Boys varsity soccer loses 2-1 in tough match against Crystal Lake Central on October 3.

The game started with the momentum in Huntley’s favor when senior Josh Guyer weaved his way through the defense to score the game’s first goal 8 minutes in. Unfortunately, seniors Hudak and Pfeifer scored two goals for Central to take the lead in the first half.

At halftime, varsity coach Matthew Lewandowski addressed his players as they huddled in the back corner of the field.

“You need to give everything you have for the person standing next to you,” coach Lewandowski said.

During the second half, senior Sam Bellantuono, midfielder, sprinted down the sideline to save the ball and cut into the middle when he was shouldered by freshman Hollander from Central. The foul was called 20 yards short of the goal line and, coming off that play, sophomore Austin Killen curved the ball but came up short as the ball hit the crossbar and sailed out of bounds. 

“We didn’t really play as a team tonight,” said Killen when asked about the tough game. Looking forward, the team needs to focus on “finding each other’s feet with the passes and not taking as many touches in the middle of the ball.”

Despite the cold temperatures outside, tempers were hot on and off the field. A called foul towards the end of the game resulted in multiple whistle blows, shouts of disagreement from the crowd, and frustrated expressions on the players’ faces.

“[Guyer and Bellantuono] play with pure energy. They’re emotional, they’re passionate, and it’s their best quality but sometimes their worst quality,” said Lewandowski after Guyer was yellow carded in the second half. 

According to coach Lewandowski, the main focus for the Raiders going into the game was quick combinations. 

“When we play with quick combinations we’re really hard to beat, and sometimes we lose sight of that because we are a very capable group. When you are capable you think you can do it by yourself.”

Overall it was a tough game that highlighted what the Raiders need to focus and work on in order to get back on top and play their best.