Gomez wasn’t the only one who played like a wall. The goalie for the Dukes, senior Mario Aguilar-Garcia, blocked every one of the Blazers’ shots on goal, ultimately leading York to the shutout.
“It felt great being the last game of the season and the last game for me and a couple other seniors,” said Aguilar-Garcia on his shutdown of the Blazers’ offense.
Aguilar-Garcia and the Duke defense kept the Blazer offense silent throughout the second half. After the entrance of junior goalie Joey Dionne, the Blazer defense held the deficit to three until York struck yet again on a rebound off the post with 20 minutes to play. Two more goals were scored in the last five minutes, one of which was off a penalty kick, leading the ruthless crowd of York fans to insult the vanquished AT team.
AT left the field with a final score of 6-0 Dukes.
“This loss was very hard for us to swallow for all of us because we did come into the game with a great mindset,” said defender David Peters. “This definitely showed everyone what we can work on for next year.”
Despite the tough night, the Blazers’ walked away from the season with a sense of pride and a vision of optimism.
“This season meant alot to me,” said Bolivar. “I’m very proud of the team. We went through very tough times but we always fought back.”
The team will look to regroup next season and come back stronger. With several returning players with a year of varsity experience under their belts, many of the team’s rising seniors have a vision for a bright future.
“Getting this experience for next year was really a great opportunity for all of us,” said Peters. “Next year we are definitely coming back bigger, stronger, with more vengeance, and without a doubt, some new trophies for the cabinet.”
The returning Blazers will look to start up again next Fall.
