Bison soccer displays many successes despite end of playoff run

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The BG boys varsity soccer players stand for the nation anthem before their senior night game.

The boys soccer team ended their season on Oct. 23, 2021 when they fell to Stevenson in a final score of 2-1. Their overall record for the season was 7-11-2 and they ended fifth in the Mid-Suburban East League. One of the most exciting games of the season was against Barrington on Oct. 7, 2021. 

There was a very competitive and exciting competition in boys varsity soccer that took place that Thursday night. The Bison struck first, by taking a one-to-zero lead in the first half, after a score by senior Jacob Krajewski.

“Our goal was to play a consistent game. We knew one goal would be hard to hold on to so we were determined to play strong defense and counter attack when they pushed players forward.”

— Head Soccer Coach Darren Llewellyn

The Bison were looking for redemption against Barrington after BG lost to the Broncos last year during the MSL East championship in a penalty shootout. However, the team that was going to win this gruesome  competition was going to be the one that made fewer mistakes and were able to capitalize on the opponent’s errors.

 In the first half the Bison were struggling to move the ball efficiently down the field until Barrington gave BG a sliver of opportunity to  score their first goal after a crucial turnover was made. 

“We played a consistent game in both halves,” Llewellyn said. “The players gave it all they had. It was a great effort especially to come back after giving up a tying goal late in the game. Barrington just defeated the number one team in Missouri so we knew we had to play at our highest level to defeat them.”   

Barrington In the first half had a good amount of shots on goal, but they were not able to get good quality shots because BG applied strong defensive pressure. 

In the second half both teams were able to improve on their first half flaws. Barrington was able to move the ball more effectively, use the sideline to their advantage and maintain a stronger defensive shape. The Bison were able to communicate better and get better shot attempts on the goal. 

The Broncos were able to get a free kick late in the second half with two minutes to go since Jeremiah Gascho, a senior for the Broncos, was able to score. Then with under a minute to go, Sophomore Daniel Alfaro scores a clutch go ahead goal to make it 2-1 in favor of the Bison with 45 seconds remaining in the game.  

Ultimately, the Bison were able to edge over Barrington to win at home two goals to one in a high intensity battle. Although the Bison 2021 season ended in the first playoff game against Stevenson, games like this one against Barrington speak to their many successes this season. 

“It is always a good feeling to beat Barrington,“ Llewellyn said. “They are a strong program that has good players come through yearly.”