Last Friday, February 11, 2011, the Jesuit varsity soccer team improved their district record to 2-1 with a victory over Lake Highlands.
After a disappointing loss to W.T. White, the Rangers got back on track with a 1-0 victory against a quality district opponent. Reflecting on the importance of this victory, defenseman Ryan Dendinger ’12 told The Roundup: “It felt great to beat a talented team like Lake Highlands. It’s good to see our team come back strong after a few early season losses.” Jesuit came out with intensity in the first half, controlling the ball for the majority of the period. However, while they had many opportunities, the Rangers were unable to find the back of the net, and their first half energy went for naught. Perhaps discouraged by their inability to finish, Jesuit started the second half much slower, a pace that Lake Highlands took advantage of. Exploiting Jesuit’s back four defenders, Lake Highlands began to control the ball and create opportunities. Luckily for Jesuit, Sophomore Matt Tulli was back in goal, and his clutch saves kept the game scoreless until Ini Bryce ’11 found the back of the net off of a cross from Hansel Reyes ’11. Jesuit was able to capture the energy created by Bryce’s finish, and used the momentum to carry the team to victory. With Junior Owen Kalis coming off his academic suspension, Tulli was able to move back to his traditional position of keeper, a lineup change that helped facilitate a vital district victory. “Both sides played a hard fought match,” said Kalis. “It was pretty even, but in the end, we just wanted it more.” At 2-1 in the district and with an upcoming February 15 matchup vs. Samuell, the Rangers are poised to improve their mark to 3-1. With state aspirations in mind, the Jesuit soccer team is slowly taking the necessary steps to return to defend the title.
