A Tough Loss for the Rams

Written by Carlo Lutero

In the crisp, cold air of 3:30 on a Saturday afternoon, the Oratory Prep Rams Varsity soccer team marched onto foreign turf as they prepared to play in their County Quarter-final match against the notoriously feared Westfield Blue Devils. Oratory fought hard in the first half, giving Westfield a tough game, to their surprise. Both teams had a few chances on net, with Oratory’s goalie, Sebastian Ramirez, making a total of nine saves in just the first half. Many of which had the audience on the edge of the bleachers, fearful of the opposition gaining the lead. But instead, they were left with a tie at halftime, resulting in both anxiety and fear of an impending upset that has yet to come for the Rams.

The second half kicked off with Westfield bringing a bit more vigor than before. They maintained most of the possession and seemed to have the Rams won over, but Oratory surprised them once again as they found a spark within themselves to keep fighting. The defense tightened up and the Rams began regaining possession of the ball. Sal Mercurio and James Gagliano endeavored in formulating both plays and runs, and the Bizub brothers, from opposite ends of the field, put everything into giving their team an upper edge. However, their attempts were unfortunately fruitless with the only real close shot on goal – given by Arthur Kopacz – missing by a few inches. Then Westfield struck back with Sebastian Ramirez making another five saves. But all it took was one lucky goal. One goal to give Westfield a 1-0 lead with just 7 minutes left on the clock as the Oratorian crowd buried their faces in their hands as their hearts sank to their toes. Oratory still held their heads high to cover up their internal grief of expecting to lose. They fought on, like warriors, even though they felt hopeless. Then in a sudden instant the final whistle blew. That was the game.