FAIRHOPE, Ala.— On April 28, FHS Boys Varsity Soccer competed in the first round of playoffs against McGill High School. Fairhope won with a score of 1-0 in a close game despite defeating Mcgill earlier in the season with a score of 6-3.
“Advancing to the next round feels like another step at our true goal to win state. I think we succeeded most at working together and trusting in one another,” said Tyler Lucas, senior left wing.
In the first half of the game Fairhope continuously played their defensive line protecting their goal from McGill as they moved up the field. Junior Goalkeeper Jason Mcneil protected multiple shots and called out plays for Fairhope to move into position.
“It feels great advancing to the next round because it means there are only eight teams left and we are only one game away from going to Huntsville and competing in the final four,” said Jojo Joines, senior center back.
After a foul call by Joines, McGill earned a free kick on goal. Jenson saved the shot, punting to senior striker Darwin Hickey who rushed the ball toward their goal.
“Coach Stroud and our captains have made this team into something special, we have won nearly 10 games in a row and I think our momentum and belief in each other are what’s behind the victory,” Hickey said.
The score remained a tie at 0-0 to halftime, charging more competition and drive from both teams. This was the turning point for Fairhope as they mainly played their offense throughout the whole second half, straining McGill’s defense.
“We should have put the game away early but we couldn’t and I think as a team not a single person’s effort dropped which finally led to the winning goal in the last ten minutes,” Joines said.
Senior strikers Max Reger and Lucas applied pressure on goal, taking shots and moving through McGill’s defenders. Reger controlled the goalkeeper’s kick and scored the winning goal with just ten minutes left in the second half, advancing the team to the Elite Eight.
“It felt amazing to score the winning goal and this accomplishment as a team means a lot because we’ve all worked so hard to get here,” Reger said.
The team plays Montgomery Academy tonight at Volanta Stadium and play time is to be determined. This will be a tight game as they play against last year’s state champions predicting their advancement to the final four.
