The soccer Patriots impressively defeated their rivals the Brethren Christian Warriors.

The Patriots started the game confidently against the warriors. The Patriots forced the ball to the opposition’s side of the field for most of the first half, likening their opportunities to score. The score remained 0-0 throughout most of the first half, as the defense and goalie never allowed BC to score, and the forwards and midfielders made some good efforts to score. Junior Jonathan Berry Smith played defense and assisted the midfielders in keeping the ball under Oxford’s possession. BC got a yellow card when one warrior purposely tripped Sophomore Ryan Ly, who suffered through brief injury, but fortunately recovered shortly after. Although the Patriots missed an indirect free kick, they still showed enthusiasm and determination to score. Oxford midfielders played very well keeping most of the action on BC’s side of the field, building a lot of tension. With good techniques such as head butts from the midfield and communication between the players; teamwork was apparent. When the Warriors threatened to score the defense successfully crossed the ball making it impossible for BC to score. A call from the referee gave BC a direct free kick, which Junior Steve Criss, the goalie, successfully blocked and then forcefully shot down the field with a punt. Then sophomore Tyler Hansen soon took control of the ball. The score remained 0-0, with the forwards very close to scoring. As more BC defenders crowded around the goal, the intensity heated up. Sophomore Shahid Tam took a corner kick which sophomore Chris Gray headed in, scoring the first goal,1-0. The first half ended shortly after, with the soccer team ready to keep the lead for the next half.

Although the Warriors came back for the second half momentarily reenergized, the Patriots kept their lasting momentum going. Jonathan Berry Smith and Ryan Ly demonstrated good teamwork in efforts to score. An intense head block by Sophomore Eric Skinkis sent the ball to the midfielders, Chris Dekmezian and Alberto Vasquez, and who did a good job at crossing the ball up the field. JB and junior Kasra Jafroodi magnificently worked together and crossed the ball over to forward, Ryan who triumphantly scored the second goal, making the score 2-0. BC came close to scoring when they got a direct free kick but Steve Criss successfully caught the ball midair and then struck the ball with a punt down the field. Freshman Tony Sanchez and Jafroodi made some good crosses and intents to score. Afterwards, Sophomore Shahid Tam scored a goal on a corner kick, making the score 3-0. The Warriors demonstrated their anger as they began playing more aggressively as the game progressed. A Warrior tackled Senior Alex Gonzalez who unfortunately had a nose bleed. Freshman Rodrigo Dimas crossed the ball to Tony Sanchez who scored the final goal, making the score 4-0. The game ended shortly after with the Patriots proudly smiling and declaring their victory.

The Patriots pulled it through an intense game. Although it took them a while to score, they were able to maintain the lead and defeat Brethren Christian. They came back the second half with new enthusiasm and new hopes of victory. The Patriots demonstrated good teamwork throughout and some good communication. Although there were some minor injuries, they held it together and prospered showing the true Oxford spirit.