By RYAN SANDERS and BRANDT MORGAN
Jericho boys soccer experienced a hard fought season and clinched a playoff spot. Unfortunately, their postseason was cut short after a heartbreaking loss.
Jericho played Lynbrook in round one of the challenging playoffs. Both teams had multiple scoring opportunities, but despite an amazing effort, Jericho dropped the opening round of the playoffs by a score of 1-0.
The regular season was filled with grand victories and meaningful moments. From game-winning goals to offensive attacks, to tough defensive moves, incredible saves, and stunning shutouts, the boys played their best every game. Sophomore and striker Dylan Chalwas said, “My proudest moment was scoring the game-winning goal in a very important game.”
Last year when the Jericho varsity team lost in the playoffs there were a lot of seniors. This year’s team had fewer seniors and more sophomores and juniors. However this does not impact this team’s camaraderie. Leading goal scorer Dylan Chawla said, “The team bonding is better than the year before because more people are staying, and we know the team will be close to the same next year.”
The team took playoff preparation very seriously working hard on skills, plays, strategy, formations, and watching game film. The boys worked hard completing cone drills, shooting drills, and one-on-one attacks to goal. According to leading goal scorer sophomore Dylan Chawla it all came down to speed as the team focused on running to prepare for the playoff game against Lynbrook.
Captain and senior Peter Mandery looked forward to the playoffs. Their road to the playoffs was not easy. The off-season work that all of the under and upperclassmen put in was really incredible to hear about. The captains organizing team activities and training really paid off to get them a seed in the playoffs.
During the team’s final game against Lynbrook there were a lot of emotions. Coach Braga’s parting words summed it all up when he sat the team down before heading home and said, “Remember how this feels. We’ll be back next year.”