On Oct. 14, Huntley’s boys varsity soccer team played against Rockford East High School on Huntley’s senior night. Seniors celebrated their hard work and dedication to this program with a 2-0 victory against Rockford East. Leading up to this game, Huntley had previously taken first place in the Fox Valley Conference on Tuesday, Oct. 12. 

The varsity team has made history by winning the FVC Championship with help from everyone and 16 players on the team being seniors. With the seniors leading the game off tonight, the win improved the team’s record to 16-2-2. 

This team has experienced multiple injuries including senior Austin Killen, who is recovering from an ACL tear. Senior night was his debut return. He scored his first goal of the season and helped put the Raiders on top against Rockford East. 

In the first half of the game, Austin Killen scored Huntley’s first goal with less than 10 minutes left in the half. 

“Honestly because I have been resting for 7 months it felt perfectly normal to be on the field,” Killen said. “I felt pretty excited, obviously I wanted to get involved quickly and I did. I am thankful for Hayes Porsche for letting me take the penalty kick.”

Sophomore Vinnie Aguirre also scored in the first half with an assist from sophomore Hudson Nielsen. 

“Everyone on the team builds each other up and they want to see the best out of everyone. They are always just trying to help each other out in any way that they can,” senior Tj Gerst said. 

Huntley’s varsity soccer team has officially finished first in the conference, giving the team a better seeding for regionals, they are now a 2 seed against the opposing teams. 

“Playing as a goalie feels great because it is up to you in a pressure moment to make a big play for the team,” senior Aidan Huber said. “I think tonight went well, we had a lot of nice combinations up top and we kept a clean sheet. I am very happy about it.”

“Tonight’s game was just amazing, they have got to keep this up. There were times where it was doubtful but mostly the team kept it together and they were consistent,” manager Josh Brighten said. 

After the game ended, the boys ran down the field to celebrate by cheering towards the crowd. Smiles splattered across all of their faces as senior night was just getting started. Senior Thomas Rodriguez walked the FVC trophy onto the field and loud cheers arose throughout the whole stadium.  

“Being a part of this team is way more than just playing the sport, it’s communicating and connecting with each and every one of our teammates,” senior Tj Gerst said. 

Because of Huntley’s season so far, the team will play Mchenry Tuesday, Oct. 19 at Dekalb. The team hopes to advance further into the playoffs and on the road to the state championships.